Ania Designs

Love silk, lace, pretty things...even more, loving to use those in order to help fight injustice in the world. If only a tiny bit at a time. (Photo courtesy Benjamin Images)

Friday, December 19, 2008

World Relief Next

Watch.

This.

Video.

Then visit the website for the recently launched World Relief Next Project, a division of World Relief.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Great Lakes Outreach

The same conversation has been surfacing for the past 8 months or so:

What do you suggest your brides do with their wedding gowns after the big day?

And up until a few days ago, I had no idea what to tell them. I can recommend where they can go to have it cleaned and preserved, but that was about the extent of it.

Until I found the website for the Great Lakes Outreach organization I talked about in the previous post. Under their "Get Involved" section, at the bottom they are asking for donated wedding gowns! I couldn't believe my eyes.

I understand that many women would like to keep their gowns for their daughters or granddaughters, this is completely acceptable! I may even do the same some day (though I wonder if my kids and grand kids would someday want a GOR-TEX gown and also get married in the snow??).

At any rate, I have a lot of women who don't know just what to do with their gowns. I think this is a fabulous opportunity! I'll definitely be spreading the word about this sweet concept. I've recently contacted GLO, and I'm waiting for them to get back to me. I can't wait to tell you what they say!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Burundi

Know where that is? That's ok. It's a pretty small place. But now I want you to learn a little bit about it and why it's important.

Burundi is ravaged by many crises. A civil unrest between tribes, genocide, HIV/AIDS, a lack of clean water, and the fact that it's one of the 10 poorest nations in the world are among the issues they face daily.

I listened to a man named Emmanuel Ndikumana speak both last night and Sunday. He told stories of his country and the history there, and the story of his life. He is a pastor, a leader, a husband, a father, and one seeking to create reconciliation for the country. Because as he sees it, reconciliation in the mind needs to happen for individuals before hope and material solutions will ever work. I wish you could have been there. (I'm trying to find out if it was recorded and will be podcasted. If so, I'll post it here.)

There was a question and answer time at the end of the evening. A woman asked, "How does the current economic crisis affect Burundi?"

His answer struck me so hard I started to cry instantly.

"Theoretically, because we are the third poorest nation in the world, we would be affected the least. Because we have nothing. In practice, because we rely so heavily on foreign aid, that aid will drop because nobody will be able to give. And if they do not give, we will die."

Can you imagine with me for a moment, a country chock full of 8 million people literally ceasing to exist because of this economic crisis? That's an equivalent to the population of New York City.

They need assistance. Never before did you think about the fact that your hardships and your decisions during those hardships could affect somebody so far away, did you? Neither did I.

We have an opportunity. Giving is hard during this time, believe me, I know. If you want to give, here is some info.

Partners Trust International is a part of the Great Lakes Outreach organization. Here is a page with ways to get involved. And they are SIMPLE ways! Click here to find out more. You can always give through The Kilns as well.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

My happy corner

"There was one question which I never dreamed of raising. I never noticed that the very strength and facility of the pessimists' case at once poses us a problem. If the universe is so bad, or even half so bad, how on earth did human beings ever come to attribute it to the activity of a wise and good Creator? Men are fools, perhaps; but hardly so foolish as that."

-C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain (Chapter 1, page 3, 2nd paragraph, emphasis mine)


Oh yes, I do remember saying I would post pictures of my corner devoted to human rights. I still have articles and photos to put up. I've been adding a little bit at a time to keep these issues at the front of my mind. To continually be reminded of why I'm working so hard on my company. To allow my heart to be broken, and remind myself how blessed I am, that my gifts are to be put towards good work in this world. (Framed photo by Benjamin Images)


It's sometimes hard to think about these things, honestly. But I have to continually remind myself that God is sovereign. Helping me out a lot with that right now is reading The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis. He has some amazing insight into the question of, "How could a loving God and benevolent Creator allow evil in the world?"

All of the little fuchsia cards have a different issue on them with the definition:



And of course, each of those brown cards with the gold writing on them are scripture from the bible. Reminders of the call on my life, as well as God's promises:


Welcome to another little piece of my world and my heart.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Clutch

I embarked on an adventure yesterday afternoon with my hairstylist after having my hair done. The hair turned out awesome. So far, after almost two years of cuts and colors, we think this blond is the closest to my natural color. But not quite. Anyway, she added some awesome color pockets using a rich mahogany. I love it :)

All that said, we went to this little store Clutch in downtown Bend. (All of 4 blocks of downtown, as my friend Michael points out.) The store itself was fantastic. I'd spend every penny there, I think, because the purses and the fantastic array of clutches made my mouth water. You should check it out sometime, it's right on Minnesota Avenue a couple of doors down from Trivia Antiques.

