Besides being the home of the NBA's Nets, the Urban Assembly School of Music, and the famous Prospect Park, Brooklyn has a diamond in the rough that is dying of some exposure; her name is Claudia Louis and MiyStanza Home is the name of her new designer, decorative, handmade pillow line.
Talk about chic! Louis has always loved designing and knew that her eclectic style would someday turn into her very own home decor line. However, pillows was one of her first creations. "... [pillows] creates a huge difference, but at the same time they're so simple," she said.
SHIBORI, "the Japanese word for a variety of ways of embellishing textiles by shaping cloth and securing it before dying. The word comes from the verb root shibori: to wring, squeeze, press, Dartmouth College describes. Hearing this description may be new to you, but Shibori has been making its way to fabrics since the 8th century. The versatility of the ancient technique is what drew Claudia in from the start. "It's normally done in indigo, but I wanted to experiment with the different colors. You can never really go wrong with it; you'll never know what it will look like until you unfold it."
Personally, I am head over heels for these dyed patterns! Because I'm such a tie dye freak, my new found love for shibori was inevitable. Although this pattern was the budding inspiration to her pillow line, shibori dying is not the only design that is in store.
"I love a dressed up bed and I've always dreamed of having my own linen line," she said. "[a well-dressed bed] may not be the coolest thing, but it's so enticing and inviting."
Besides these cute cushions, sheets and baby bedding is also on her plate. She feels that there is a dying need for afro-centric style to be incorporated into baby linen and I am totally on board. "We always see the giraffes; people are ready to see afro-centric style," she explains. Curtain designs are also expected in the future if not soon.
Now, I know you're probably thinking how the hell you can get your hands on a set of pillows; they're amazing, I know. But promoting her amazing work has been a tad bit difficult. After all, she is a full-time working mother who lives in one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It would be hard for me too! Claudia Louis has store on Etsy, the famous worldwide marketplace for many other crafty designers, but she wishes to keep that current too.
"I should post more on Instagram, but I do have a Paypal account to receive money via the web” she said.
Aside from her social networks, you can always shoot me an email for serious inquiries for an order.
"Don't expect anyone to understand your passion” Louis said with motivation. ‘Still go for it! Align yourself with other creative people to uplift yourself. Your limit is only what you set on yourself. Trust your instincts and don't listen to anyone's noise."
Discussing her design ideas and inspiration was great. Hearing such supportive words from such a talented and kind spirit instilled even more motivation and drive in myself; I hope you are taking notes. You can follow Claudia Louis at @miystanza on Instagram; don't hesitate to speak! Please don't sleep on her; she's on the come up.
Text: Sade' Louis
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