The people, businesses and places we love.
Sojourns: A Fair-Trade Store
Melissa Kendrick, Owner
Birmingham, Alabama
Walking through the door at Sojourns is like walking into an international bazaar where you can almost feel the presence of the hundreds of artisans who handcrafted every single item in the store. "Fair trade" means no child labor, no slave labor, no exploitative practices. The artisans are paid a wage that enables them to provide food, shelter and care for themselves and their families.
Melissa Kendrick is always ready with stories of her journeys and the real, measurable difference she's seen in the lives of the artisans whose goods stock the shelves. She has a little bit of everything from dozens of countries around the globe: food items, jewelry, clothing, shoes, pet accessories, musical instruments, dinnerware, sculptures, paintings, tapestries, incense, greeting cards, toys ... the list goes on and on!
You just have to see it for yourself. Blue Lotus Mehndi has been so fortunate to partner with Sojourns for the past several years. Check them out!
Melissa Kendrick, Owner
Birmingham, Alabama
Walking through the door at Sojourns is like walking into an international bazaar where you can almost feel the presence of the hundreds of artisans who handcrafted every single item in the store. "Fair trade" means no child labor, no slave labor, no exploitative practices. The artisans are paid a wage that enables them to provide food, shelter and care for themselves and their families.
Melissa Kendrick is always ready with stories of her journeys and the real, measurable difference she's seen in the lives of the artisans whose goods stock the shelves. She has a little bit of everything from dozens of countries around the globe: food items, jewelry, clothing, shoes, pet accessories, musical instruments, dinnerware, sculptures, paintings, tapestries, incense, greeting cards, toys ... the list goes on and on!
You just have to see it for yourself. Blue Lotus Mehndi has been so fortunate to partner with Sojourns for the past several years. Check them out!
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Taj India Restaurant
Birmingham, Alabama My very first introduction to Indian food happened at Taj India in ... oh ... 2005? And I've been hooked ever since. Owned by some of the finest people you will ever meet, this Birmingham institution has been a wonderful friend to Blue Lotus Mehndi over the years. I've been honored to provide henna services at their Diwali and Holi feasts several times. If you want a delicious taste of India, don't hesitate to visit Taj. 
Firefly Chocolate
Ceremonial Grade Cacao Products If you're curious about the recent trend in ceremonial-grade cacao (raw chocolate), I would recommend Firefly Chocolate as a great place to start. Delicious single-origin chocolates as well as chocolate blended with medicinal herbals. (Note: Link to this site includes a referral code so that I can receive points from any items you might purchase. Thank you!) 
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
NBC Yes. I'm a Falpal. He keeps me laughing and entertained when the world gets too grim. Click here to read my story about attending a live taping in New York City. |
Mad Hatter Dance Company
Sibylle Kristensen, Director Birmingham, Alabama My girls! I've known (and danced with!) many of these ladies for more than a decade. A fusion bellydance company, they are fierce, they are beautiful and they are talented. And take a careful look around this website – you'll see them modeling my body art. Photo courtesy Mad Hatter Dance Company. Books, Beans and Candles Metaphysical Shoppe
Birmingham, Alabama Located inside a charming Victorian-style house that is cozied up to the north face of Red Mountain, "BBC" as I like to call it is one part homey gathering place, one part supermarket for all your metaphysical needs, and one part healing retreat. I highly recommend sessions by Necole with Magic City Reiki, which is housed there. |