Dallas-based garb and accessories line GAIA has introduced it will shut its doorways this May. The brand’s giftable items, from purses and pillows to blouses and bows, were featured often in the pages of D Home and D Magazine over its almost decade-longer term. And the road’s aesthetic (vivid shades, punchy prints, and colorful leather) is as stunning as its effect—for nearly ten years, GAIA has empowered refugee ladies thru employment and sustainable incomes.
Just remaining 12 months, GAIA moved into a friendly Uptown carriage house. The first floor becomes devoted to retail, but upstairs, founder Paula Minnis created a haven for her artisans, who appeared to be friends as much as they had been coworkers. GAIA plans to help her employees during the transition, putting them up for future fulfillment with resume workshops, mock interviews, advice letters, and more significant. Minnis is also exploring the concept of creating a sewing co-op, where local interior designers or other manufacturers may want to rent the artisans to complete projects on a freelance foundation.
In keeping with the the emblem’s wonderful ethos, GAIA is dubbing it’s last few weeks “Project Farewell,” on the way to encompass gatherings and events in the birthday party of what Minnis and her proficient team have finished.
Understandably, the selection to close GAIA wasn’t a smooth one (Minnis, in the end, wants to focus her electricity on her own family). We’ve covered a pattern of her announcement underneath, but you can examine the full, heartfelt message right here.
GAIA has been a true hard work of affection and such a source of pleasure, that means, and achievement in such a lot of lives, mainly mine! However, after nearly ten years of going for walks and growing GAIA, I’ve determined that it is time for me to take a step back and redirect my electricity to my family.
Over the years we’ve grown organically and lightly, looking in awe as our Artisans have grown as nicely. And now, as I struggled with what my decision to take a step returned would mean for them, I’ve identified that the time has come where they may be honestly NOT refugees anymore. They are moms, better halves, artisans, homeowners… and Americans. These girls have converted their lives. The heat cocoon we created at GAIA has served its motive, and the butterflies are geared up to emerge.
Our awareness now could be to help release the Artisans into their next chapter as smoothly as feasible, to at ease jobs before our target final at the top of May. We’ll be operating on résumés, references, mock-interviews, and many others. To help equip them and set them up for fulfillment. I’m hopeful that there can be employment opportunities determined thru human beings within our community. The excellent thing is, we know each one in every one of our Artisans intimately, and may propose and vouch for them with complete self-assurance.
