A little-known gem on the luscious island of Barbados is Hunte’s Garden. Embedded in the hills of Saint-Joseph parish on the rugged east coast, the 3-acre oasis is home to hundreds of tropical plants and flowers, a colorful spectacle packed to the brim designed to delight the wondrous mind. As the saying goes, a creation is a reflection of its master, and Mr. Anthony Hunte and his fabulous garden are no exception. Now in his eighties, Hunte has been a devout horticulturist since the age of 27. Born on this land, he admired the beauty of the countryside and dreamt of building a public garden. Unlike most Caribbean islands formed by volcanic eruptions, Barbados consists of limestone built up by coral debris that occasionally erodes into giant sinkholes. Hunte was fascinated by this geological wonder and, with a team of four, laid out his garden in a crater about 150 feet deep and 500 feet across. At first sight, that's what made this place stand out. Vegetation clings to the slopes and creates a cascade of color tumbling out along the flagstone paths. Given the singular terrace-like structure, visitors can linger on different rest areas located on each level. Many seats are hidden behind hedges—beyond which lies a shy Greek muse, a ceramic fountain or perhaps a highly stylized old iron-cast patio set, like those found in Victorian courts.   Since its grand opening in 2007, this playground welcomes guests "every day, even on Sundays", as proudly advertised on the front sign. Most specimens are native to Barbados such as impatiens and golden shrimp plants, in addition to a rare collection of international provenance handpicked by Hunte over the decades. His most prized blooms are his orchids. He believes they are the soul of this earth. Unlike conventional botanical gardens, the plants are not named, but a simple identification panel and an explanatory brochure list them.     A visit to this wonderland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the legend himself. Nestled among the towering royal palms, Hunte lives in a wooden veranda where he hosts parties of visitors and regales them with cakes, secret rum punch and local tales. This is when we discover the garden was a former sugar plantation called Castle Grant where Hunte grew up. In the image of its surroundings, his residence is nothing short of sublime chaos, from the furniture to the wallpapers, all in tropical fashion. The organic randomness of this place came about deliberately—after all, Hunte’s mission was to introduce people to the magic of nature. For most of us, thinking, looking and reflecting deeply about gardens, or even the activity of gardening, is a new experience stemming from the pandemic. We forget that entire worlds exist outside of our cities. Worlds in which lifeforms are free—free from judgements, norms and social boundaries. Simply put, free to be. Perhaps there is much to be learned from the way a gardener tends his garden to the way we should tend our bodies and minds. Not everything has to make sense, but as long as we allow ourselves to grow, growth will follow.

When Martin Olinger visits the Bergs Potter workshops in Italy, he always stays at the same hotel, five minutes away. He says it’s like something out of a painting, with expansive views of rolling Tuscan fields and towering cypress trees. The hotel was opened by a Danish woman who married an Italian – a pairing Olinger and his business partner, Frits Kattrup, know well. Bergs Potter was formed in 1942, when accountant Victor Berg inherited a small ceramics shop in Copenhagen and decided to also sell fresh flowers to lift the spirits of locals during WWII. The enterprise expanded, along with his family, and his children Steffen and Christine (Sysser) eventually took over, selling pots inspired by Danish royalty and their European travels, and importing select Italian pieces. In 2012, the company passed to a third generation, Victor Berg Jr., and two family friends: Olinger and Kattrup. With backgrounds in business, the duo’s ceramics training was hands-on, packing orders in a converted greenhouse and bartering at the flower market. They also toured Tuscany in search of their dream supplier: a workshop that could wed Danish design and Italian pottery. The family-run workshop in Tuscany. Photography courtesy of Bergs Potter The results can be spied on the Bergs Potter site, where delightfully tactile videos show a family of Tuscan artisans at work against shots of wet clay, dirty aprons and dusty roads. It’s an unpretentious ode to Italian terracotta, mastered and handcrafted for generations (and, as the well-traveled pair points out, visible in the ruins of Pompeii). “In Italy, if you turn over a pot you’ll find the year of production, the artisan’s name,” notes Olinger. With Berg Potter’s support, the family-run workshop has expanded into a second facility next door, where a new generation, plus cousins and family friends, are hard at work capturing the Tuscan sun in handcrafted terracotta pots made of dense, mineral-rich Galestro clay.   “The type of Galestro we use is, to my knowledge, the only certified clay that is frost-strong without being treated with chemicals,” says Olinger. “At the same time the terracotta itself has the ability to breathe, so the water and air can pass through, supporting healthy plants.” Once the pots are finished, dried and fired, the pieces get packed and moved by train to Denmark, to a strawberry farm turned warehouse just north of Copenhagen (with head offices in the city proper, inside a converted pub). “At the same time the terracotta itself has the ability to breathe, so the water and air can pass through, supporting healthy plants.” Photography courtesy of Bergs Potter Though the Italians and Danes have a shared appreciation for pottery’s beauty and strength, some cultural expectations are occasionally, briefly, lost in translation. For example, when Bergs Potter asked about water-resistant saucers for raw earthenware pots, the Tuscans took a while to understand — to them, terracotta is an outdoor material, so water leakage is hardly an issue. Perhaps understandable when a Tuscan valley is your backyard. But things are a little different further North. “When it gets dark at 3 p.m. you really want to bring the outside in,” says Olinger. In terms of aesthetics, the pots definitely err on the side of Scandi chic, rather than ornate Italian details, yet there are playful shapes and quietly luxurious touches in different models. The Copenhagen Pot was modeled after pieces at the Royal Danish Palace; the Simona was inspired by Montmartre flea markets. Plus several models have bright, glossy glaze options, emerald greens, bright yellows, pale roses. Royal Danish Castle Fredensborg, 1880. By Theodor Siersted, source_ Forlagsbureauet i Kjøbenhavn 1895, via Bergs Potter   But perhaps the most covetable aesthetic is one that can’t be perfectly replicated – the patina raw terracotta gets over time. A piece someone can then pass on as an heirloom, hence the team’s nickname for them: “Generation Pots.”   While the Bergs Potter team has added accessories like candlesticks and Portuguese tableware to their collection, the pair says they mostly stay close to their roots. Not just creating durable, beautiful objects, but providing a small piece of two important global movements: The push back against throwaway culture and environmental preservation. “From our perspective, everyone in the world should have a plant,” says Kattrup. “If everyone brought nature around where they live, it would be better for humans and for the planet.” “It doesn’t matter if you have a traditional garden,” adds Olinger. “You can have it on your windowsill, your balcony, just make your own green living space.” They’ve both echoed a sentiment found on the Bergs Potter website, a quote from Danish author Hans Christian Andersen: “Just living is not enough – one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” A simple sentiment that translates across cultures.

This summer, we continue to witness the horrific effects of global warming and experienced scorching temps—but with the end of summer on the horizon, it is time to prepare for chillier days ahead and hunkering down at home. As we begin to settle into our autumn routines, it’s important to take inventory of our surroundings, too, and prepare our spaces to be as warm and comforting as they can be, as cozy season sets in. One key component of this process? Finding ways to be both eco-conscious and design-conscious as we improve our homes. We’ve outlined some simple tips below to help you get started. Featuring The Hydra Throw by TeixidorsPhotography courtesy of The Room Studio   Keep Things Cozy When thinking ahead to brisk days on the horizon, you’ll want to consider the items that you’ll need on hand so as to stay warm and cozy inside your home. Many people use different bedding sets for summer and winter; if your cold weather bedding could use a boost, consider purchasing a throw blanket, too. Throws are both functional and aesthetically pleasing—select a pattern that complements your space; whether you opt for something striped or neutral is up to you. Featuring the rPET Jacquard Pillow - Javan Leopard - Amber and Viso Tapestry BlanketPhotography Samuel Pasquier   Because most of us spend an increased amount of time indoors as soon as the temperatures dip, it’s important to think about ways to maximize your quality of life while inside. Those who enjoy reading or watching movies in bed or on the sofa will want to ensure they have plenty of pillows in order to keep nice and comfy while lounging. Truly, the more pillows, the merrier—pillows are an excellent way to experiment with new colors and patterns without making a major commitment. Featuring Frama FragrancesPhotography courtesy of FRAMA   After you tackle these basics, it’s time to look into lighting. Everyone’s space could use some extra light in the colder months, and candles bring that luxe, hotel-like experience we all crave to life. Plus, you can give your lamps a bit of a break and recreate a cozy cabin experience in the comfort of your own apartment. Bonus points if the candles you choose smell amazing—we particularly like more woodsy scents for chillier months, but you can’t go wrong with any fragrance. Featuring Nanimarquina RugPhotography courtesy of Nanimarquina   Stay Nice and Warm Ensuring that your space is well-insulated will ultimately allow you to save money and cut back on energy usage. Rugs help provide insulation in a room (and