If you're ever wondering where to shop for me...this is it. ;)

Monday, December 8, 2008

A. Querio Photo + Design

Check this out:

My buddy Tony has launched his new website. He's a photographer and graphic designer here in Bend and his work is AWESOME.

Take a peek. You'll be sorry if you don't :)

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Do Something.

Does your heart break as much as mine when you read an article like this one? Does the staggering reality shatter your heart to pieces?

There's always something you can do. Always. Purchase coffee the right way. Purchase clothing and goods that go above and beyond paying the laborer fairly.

My recent joy is found in a relatively new company to Central Oregon, Cauzal Coffee, founded by Don Jacobson. Check them out. Read their blog (updated by Dan Brose of World Relief). Then buy their coffee. Support a "Cauze" that stirs you.

Every little bit matters.


Monday, November 24, 2008

The Ania Experience

When a bride walks through my door (or the door of a wine shop, or coffee shop...wherever we happen to meet), it's a big deal. A big deal for me, yes, but a big deal to her. She's trusting me with the single most important garment she will wear in her lifetime. That to me, is a huge privilege. In turn, she gets the best treatment I can possibly drum up. An experience she'll never forget. She'll feel like a queen, as she should.

The process is void of any pressure on her part, and full of relaxation and special touches just for her. It's an individual experience. That's what I love about it. One bride will not experience things exactly the same way as the next. It is not just a custom gown, but a custom experience.

On a somewhat related note, I am doing a little bit of peer feedback work with a friend, Jeff Marcoux, who is a business consultant up in Seattle. He's a natural at constructive criticism, which may sound a bit negative, but it's most definitely not, and it's rare to find somebody with honesty like his. Anyway, getting constructive criticism is something I like to subject myself to quite frequently to better my business. After a bit of chatting back and forth this past week, he says:

"I got excited about the Ania Experience and I'm a guy!!!"

I laughed out loud. :)

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

"The Unsearched Soul"

Lost, downtrodden, empty
She aches
Forgotten, oppressed, confused
She agonizes

Forgiveness she's never known
Embittered, her heart
She stands tall, shaking
Facing evil, staring at death

The eyes of her enemy show no mercy

The unsearched soul begs comfort,
Petitions justice,
Pleads healing,
Implores saving

Afflicted, abused, unknown
She cries
Alone, sobbing, lacking
She longs

The unsearched soul
Feels a breeze
Catches a glimpse
Hope that shines
Healing that cleans
Love that fills
The greatest void

Firm she stands
Truth she holds
Love she exudes
Forgiveness she extends.

My heart continually breaks for women all over the world. Particularly in Africa. Particularly those subjected to FGM. But injustice and violence against the human race in general sends me into tears.

I wish more people understood the magnitude at which these things happen daily. I think we tend to close our eyes and drown out sadness, because we feel like we have enough of our own problems, let alone thinking about somebody else's. I think this train of thought needs to stop. I think we need to quit being selfish. To see life with better perspective.

I see an opportunity to help create awareness through my company. Through whatever means I can find. To offer hope. To offer change. To show mercy. Hopefully each and every thing that I do serves toward that purpose.

Amazing Weekend

Yes, I'm going to post TWICE today. I can't help myself :)

Of course, first things first, I must tell you about my weekend. I had so much fun!! Once you get to know me, you'll begin to understand that I thrive on pressure and deadlines. All of my careers up to this point have reflected that. Ben Edwards called me about a week before the Tower had their big event last weekend, that much you know.

My insane story is this. The model I originally made this gown to fit wasn't able to do the shoot. So, I called a good friend Megan to stand in. My only problem, was that Megan was a bit too small for the dress. I'm talking two entire sizes too small. So Friday night before the show, I took the entire thing apart, cut it to size, and put it back together. I am thankful I got a nap that morning before the shoot!

It turned out fabulous.



We had a ton of fun. I also met some fun new friends at the show, Sara and Kerry from Mint Event Coordination and Design. They were super sweet, and they can really keep it together. And thanks to all of the amazing men modeling tuxes from Roberts on Wall Street! You saved my butt that morning. :)

So much fun, I'm totally looking forward to the next time I get to be in the same room as all of these amazing people. You rock!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Rockin' Out

This Sunday, November 16, the Kilns is hosting another concert. Two stellar dudes from SoCal are coming to grace us with some awesome tunes: Cory Joseph and Mike Vitale!

Join us at 55 NW Inustrial Way #55 in Bend, at 7pm. It's $5 at the door.

www.coryjoseph.com
www.myspace.com/mikevitale

Monday, November 10, 2008

Tower Theatre : The Tower as You've Never Seen It

Exciting news friends - the Tower Theatre is doing weddings! Well, I think it's pretty cool. Talk about a fabulous place to have a wedding, and some pretty fantastic photos when the day is said and done.

