Ian Radnor – The Aartisian https://theaartisian.online Shop Handmade. Heart-Led. Human-First. Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:13:16 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 https://i0.wp.com/theaartisian.online/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cropped-Faviocon-192x192-2-1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Ian Radnor – The Aartisian https://theaartisian.online 32 32 249342988 MOKSA RITUALS https://theaartisian.online/moksa-rituals/ https://theaartisian.online/moksa-rituals/#respond Thu, 28 Aug 2025 02:08:52 +0000 https://theaartisian.online/?p=21354 MOKSA RITUALS: The Calm Revolution in a Bottle

Creative Founder: CHLOE OSBORN

Unlocking Serenity One Botanical Drop at a Time…

In the tranquil folds of Devon’s green hills, Moksa operates almost like a well-kept secret—an understated sanctuary in a world that speaks in notifications and rush. The brand is the brainchild of Chloe Osborn, whose journey away from London’s relentless pace led her into the serene rhythms of Ayurveda, yoga, and aromatic ritual. Armed with that wisdom—and perhaps a pinch of wanderlust—she returned to Devon and quietly began blending elixirs on the kitchen table. She named her venture Mokṣa, a resonant Sanskrit word meaning “liberation, inner peace, and bliss,” and launched in 2018 with a homemade Wild Rose Facial Elixir, gifted at her own wedding. That singular gesture blossomed fast, earning awards and founding a brand that glows in its own right.

At its essence, Moksa is about presence. Chloe handcrafts each batch—from rosehips to baobab, jojoba to frankincense—with a deliberate slowness that’s rare in modern skincare. Packaged minimally yet thoughtfully, each product invites users into a forest-dawn moment: intoxicatingly fragrant, deeply grounded, and—yes—capable of drawing compliments when one least expects them.

Now, after eight years of nurturing Moksa solo—from formulation to label design, order packing to personally brewing the tea—Chloe has stepped into a bold new chapter: she’s launched the Grow to Glow Crowdfunder campaign, seeking £18,333 to bring Moksa from bottle to bricks. In the heart of Exeter, she dreams of a space that isn’t just a shop, but a sensory sanctuary: rooms scented with herbal steam, a formulation studio where patrons can witness alchemy in motion, treatment spaces, and creative workshops—all under one calming, incense-laced roof.

The campaign, which still has only three days to run, has already secured 25% of the goal, rallied 107 backers, and infused a sense of community energy into what might otherwise be just another fundraising pitch. More than that, each pledge isn’t just support—it’s a stand for slow, soulful business.

Yet Chloe isn’t merely leaning on nostalgia or sentiment. She’s adding a dash of theatrical flair with four brand-new products, slated to debut through the crowdfunding campaign itself. While she remains coy about revealing what they are, she promises each product will echo Moksa’s sensory storytelling—beautiful, intentional, and deserving of pre-launch fanfare. Weekly “drops” every Monday during the campaign are planned, offering early access, exclusive bundles, and thoughtful surprises to those who back early.

Chloe’s tone throughout is candid and warm. On Instagram, she declares, “It’s time for Moksa to have the full sensory experience it deserves,” inviting followers to comment “GROW” to spread the campaign’s reach. Such affectionately stated inklings—“Passion + community = magic”—illustrate how the campaign transforms supporters into collaborators. The whimsical early-bird perk—£5 off for the first 50 backers—is a wink to the savvy shopper who loves a thoughtful gift.

Chloe encapsulates Moksa as “more than a shop”—a place for natural beauty, mindful rituals, teaching, and togetherness. Her intention is clear: she turned down offers for national TV exposure to preserve Moksa’s independence. Now, supporters have the chance to help her root in a physical presence, a symbolic step toward long-term community and calm.

When Products Become Little Acts of Calm

While Moksa’s products carry serene floral textures and scents, they’re built with substance—vegan, cruelty-free, eco-aware, and tied to environmental giving, like donations to Surfers Against Sewage and Treesisters. It’s skincare that cares twice: for your skin, and for the wider world.

As for the four new products, Chloe’s current strategy allows for playful discovery. With each passing Monday, her backers receive hints or previews—enough to hold attention and stoke curiosity, without overwhelming. It’s less about pressure and more about enchantment—whispering instead of shouting—and more about rituals than push notifications.