many apartment buildings require that the bulk of one’s floors are covered anyway). We love layering rugs in order to create a lived-in look, but they shine on their own, too. Curtains play a similar role and also help make a space appear more complete. When it comes to all things warm, let’s not forget about warmer tones. Studies on the psychological effects of color have shown that warmer hues do make us feel more warm and fuzzy inside, which is particularly key when it’s gloomy and gray out. Earth tones also fall within this category and can be incorporated into any room of the home; no need to solely think about your main living areas. Featuring Goodee PillowsPhotography Celia Spenard-Ko     Stick With the Classics When investing in home pieces for fall, keep in mind that trends come and go—you’ll want to opt for finds that will make you happy year after year. You’ll ultimately be creating less waste if you buy only what you love. But that’s not all—To promote sustainable practices, consider purchasing pieces made from recycled materials or those that give back to marginalized communities. There’s a whole lot of good you can be doing while prepping for the season ahead and making your pad look pretty darn amazing.

Setting a beautiful table for your holiday gathering might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. It just requires a little planning and forethought. Setting an inviting table is worth the effort, though. It creates an inviting ambiance and serves as a visual treat for you and your guests. Your holiday tablescape also allows you to show off some of your favorite decor accents — bonus points if those products are made by brands that support causes like gender equality and community engagement. To help you get started, we’ve shared some tips on what you need to know for creating an inviting tablescape this holiday season. Small Fritz Hansen. Ikebana Vase - photography courtesy of Fritz Hansen   Start with your table size and shape: Do you have a round or rectangular table? You can create a tablescape for whatever size or shape (including an intimate two-seat bistro table), but, it’s important to keep these details in mind as you source items. Low centerpieces like this Ikebana vase by Fritz Hansen lend themselves nicely to round tables, while linear decor is great for rectangular tables. It’s also good to keep in mind what sort of occasion you’re hosting and what you want your overall aesthetic to be. If you’re going for a formal look, you’ll want to set the tone with a nice tablecloth and glass accents. If your meal is alfresco or held during the day, casual textiles and vibrant palettes work great. But, of course, this is your creation and there are no hard and fast rules — create a look that best represents you. Siafu Home Napkin Rings, Set Of 6 in Ebony and Congolese Napkin, set of 6 in Day   Add layers and texture: Layers and textures create a more interesting tablescape. One way to do this is with placemats for each setting. This Orchard pattern by Malaika on top of a contrasting tablecloth is bright and cheery and adds a pop of color as well as some dimension to the tablescape. Plates, silverware, and napkins set an elegant tone (even if your occasion isn’t “fancy,” a little elegance is okay to let people know this is a special event). You could just fold your napkins and place them next to the charger (a decorative plate on the place setting), but show stopping napkins like these deserve to be put front and center by draping on the charger or accenting them with napkin rings. Using napkins with a bold pattern is another way to add a fun textural element. Gunia Project ceramics   Don’t forget flowers and greenery: Flowers are a must when it comes to the holiday table because they add life, color, and beauty. You don’t have to run out and buy an expensive bouquet at the florist, though. In fact, scouting your yard or public spaces for local blooms, greenery, and branches is a sustainable way to create a sense of place. Herbs that you might have on hand also make nice additions to little bouquets or tucked into napkin rings. Creative centerpieces The flowers that you foraged (or purchased) can be arranged into a bouquet that stars as your table’s centerpiece. A singular vase is great, especially if you want height, but small bouquets in mini vases that can be spread around the table are lovely, too. Another centerpiece idea that’s simple to execute, is a shallow, clear bowl with seasonal filler. In the winter, oranges add warmth (and you can eat them later), but also consider what’s available near you such as seashells or pinecones (treat them first). Malaika Pomegranate Candle Holder in Red - photography courtesy of Malaika   Be intentional about your items: When you host people during the holidays, your tablescape is a chance for you to thoughtfully source items. Instead of mass-produced decor, intentionally shopping for items that are made with natural materials and help people in marginalized communities makes the holiday cheer go a little further. Doing this also lets you share your point of view with your guests. So when they ask you where you bought your pomegranate candle holder, for example, you can tell them it’s from Goodee and that it empowers women in Egypt.

