My Story
My story began many moons ago growing up in the natural beauty of St Ives, Cornwall. Free spirited, with a talent for drawing and my head buried in travel books.
I was soon backpacking across Morocco, and it was in the small town of Tafraoute that I came across a Berber - a nomadic mountain man - selling his wares on a blanket at the side of a dusty road. Neatly laid out piles of colourful Saharan beads. I bought them all for a pocketful of dirham and traded in the coat I was wearing.
That Summer I threw down my own blanket in front of the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, neatly laying out my own colourful display of Saharan beads, all of which had been threaded into gorgeous, chunky necklaces and bracelets. Every piece sold!
My passion for travelling grew and in 1991 I travelled to India. It was here that I learnt more about jewellery making, crafting and textiles. A year later I returned home with old Indian army trunks tightly packed with beautiful artisan handmade goods. I was soon pitched up at a local festival selling everything I had.
I have spent my life travelling and exploring the world, always working, learning new skills and living life with all it's ups and downs.
In 2014 I welcomed my daughter into the world and immediately sent off for her passport. Aged just 7 months, Rosie had her first taste of travelling. Strapped to my front, we trekked across North India and Rajasthan, eventually settling in Pushkar, a place I had fallen in love with while backpacking in 1991. Walking around Pushkar lake I knew it was here that I wanted to set up my business. After a month of designing and working together with local artisans, I returned home and pitched up at a local Christmas market.
OMishka was founded!
Fast forward 10 years and through hard work, determination, and dedication I am proud to say that I am now firmly established online, at nationwide events and on the festival circuit - including Glastonbury Festival, where my trading began those many moons ago.
Our travels have now taken us all over India such as the deserts of Rajasthan, up into the Himalayan mountains and as far South as the beaches of Goa and Kerala. All the while designing, making, creating and ethically sourcing high quality textiles, jewellery and handicrafts. It has been quite an adventure and my daughter Rosie has been with me on this journey every step of the way.
With each trip from home, we take bags of clothing, shoes and toys to the Mother Theresa Orphanage for Children with Physical and Mental Disabilities in New Delhi. The Nuns here also work with the street kids and distribute clothing and food on a daily basis. It is a small gesture of goodwill on my part but it is a way of giving something back. I want to give more support by donating a percentage from each of my sales to this orphanage. There will be pictures and more information on this coming soon.
A beautiful quote - 'Do Small Things with Great Love' - Mother Theresa
I strive to work ethically and fair trade, supporting the same local artisans and small family businesses that have equally supported me since the start of OMishka. Each one of my products is lovingly designed and consciously created by hand, using a high skill of expertise. You can read all about this on my 'Meet the Makers' page which is coming soon and will feature lots of great pictures taken throughout the years.
This is an amazing journey I am on with my daughter and for this I feel incredibly thankful.
Dawn x