In a fashionably sweaty world of endless launches, Moksa offers a gentle rebellion: it asks users to pause, breathe, and buy something that doesn’t shout. Instead, it murmurs. If you’ve ever wondered how ten minutes with your skin could feel like a retreat, Moksa already offers that through its Wild Rose Elixir or soothing mists. Now, Chloe invites us to become part of something beyond the product—a tangible sanctuary.

If you’re feeling curious, you can explore Moksa’s existing rituals or back the Crowdfunder to help build her Exeter sanctuary and enjoy first peek at those new product offerings. Moksa says, “Let calm inhabit your senses,” and perhaps in doing so, you rediscover a bit of inner peace you hadn’t noticed slipping away.

Our Summary…

As Moksa’s story unfolds, it becomes clear that this is more than a skincare brand—it’s a quiet revolution in ritual, intention, and community. From the gentle alchemy brewing in Devon to the hopeful vision of an incense-scented sanctuary in Exeter, Moksa invites each of us to slow down and lean into moments of calm.

Supporting the Grow to Glow Crowdfunder isn’t just about pledging funds—it’s about co-creating a future of softness, scent, and care. It’s standing with Chloe as she opens her doors and invites ritual into everyday life. Every product, every pledge, every Monday reveal of the four new botanical treasures, draws us deeper into a shared dream of beauty with depth.

Here’s to mindful mornings, the soft glow of purpose, and supporting a brand that plants roots in both soil and soul. From all of us at The Aartisian, thank you for following Moksa’s story—and for being part of the gentle resistance against rush culture. When we nurture craft, community, and calm, we all benefit.

Spotlight curated with love by The Aartisian — celebrating the handmade, the heartfelt, and the moments that make us pause.

Curated by:

The Aartisan’s Business Spotlight Team

]]>
https://theaartisian.online/moksa-rituals/feed/ 0 21354
KITENGELA GLASS https://theaartisian.online/kitengela-glass/ https://theaartisian.online/kitengela-glass/#respond Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:03:58 +0000 https://theaartisian.online/?p=21358

KITENGELA GLASS: A legacy forged in Fire and Passion.

 

Creative Founder: ANSELM CROZE

 

 

On the sun-drenched outskirts of Nairobi, past a winding dusty track and just beside a game reserve, you’ll find a place unlike anywhere else – Kitengela Glass is more than a studio, it’s a vibrant testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and community. Founded by German muralist Nani Croze and her Kenyan son Anselm… this award-winning hot glass studio has grown from humble beginnings into one of East Africa’s most innovative artisan hubs.

 

Kitengela Glass.

It doesn’t look like a factory or a shop, or even a studio in the traditional sense. Instead, it feels like a dream village — a mosaic of light, colour, and creativity built entirely from broken glass, boundless imagination, and fearless purpose.

Here, windows from demolished buildings are reborn as chandeliers. Old wine bottles become sculptural tumblers. And walking through the grounds is like stepping inside a kaleidoscope — if that kaleidoscope also had goats, swinging bridges, and local artisans smiling as they shape molten glass into magic.

But none of this came easily. Behind the whimsy lies a story of grit: a family’s refusal to accept limits and their extraordinary success in turning waste into beauty, and struggle into opportunity.

⚒ Humble Beginnings of a Creative Founder: Transforming Waste into Wonder

 

Nani Croze arrived in Kenya in 1970, initially working as an illustrator and muralist and facing the exciting yet daunting challenges of her new environment. The urgency for a sustained livelihood became a paramount need, eventually transitioning into an opportunity in waiting. Opting for stained glass craft proved expensive, especially with the cost of imported glass at the time; however, where others saw obstacles, she saw an opportunity.💡

 

In a show of determination and a disposition for continuous learning, her son Anselm mastered craft techniques, learned from mentors, eventually building his very own furnace—with the help of a Finnish glassmaker. His vision refocused on sustainable sources, such as recycled bottles and window panes, resulting in the first locally-made stained glass in East Africa.🤩

 