A little-known gem on the luscious island of Barbados is Hunte’s Garden. Embedded in the hills of Saint-Joseph parish on the rugged east coast, the 3-acre oasis is home to hundreds of tropical plants and flowers, a colorful spectacle packed to the brim designed to delight the wondrous mind. As the saying goes, a creation is a reflection of its master, and Mr. Anthony Hunte and his fabulous garden are no exception. Now in his eighties, Hunte has been a devout horticulturist since the age of 27. Born on this land, he admired the beauty of the countryside and dreamt of building a public garden. Unlike most Caribbean islands formed by volcanic eruptions, Barbados consists of limestone built up by coral debris that occasionally erodes into giant sinkholes. Hunte was fascinated by this geological wonder and, with a team of four, laid out his garden in a crater about 150 feet deep and 500 feet across. At first sight, that's what made this place stand out. Vegetation clings to the slopes and creates a cascade of color tumbling out along the flagstone paths. Given the singular terrace-like structure, visitors can linger on different rest areas located on each level. Many seats are hidden behind hedges—beyond which lies a shy Greek muse, a ceramic fountain or perhaps a highly stylized old iron-cast patio set, like those found in Victorian courts.   Since its grand opening in 2007, this playground welcomes guests "every day, even on Sundays", as proudly advertised on the front sign. Most specimens are native to Barbados such as impatiens and golden shrimp plants, in addition to a rare collection of international provenance handpicked by Hunte over the decades. His most prized blooms are his orchids. He believes they are the soul of this earth. Unlike conventional botanical gardens, the plants are not named, but a simple identification panel and an explanatory brochure list them.     A visit to this wonderland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the legend himself. Nestled among the towering royal palms, Hunte lives in a wooden veranda where he hosts parties of visitors and regales them with cakes, secret rum punch and local tales. This is when we discover the garden was a former sugar plantation called Castle Grant where Hunte grew up. In the image of its surroundings, his residence is nothing short of sublime chaos, from the furniture to the wallpapers, all in tropical fashion. The organic randomness of this place came about deliberately—after all, Hunte’s mission was to introduce people to the magic of nature. For most of us, thinking, looking and reflecting deeply about gardens, or even the activity of gardening, is a new experience stemming from the pandemic. We forget that entire worlds exist outside of our cities. Worlds in which lifeforms are free—free from judgements, norms and social boundaries. Simply put, free to be. Perhaps there is much to be learned from the way a gardener tends his garden to the way we should tend our bodies and minds. Not everything has to make sense, but as long as we allow ourselves to grow, growth will follow.

