Georgie and Simon, Myakka’s founders, have recently been out to India to visit our suppliers and SKSN School which we have been supporting since 2008.
As well as working on new designs for our spring range, the trip allowed Georgie & Simon time to meet the people behind our products and see the production techniques. We are also able to check on the quality, develop new packaging ideas and ensure that fair trade standards are being maintained. During the visit, Simon and Georgie attended a tree planting ceremony where they planted sheesham trees that will be used for furniture in the years to come.
Some of the new samples that were signed off during the trip were a selection of new lines from over ever popular sheesham wood Mallani, Thakat and Hathi ranges as well as some new lines from our new painted mango Maison range that was launched this autumn. After only a few month since launch, the Maison range has been very well received and we are looking forward to adding further lime washed pieces to the growing selection.
As well as meeting with our furniture supplier, Simon & Georgie also visited our dedicated textile supplier who we have been working with the two years now. We are working to develop new Kilim designs and ranges as well as developing our ever popular and constantly growing soft furnishing range to include more quilts, throws, cushions and wall hangings.
No trip to India would be complete without visiting SKSN School who we have been working with for the last five years. We have been working to develop trade links with the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) at the school that provides training and work for pupils who have finished their formal education with the school. Whilst visiting the VTC Simon & Georgie worked on assisting with costing, production methods and sourcing of raw materials, mainly fabric to help develop the centres capabilities. During their visit, they both took some time out for the children ayt the school to henna their hands which is always one of the highlights of a trip to SKSN. As well as visiting SKSN School, Georgie and Simon got to see some of the work that the IMAGE (India mix ability group events) is doing with people around Rajasthan, challenging the way they think about disability through sport.
Keep a look out for our spring catalogue that will feature lots of the new lines that Simon & Georgie have been developing with our suppliers in India. We are always looking for new ideas for new products to develop and we welcome any requests from customers for new furniture designs. If you have a great idea please do share it with us, email hello@myakka.co.uk or let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