From jewel-toned tumblers to towering stained-glass panels, the final creations from Kitengela Glass are nothing short of spellbinding. Each piece tells a story — not only of colour and craftsmanship, but of rebirth. Blown glass goblets shimmer with subtle ripples and air bubbles, proud reminders that they were once discarded bottles. Mosaic tabletops dance with wild patterns and recycled charm, while dalle de verre panels glow with thick slabs of coloured glass, offering sacred light to churches, homes, and public spaces. Whether it’s a delicate wind-chime catching sunlight in a quiet garden, or a chandelier illuminating a grand hotel lobby, every object carries the unmistakable warmth of something handmade — something loved.
Kitengela’s product range is as diverse as it is imaginative. You’ll find drinking glasses with bold rims and organic curves, perfect for everyday joy. There are sculptural lanterns made for starlit evenings, jewellery crafted from glass beads and recycled brass, and mirrors framed with mosaic bursts that seem to sing. For outdoor spaces, there are garden totems, animal sculptures, and sun-catchers that sway gently in the breeze — playful yet poetic. No two items are the same, and that’s the beauty of it: each one is a small, luminous triumph of creativity over waste.

 

 

🎉 From Survival to Success: A Rising Beacon

 

Over the decades, Kitengela Glass has grown steadily into a renowned studio, socio-economic hub and regional beacon employing a cohort of artisans each mastering glassblowing, bead-making, mosaic, dalle de verre, wrought iron, their own discipline – funky fencing (a kind of afro-tiffany) and more.

Their prominent products can be found playing key roles in the aesthetic furnishings of a variety of both private and publicly commissioned civic spaces, including hotels, churches, homes, and public installations across Kenya and the rest of the world. Beyond product success, Kitengela Glass has become a valued tourist destination hosting scheduled studio tours, in-person glass-making experiences, and even crossing the iconic glass bridge over the riverine gorge. The brand shines as both a business and an unforgettable cultural experience.

 

 

🌟 Passion at the Core: Celebrating the Craft

 

Anselm Croze remains the beating heart of Kitengela Glass. Now in her late 60s, she still drives innovation while mentoring the next generation—including her son, Anselm—who carries forward the legacy. Her unyielding philosophy shines through studio manager Kym, who reflects:

Today, Anselm Croze stands as the living pulse of Kitengela Glass. In early 2023, his mother Nani—now in her early eighties—entrusted him with the reins of her cherished ‘wonderland’ when she could no longer manage it herself. Anselm now carries forward the Kitengela Glass legacy, supported by a team of 100 employees. Anselm has made it his mission to grow the impact of their entrepreneurial creativity, as well as preserve his mother’s legacy, through the Kitengallery, which has recently been renovated.

Anselm’s unyielding philosophy has also been adopted by his studio manager, Kym, who reflects:

“Follow your dreams. Do what you love — that’s true success. Just go for it. Don’t fear mistakes”.
It is this commitment—building a craft from scrap, training artisans, and uplifting the local creative ecosystem—that makes Kitengela Glass a beacon of social impact and creative excellence.

✨ Final Thoughts

 

Kitengela Glass proves that passion, resilience, and eco-conscious innovation can carve out real success and transform lives. In celebrating founder Nani Croze’s vision, we recognise the extraordinary impact one family can have in revitalising craft, nurturing community, and creating beauty from brokenness.

Visit, support, and be part of a creative legacy that glimmers with hope—and glass.

 

🔔 Join the Story

 

Kitengela Glass is more than a studio. It’s a movement. A place where sustainability meets spirit, where heritage meets innovation, and where every flame carries forward a legacy.

Become more than just an audience… become part of the movement 🚀

]]>
https://theaartisian.online/kitengela-glass/feed/ 0 21358
ANKER SNIDER ART https://theaartisian.online/anker-snider-art/ https://theaartisian.online/anker-snider-art/#respond Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:32:57 +0000 https://theaartisian.online/?p=21380
Introduction

Discover the vibrant world of Anka Snider, an artist and maker who marries bold color with creative play. Based in Illinois and working toward a Chicago presence, Anka’s studio is a playground for imaginative jewelry, ceramics, and art installations that delight and inspire. In this feature, we dive into her background, spotlight her crafting process, and highlight what makes her work uniquely delightful. Stick around to learn how you can support her vibrant venture—whether you’re shopping, collaborating, or simply admiring.

Who is Anka Snider? 🌿

Anka is a professionally trained designer, holding an MFA in Graphic Design and a BFA in Interior Design from Iowa State University canvasrebel.com+4m.youtube.com+4instagram.com+4. She wears many hats: graphic designer, set and exhibition designer, fine artist, and jewelry maker. Her current focus? Building a jewelry and crafts business that reflects her love for color and play.