Whether you’re looking for a rug to tie your space together or a statement piece that sets the tone for the room, investing in a good-quality, responsibly hand-crafted rug ensures it will stand up to daily life and last for decades to come (when properly cared for). We know that purchasing a rug online can be daunting, so here’s our room-by-room guide to choosing a sustainable rug that's perfect for your space. From materials and pile to size and layout, we’ve got you — and your floor — covered. Nanimarquina Hayon X Nani Runner - photography courtesy of Nanimarquina Responsible Rugs for Every Room in Your Home Entryways & Hallways These spaces usually see a lot of action, so choose a hardwearing rug that is easy to clean, such as a flat-weave or a low pile rug (where fibers are shorter and dense). What’s more, a detailed pattern is always a good idea to help camouflage stains in between cleanings. Anchor your space with a rug runner if it is long and narrow. Best materials: Sisal and wool (or a combination of) are top choices as they’re attractive, easy to maintain, and extremely durable. A jute, wool, and cotton blend like the Bagrana by Manglam Arts will work wonderfully as well. Otherwise, consider an indoor-outdoor rug made from 100% recycled PET fibers. Avoid: Warm and cozy high-pile rugs may give off a welcoming vibe but they will get worn down more quickly in areas with a lot of traffic. Manglam Arts Sumak Runner - Jhotwara - photography by Jodi Heartz and Alex Blouin Kitchen Is your kitchen the beating heart of your home? Then a hardy flat-weave rug is your best bet. You could center a runner rug in front of the sink to cushion your feet while you wash dishes (and/or between the kitchen counter and an island). Or you could place a large area rug underneath the kitchen table to separate this section from the cooking space. A dark color palette will probably do you right as it won't show every flaw in between cleanings. Best materials: A cotton rug or runner is ideal as you can throw it in the washing machine when it gets dirty. (This traditionally hand-crafted piece could be just the rug your kitchen needs.) You could also opt for wool because it’s easy to upkeep, or even an indoor-outdoor rug in rPET). Avoid: Jute rugs as they will hold onto crumbs and debris. They’re also very absorbent, so cleaning up liquid spills will be a challenge. Nanimarquina Chillida Dibujo Tinta 1957 Rug - photography courtesy of Nanimarquina Living Room The size of your room and your plans for laying out furniture will dictate your rug placement. (Rugs can also be utilized to define areas more clearly). Have all your pieces of furniture sit comfortably within the rug of your choice to create a sense of balance. If your sofa is against a wall, have the front legs of your sofa and armchairs sitting on the rug. Note that most living rooms should be able to handle 8 ft. x 10 ft. or 9 ft. x 12 ft. rugs, depending on the layout. Nanimarquina Tres Rug - Vegetal - photography courtesy of Nanimarquina Best materials: Hand-woven jute rugs as they add natural beauty and a sense of warmth to living and family rooms. If you have kids or pets, they’ll love the smooth texture of a jute and cotton blend, like this beautifully crafted sumak rug by Manglam Arts (so comfortable it could easily become a gathering space for game or movie nights). Manglam Arts Sumak Rug - Vidhani Dining Space Placing a rug in the dining room is essentially all about the experience of sitting at the dining table. Choose a rug in the same shape as your table, making sure it's large enough to accommodate all of the chairs even when they’re pulled away from the table (if your table has extension leaves, don’t forget to take into account the length of your table fully extended). Also, there should be equal amounts of space on the sides of the rug for a balanced effect. Manglam Arts Cotton Rug - Hawa Mahal Best materials: Your rug will have heavy pieces of furniture sitting on it, chairs will be pulled out and pushed in, and there will be crumbs as well as the occasional spill so go for a flatweave or low-pile wool design (preferably with patterns to disguise stains you can't get to right away). Avoid: Cotton rugs as they will likely wear down quicker. Nanimarquina Tres Rug - Black - photography courtesy of Nanimarquina Bedrooms The bed being the focal point, plan the rug size and placement around it. One option is to lay the rug perpendicular to the bed (centered on top), stopping a few inches before your nightstands. In this type of layout, an 8 ft. x 10 ft. or 9 ft. x 12 ft. rug will work a treat as it’ll fit the lower two-thirds of a queen-size or king-size bed. If you want it to span the width of a king-size bed and both night stands, pick a 12 ft. by 15 ft. rug. In smaller bedrooms, runners that run the entire bed length will be a better option. Best materials: The softest natural rug materials are wool and cotton. Consider a longer, plusher pile to give your feet a smooth landing when you step out of bed.   