Tuesday, 31 July 2012

Designers Of The Week!!

This week we couldn't decide on which designer to have for our designer of the week so....we have chosen 2! yes 2 designers of the weeks! Aspiga and Babyface are our lucky designers..Enjoy the read.





I set up aspiga seven years ago after visiting Kenya on holiday, and falling in love, not only with the country itself, but with their stunning sandals and so many of their other wonderful hand made products. Luckily, many of you also seem to love their products, so the company has expanded rapidly over the last few years.
I now have 6 suppliers in Kenya (where the majority of our products are made), who are individuals, with small work forces (not large factories) giving much needed jobs to local men and women in their community. The work they receive from aspiga, they often tell us, ensures their livelihoods and that of their families. Please take a look at our Producers link to find out more.
I am especially proud that aspiga, is not only selling some fabulous accessories, but is also helping to fight poverty in Africa, through trade.
We are also proud that we donate a percentage of our profits to The Brydges centre, a children's orphanage just outside Nairobi, who struggle financially on a daily basis, to carry out their hugely valuable and necessary work.
I feel very fortunate that I now have a reason to visit such a beautiful country, with some of the friendliest and happiest people I have ever met.
In 2012 we have expanded our range quite extensively realising that people visiting our website are normally shopping for their holidays, so we now sell some fantastic swim wear and beach wear brands, along with great jewellery and accessories – hopefully making us your “one stop holiday shop”




Babyface Designs Ltd was founded in 2003 when designer Grainne Roche and business director Aileen Mitchell had a vision to produce high quality, stylish children’ s bedding. The two sisters went in pursuit of a suitable factory to develop Grainne’s designs in India. The positive feedback they got from friends and family (all mums!), prompted them to develop this idea further. They began by selling Babyface products at trade fairs, set up the Babyface website and the brand Babyface was launched.
Grainne and Aileen have continued to develop and expand the Babyface brand over the past five years. The successful worldwide mail order and wholesale divisions continue to grow at an aggressive rate, with the aim that Babyface will soon be one of the most influential design companies in the Children’s Interiors market.
Taking inspiration from the adventures in children’s literature, Grainne’s designs follow the latest trends in children’s themes and textiles. Her signature bold colours and attention grabbing style brings a refreshing look to this market. Grainne is always looking for new opportunities to introduce the most stylish products into the Babyface brand. Her objective being, to meet the needs of busy parents, who want a designer look in their child’s room, without the hassle!
The Babyface collection of classically designed children’s bedding is not only affordable to the average parent but also practical, making it more and more popular. We only use high quality natural fibres in our products, allowing our bedding to be skin friendly and machine washable.
Designing and developing products is a time consuming business but the rewards have been significant to both our customers and businesses alike, with some of our suppliers now commissioning their own exclusive ranges.
2012 is an exciting year for us, we now hold a solid position in the marketplace and continue to grow and expand the Babyface brand.
Im sure you will agree that these 2 designers are great! Please take a look at Babyface in our Baby &Child section and Aspiga in our Beachwear section at www.itsmygeneration.co.uk














Monday, 23 July 2012

Something Chocolatey?

Blaze On was our 'Designer of the Week' last week so this week we are happy to announce that.... Chocolate Creative is our wonderful 'Designer of the Week' this week. Read their story and keep an eye out for their products in our lifestyle section, which are beautifully made Cushions.....Enjoy the read.


Chocolate Creative



Chocolate Creative is a boutique brand that offers unique handmade homewares and accessories focused on sustainable products made in the UK and Spain.

Margarita Lorenzo is the designer behind chocolate creative. Her passion for good design and interiors led her to launch the brand in 2009. There are 5 distinct collections namely Decayed Glamour, Cameos, Vintage, Messages and Children. Products include Cushions, Prints, Hooks/Knobs, Tealight holder, Bone china mugs, Tea towels and more. Inspired by traditional crafts, antiques, vintage textiles and images chocolate creative’s is to produce handmade quality products that combine traditional skills such as embroidery and woodworking with screen printing and heat transferring techniques. 

All products are designed and made with sustainable materials by Margarita Lorenzo with the occasional help from her mother and partner resulting in an exclusive handmade range.   


We absolutely love Chocolate Creative's collection and we know they will look fab in any home adding a touch of traditional and modern design.

Find their products in our Lifestyle section under cushions.





Wednesday, 4 July 2012

Light Up Your Home With...Blaze On!


Fernando Viana was our 'Designer of the Week' last week so this week we are happy to announce that.... Blaze On is our wonderful 'Designer of the Week' this week. Read their story and keep an eye out for their products in our lighting section, which are beautifully made Fairy Lights.....Enjoy the read.

Blaze On


Blaze-On is committed to the development and growth of small communities in Thailand, through ethical trading.

Blaze-On is a family owned business, we responsibly source our products and our story starts here..... when I left Vancouver, Canada and the corporate world over 10 years ago, for a short soul-seeking holiday, I could never have imagined all the excitement and changes life had in store for me....

My two month holiday progressed to a year and the need to support myself arose, the entrepreneur within blossomed enabling me to travel for the next five years whilst finding imaginative and fun ways to earn an income.

During my travels on a white sandy beach in Thailand, I met and fell in love with my husband, and together we visited some absolutely, wonderful and amazing places. As time passed and we began to dream of having a family, but just couldn't imagine giving up the freedom of traveling and working for ourselves.

We settled in London in 2002 and immediately set up a stall at Portobello Market to sell a select range of Blaze On candles, the reception fantastic!

What makes Blaze On candles special is that they are completely made by hand and like snowflakes, no two are exactly the same; they are scented with natural perfume. It wasn't long before we expanded our range with new designs, colors and scents.

Enjoy

Lisa, Blaise and our little ones, Honey and Sapphire

So why not make your house a home and full of the warm glow of Blaze On Fairy lights. Take a look in our lighting section at www.itsmygeneration.co.uk