Origins & Location🚀

Currently based in Illinois, Anka is gradually establishing a presence in the Chicago art and design scene tiktok.com+15ankasnider.com+15instagram.com+15. She emphasizes infusing daily life with artistry—whether through earrings, installations, or murals—encouraging everyone around her to live more colorfully.

Anka’s Creative Journey

Anka’s dedication to design excellence has been recognized through honors like “Best of Category” awards from the Art Directors Association of Iowa and notable recognition for her “Zero Waste Jacket” project instagram.com+3instagram.com+3instagram.com+3. Her training spans multiple disciplines and mediums, giving her the versatility to craft compelling visual narratives.

Portfolio Diversity 💼

In her online portfolio, Anka showcases everything from graphic and interior design to set design, art installations, and of course, her jewelry line ankasnider.com. Whether she’s designing show-ready sets or playful earrings, her process remains rooted in empowerment, storytelling, and joy.

Browsing her online shop, pieces like the Blue Flowers gold huggie hoops ($22), Fire Orange Beaded Hoops ($20), and Beaded Plant necklaces ($225) catch the eye ankasnider.com. All pieces are hypoallergenic and crafted to last, blending aesthetics with everyday durability.

Materials & Crafting

Anka works primarily with quality metals and beads. She thoughtfully selects materials that resist tarnish and stay safe for sensitive skin—perfect for customers seeking both form and function.

A Peek Behind the Scenes

Anka frequently documents her process via Instagram and TikTok. One Reel—showing “a behind‑the‑scenes look at what goes into a jewelry restock”—highlights inventory updates and necklace construction instagram.com. On TikTok, her “Day 9 of crafting bead embroidery techniques!” reveals her hands-on skill instagram.com+14tiktok.com+14tiktok.com+14. These clips invite us into her studio, where color and craft collide in playful harmony.

Play & Color as Brand DNA

Everything Anka creates bursts with energy—bold earrings, colorful beadwork, or vibrant installations. She earned the moniker “Color enthusiast™” and frequently reminds her audience that art should be playful and engaging instagram.com. Whether vibrant murals or tiny charm necklaces, her voice is consistent: joy is non-negotiable.

Sustainability & Innovation

Anka’s “Zero Waste Jacket” underscores her commitment to sustainability ankasnider.com. Reusing materials and minimizing waste isn’t just a trend—it’s part of her ethos. She merges design thinking with eco-consciousness, weaving innovation into every stitch.

Versatility & Custom Work

Beyond jewelry, Anka offers freelance graphic design at $75/hour, aesthetic commissions at $50/hour, and small creative jobs starting at $25/hour—be it custom jewelry, digital collages, or even translating a Pinterest mood board into art ankasnider.com. This flexibility ensures clients of all sizes can work with her voice.

Visual Storytelling

  • Jewelry pieces: Think bright beaded hoops, playful charms, and polished finishes—perfect for colorful outfits.

  • Behind-the-scenes shots: Her Reel on restocks and TikTok’s bead embroidery indicate methodical creativity and honest craftsmanship .

  • Interactive Installations: A gallery exhibit she designed invites touch and play—proof that art can be immersive, not just observed instagram.com

 

Community Engagement & Reach

With 18K followers on Instagram, Anka’s posts average high interaction—like a May 20th Reel (“Day 13…making one of each style”) that got 6,236 likes and 56 comments instagram.com. TikTok videos gather hundreds of likes each, such as the tear-jerking “she may not be perfect but she’s perfect to me” video that went viral months ago tiktok.com.

Testimonials & Praise

Her fans often celebrate her joyful aesthetic in comments like “lots of orders & lots of love” and “Art is more fun when you can touch it”—testaments to how her creative spirit connects people instagram.com.

Local Events & Installations

Anka’s work has featured in interactive exhibits where visitors are encouraged to touch and engage—a refreshing antidote to hands-off gallery norms anka.org.au+6instagram.com+6ankasnider.com+6.

]]>
https://theaartisian.online/anker-snider-art/feed/ 0 21380
Look who just joined our community! https://theaartisian.online/look-who-just-joined-our-community/ https://theaartisian.online/look-who-just-joined-our-community/#respond Sat, 11 Jan 2025 19:07:04 +0000 https://theaartisian.online/?p=21383 We love celebrating our newest creative businesses when they join our community, so how best than a summary brief about them and what they do.

]]>
https://theaartisian.online/look-who-just-joined-our-community/feed/ 0 21383