Nanimarquina Capas Rugs - photography courtesy of Nanimarquina Bathroom If your bathroom has plenty of floor space, why not add a touch of cozy with a rug or runner (in addition to your bath mat)? Place yours in the middle of the room or in front of a vanity mirror or sink to anchor your space. And since bathrooms are typically the most humid area of the home, opt for a washable design or one that is made from a water-resistant material. Best materials: A rug crafted from recycled PET is perfect for humid environments, and it will give you the look and feel of wool. Cotton or wool work as well Nanimarquina Flora Bloom 1 Rug - photography courtesy of Nanimarquina Office Space Looking for an accent piece to lay beneath your desk? Be sure to choose an office-chair-friendly rug with a flat and tight weave that will allow your chair to glide seamlessly across it. Best materials: Choose a flatweave wool rug for a cozy feeling underfoot. (This stunning number by Manglam Arts would easily warm up a workspace.) Otherwise, jute with a tight weave is the way to go. (Don’t rule out a hand-crafted indoor-outdoor rug in rPET). Avoid: Stay away from thick, high-pile rugs which are more likely to get caught underneath the chair wheels. Nanimarquina Shade Outdoor Rug - Palette 3 - photography courtesy of Nanimarquina Outdoor Space A rug will make your patio, porch, or deck feel a lot cozier (and comfier for bare feet, pet paws, and crawling children). Pick one that’s weather-resistant, so you can leave it outside on rainy days. If your space is covered, a natural-fiber indoor rug will work just as well — simply make sure it has a loose weave so you can shake out crumbs. Best materials: Weather resistant, super durable, and easy to clean, an indoor-outdoor rug made from 100% recycled PET fibers, such as the exquisite Shade by nanimarquina, will last more than a few summers.

With summer drawing to a close, what could be more uplifting than bringing the warmth of seasonal florals into your interiors (think sunflowers, dahlias, or pampas grass)? To inspire your creativity, we've picked three sculptural, mouth-blown glass vases from our new brand partner, ferm LIVING. These beauties will elevate even the simplest blooms into an impressive centrepiece or serve as design objects in their own right — making them perfect to treasure or gift. Just wait until you see their organic forms come alive with the warm autumn sunlight filtering through their recycled glass body. You're in for something truly magical.Evoking the movement of cascading liquid, the round Water Swirl Vase is perfect for showcasing florals with large heads. It’ll become an ideal focal point at the center of the kitchen or on a living room coffee table.With its hand-placed, uneven glass dots (and generous neck for bountiful blooms), the Lump Vase adds a whimsical touch to any space — be it a console table or a sideboard. Ideal for long-stemmed blooms, the tall Water Swirl Vase offers a refreshing twist on classic tall cylinder vases. Will it take center stage on an entryway table, or find its home as an elegant floor display? Show us how you style it and tag @goodeeworld!

You have roots in Ecuador but have chosen to make Egypt your home. What motivated you to settle in Egypt?There’s an Egyptian saying that says “if you drink from the Nile, you are bound to return.” I must have drank bucket loads because when I first came to Egypt fresh out of college at 22, on holiday, I simply never left. I grew up in between Chile and Ecuador to an Ecuadorean mom and British Chilean dad and felt like I didn’t properly belong to any one country. When I first came to Egypt, I felt that I had arrived home. It felt strangely familiar and yet it felt like a great adventure. I eventually, started a business, then got married, and had two incredible Egyptian daughters! Can you tell us about your journey to supporting Egyptian craftsmanship? What initially drew you to it? I’m in awe of the notion that crafts have been passed on through acts of generosity and resilience from one artisan to the next over thousands of years. Over the years, crafts evolve to reflect changing times but ultimately retain the essence of its origin. I love the idea that a hand made object is telling the story of past generations while being a vessel for the maker, so that each object is unique. And an intrinsic part of that uniqueness are its imperfections, I believe it’s what makes an object beautiful. In a world that sometimes seems to be in a race to be more efficient, the act of individually making one object seems heroic. Egypt, as one of the oldest civilizations in the world is privy to incredible crafts. We make tapestries and cushions from handwoven fabric, for example, made in Akhmim which is a textile centre since Ancient Egyptian times. It fills me with wonder that these traditions have managed to stay alive and it is a great privilege to work with such talented artisans and to be able to bring attention to Egyptian crafts.   