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, especially at the annual Birmingham International Street Festival, which Sojourns helped launch. 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, especially at the annual Birmingham International Street Festival, which Sojourns helped launch. Check them out!
Henna Lounge / Henna Guru
Darcy Vasudev, Mehndi Artist Oakland, California Darcy is the supreme goddess of henna in North America, in my humble opinion. From her inspiring travels to her breathtaking henna work to her superior quality henna powder and other goods, Henna Lounge is one of the first places I point people who are interested in the art of mehndi. Don't miss her Instagram feed. 
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 become 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!) 
Brennan's Irish Pub
Birmingham, Alabama A gem in the heart of Five Points South! A tasty pub menu, great selection of beers and some of the best entertainment in town, including regular appearances by the legendary Jasper Coal and one of my local faves, Margeaux and the Cats Meow. THE place to be on St. Patrick's Day! |
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 with sister studios in Tampa and Auburn, Ala., 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. 
Sage Goddess
Online Metaphysical Store and Virtual Academy Athena Perrakis Torrance, California If there were an Amazon for the spiritual seeker, it would be Sage Goddess. I first found her as a humble Etsy store several years ago, and I loved her style and approach to products. Now, she offers an unbelievable range of metaphysical supplies as well as free and paid classes and online gatherings. Still has that Etsy presence, too! (Note: Link to this site includes a referral code so that I can receive a small commission from any items or services you might purchase. Thank you!) 
Julie Ann Fae
Healing, Clearing & Astrology One of my personal advisors – a delightful human being! Offers astrological services, oracle card readings and personal coaching. Intuitive, perceptive and big-hearted. Love her! 
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. |