Say hello to another online buddy, Rikkianne of Chakra Pennywhistle for today’s Green Motive. Her home-ware line in both organic and up-cycled materials is simply lovely.
Welcome. Tell us about yourself and your business
My name is Rikkianne. I’ve created Chakra Pennywhistle as a way to express the pleasure of making something new out of something old. Through my design, I strive to reflect the joy of using natural materials. I offer handmade, organic, and recycled products for you and your home.
What makes your business green?
First and foremost, I choose eco-friendly materials. I offer organic products along with upcycled items. I find pleasure in researching where my materials come from and everything it takes to make them. On a daily basis I strive to learn and promote everything I can in regards to the eco-friendly, handmade world.
Chakra P. items are made with sustainable materials and are packed using eco-friendly resources. My business is constantly evolving and I am more than happy to learn and grow as new “green” resources and ideas present themselves.
Why is it important for you to offer products that are eco-friendly?
I think that it all comes down to considering the source. I believe the handmade community we participate in has sprouted from this idea. Whether you produce eco goods or make an effort to buy them, you are playing a part in a type of appreciation for how things are made, where they came from, and promoting their use as opposed to a “quick fix.” We live in a fast-paced, throw-away world. The creative process for our indie community and eco handmade world, however, causes us to slow down a little bit and forces us to ask ourselves questions about the materials we use, their past life, and their future possible uses. A maker’s process is focused and deliberate. I find that as I make my goods at this reduced speed, I unconsciously provide myself with the time necessary to really research my materials… And when you research green materials, a whole new world is introduced. It is exciting to be a part of the eco/handmade community. I learn something new every single day. Of course, there is always the thought of the future and my little one’s life in it. As I learn each day, I feel that I am lucky to be able to pass on these tips to her.
Have you found it easy to run an eco-friendly business? What difficulties (if any) have your encountered?
The easy part is the wealth of information available. There are so many wonderful green websites that promote eco-friendly business practices. There are online and local communities that are always happy to share advice and experience. Fortunately, it seems that the preachier folks that can intimidate a beginning business owner are becoming less and less common as each day goes by. The eco-friendly choice is not only becoming a way of life, but a way of making as well.
Technically, the hard part is the day-to-day operation. I think organizing a simple way to run the office is in need for my business in particular. This can come down to something as simple as separate recycling bins. My studio is a room in my home. It is small, and the simple task of saving and recycling can easily dominate such a small area. I somehow manage to do it, but all the while dreaming of a way to organize things more efficiently.
What plans do you have to further your green initiatives?
I would love to be able to give part of my proceeds to a charity. I have not been able to do that quite yet, but hope to do so in the future. Basically, I just really enjoy finding new/old materials to make useful again. That’s where my passion is and I hope to be able to get a kick out of it forever.
Lastly, anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for this feature, Adele. I love your work! I truly appreciate it and look forward to reading the next interview. I wish you the most happiness and success in 2010!
CHAKRA PENNYWHISTLE ELSEWHERE
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Thank you Alex and Jan :)
Jan, this quote in your interview is stunning! Thank you for sharing it :)
“We did not inherit the Earth from our ancestors. We are borrowing it from our grandchildren.”
Beautiful feature, loved reading it from start to finish. Her designs are lovely and fresh and totally eco-friendly too. Seriously!
This is a lovely interview, and Rikkianne’s products are wonderful. I feel fortunate to be on the EcoEtsy team with so many great artisans who are promoting eco-friendly living.
I am so fortunate to be in the company of great ecoists like Rikkianne.
I love her artistic style but also her subtle ways of staying true to the eco-movement by reusing such eclectic material (I don’t where she finds the stuff!) as money bags from banks. I especially agree with her statement, “The creative process for our indie community and eco handmade world, however, causes us to slow down a little bit and forces us to ask ourselves questions about the materials we use, their past life, and their future possible uses.” I know I am always thinking about where my eco-goodies are going and how they are affecting the environment.
Great interview! Eco Etsy Team is soooo lucky to have her as part the team.
Thank you Alex and Jan :)
Jan, this quote in your interview is stunning! Thank you for sharing it :)
“We did not inherit the Earth from our ancestors. We are borrowing it from our grandchildren.”
Wonderful interview! Rikkianne’s designs and ideas are so first-rate – I love everything she offers! My fave point in the interview is the process of making is focused & deliberate – YES!! Hope the stress of your move is not too overwhelming, Rikkianne!!
RIkkianne is one of my fav people – so glad to have met her and her family! She’s an inspiration to me everyday :)