What is it about Fayoum pottery that stands out to you? What makes it so special and unique? The town of Tunis in the oasis of Fayoum is unique in that it is a tight knit community of incredibly talented potters who are artists, makers and entrepreneurs simultaneously. The tradition of pottery making in Fayoum is the legacy of Evelyne Porret, a Swiss woman who came to Egypt in the 80s and started a pottery school in Tunis for local children ultimately transforming the village into a renowned centre for ceramics. Evelyne's efforts helped Tunis village become a vibrant artisan community, with many local families now involved in the craft. At Anūt we work with over 20 artisans and we are privileged to be part of this community. What stands out the most, from working with Fayoum potters for several years, is their sense of camaraderie. I find that they are constantly helping each other out. If one artisan finds a way to have less breakage, for example, they will be happy to share. I feel that, that sense of generosity, friendship and joy are very much part of the DNA of the pottery itself. How does the environment around Fayoum influence the colors and textures of the pottery? The artisans of Fayoum are traditionally inspired by their stunning surroundings. Tunis sits in an Oasis on the shores of a lake. In August it is filled with sunflower fields, September is the time to harvest dates, the lake provides fishing and beyond the fields lies the softest and most magnificent sand dunes, providing plenty of inspiration. At Anūt, we have also shared historical context and shared inspiration of designs from Ancient Egypt to Coptic and Mamluk eras with amazing results. Anūt Cairo is more than just a business; it’s a social enterprise. Can you explain how your model supports artisans and helps them 'leave their mark' on the pieces they create? At Anūt we endeavour to support artisans in various ways. On the one hand we hope to engage creatively with artisans to create something unique to Anūt while encouraging artisans to pursue their own designs and help them understand the global consumer. We assist with troubleshooting by finding and providing experts, we provide loans to invest in growth, we have an in house embroidery training centre where women can learn to embroider and then work from home so that they are able to make an income while staying at home taking care of children. We recently brought a graduate of the Royal School of Needlework in the UK to Cairo for a 3 week course for our embroidery teachers with the idea of achieving excellence that they in turn can teach. Introducing people to the artistry of Fayoum pottery is a gift in itself. What has been the most rewarding part of sharing these creations with a wider audience? The most gratifying aspect is to see the artisans we work with grow as Fayoum pottery becomes more renowned. Mohamed Mahmoud for example, has invested in a second oven and made refurbishments to his home and studio. Randa, one of the women potters we work with, is building a new studio while starting a family. Is there a particular story or memory from your time working with local artisans that resonates deeply with you? There are so many! One story is that of Sara who recently started working with us. Sara is only 20 but she has been working in the workshop that she herself set up for over a year now. Her family couldn’t afford for her to finish her schooling, but her mother was a friend of Ibrahim’s who ran the pottery school at the time, so she managed to start attending classes there. She spent her time there learning everything there was to learn until she felt ready to do it herself. That's when she set up her own workshop. Now, as a result of her workshop and the money she has made, she is finally able to rejoin the local high school and carry on with her education. She works part-time on the pottery and is incredibly talented. According to Sara, pottery started out just as a hobby, something to pass the time and now it’s the one thing that makes her feel at ease. How do you see Anūt Cairo's pieces fitting into holiday traditions and celebrations? I believe Anūt objects are perfect for the holiday season because they are full of joy and charm as well as the warmth that comes with an object, that is hand made with care by a master artisan. From our magnificent candelabra made by Mohamed Mahmoud to our beautifully hand embroidered Mr & Mrs Luna tablecloth, these are festive items to help celebrate the holidays. Then there are the smaller objects, like the Dunes bowl, that could be that perfect, thoughtful gift. What do you hope people feel or understand when they bring an Anūt piece into their home this holiday season?  That these pieces are timeless, that they have been made with care by uniquely talented artisans that have managed to keep traditions alive through perseverance and the generous act of teaching. Ultimately we hope an object from Anūt brings the ancient history of Egypt and the warmth of its land and people to your home.