I know, I yabber a lot about Ben Edwards, but I'm gonna do it again. Ben is going to be at the expo this weekend, and he will be shooting one of my gowns. So stop on by and take a peek if you get a chance. All of the info is available at the link below.

http://towertheatre.org/wedding/
www.benjaminimages.com

Friday, November 7, 2008

Remembering

Lately I've been incredibly busy. I'm not talking working my 40 hours and having my evenings filled with fabulous friends and social events. I'm talking, working 50 hours a week at two jobs, plus running my business for another 30 hours of my week. And if I'm lucky, a cup of coffee at 6am with a friend.

I got so busy, that for a few days there, I was a robot. OK, most of October I was a robot. You called it. I looked forward to the hours I could put toward Ania each day, and that was about all that kept me going. But in the midst of everything, I began losing sight of my goals.

Sure, I want to give my brides the absolute service, and the most beautiful dress they could imagine. That's never wavered. But I was beginning to forget the mission of my heart - to offer a hand to those who are forgotten, oppressed, unloved. To show mercy.

I've started a little corner in my office to remind myself of the blessings I have, to remind myself to pass blessings on to others. Pictures. Maps. News articles. I'll have to remember to take a photo and post it here.


He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Note to self

We are human. We are in pain. Our hearts are broken by stories like this one:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/10/15/congo.women/index.html

So what can we do about it?

The question that will always be turning in my mind. Always. What can my hands do with the gifts I have been given to help the life of another?

Saturday, October 18, 2008

A little red dress


Ah, finally! Though you may think I forgot to post a picture of the cute little number I made for my sissy's wedding, alas I did not. Things tend to swim in my mind until they get done. I was a lady in red (silk) all day. It was fantastic :)

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

SoCal here I come?

Turns out that lately the majority of my clientele stretches from LA and further south. This makes me do two things:

1. Freak out. This is so cool.
2. Freak out. I will probably need to open a second location one of these days.

In the mean time, I'll have the joy of traveling to LA this December to not only meet clients, but see some friends as well.

I love my job.

PS...I designed some pretty stellar stuff this evening...I'll try to remember to snap some photos of the renderings and put them up.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

CNN News Story

I saw this story on CNN about human trafficking and had to post it. The passion of this woman is inspiring.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/17/stolen.lives/index.html

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Paul Wright

Come to The Kilns College kick-off event this coming Sunday at 6pm. Paul Wright will be playing two, that's right, we lucky dogs get two sets by this guy. It's gonna be a blast. No cover charge and a great time. The address is 550 NW Industrial Way #44, Bend, OR. Hope to see you there!



Info on the Kilns College: http://www.kilnscollege.com/
More info on the Kilns Bookstore: http://www.thekilns.com/

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Keep on checkin' in

It's been a while, to be sure. My sister got hitched just this past Sunday. It was a beautiful day and most definitely a reason to celebrate. It also took up a lot of my time, basically she was a little more important to me than this blog. (I'll post pics soon, I made myself a pretty stellar dress for this event!)

Not only has a wedding happened, but I have been trying to knock on different doors, check into different opportunities lately. No, I don't mean by looking for a job (though a part time one will be a must these next few months), I mean more along the lines of how can I help those in the world with my skills. God hasn't exactly opened any of those doors. Thus my conclusion being that God wants me here in Bend, doing what I do best. Running a business and making wedding gowns. Love it :)

I have a new client that is getting married here in October, and we have designed her dress. It's gonna be gorgeous on her. I'll post photos when it's all said and done.

That's it for now. Keep checking back, I really am alive and kicking!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

For the Women of Sudan


Would you like to help encourage economic sustainability for Sudanese women and have a beautiful handmade product?


Lauren met a gentleman in Uganda two years ago. Robert, who is a father, husband, and pastor often risks his life as he drives North from Uganda into the Sudan. Robert shares weekly with Lauren via email about the difficult travels he endures to try and bring aid and pastoral care to the hurting people, specifically women and children, of Sudan.


In an effort to provide funds to aid the women, Robert brought back with him to Uganda handmade necklaces to sell from Sudanese villages, returning the profit to the women. Robert realized that a greater profit might be made if the necklaces were sold in the United States.


Lauren agreed to help. A few weeks later our mailbox was filled with an enormous paper package, covered in stamps and scented with the aroma of Uganda. The necklaces have sold very well. Lauren has transferred nearly two thousand dollars back to Robert, who in turn risks his life to deliver the funds to the women of southern Sudan. The attached picture is of the women with food they have purchased from profits of necklaces that were sold.


This coming Tuesday the 12th, from 4pm-8pm, Lauren will be selling a new shipment of necklaces from our home in Bend. All proceeds will be deposited the next day and transferred to Robert before he leaves this coming Friday for the Sudan.




Blessings to you,

Benjamin and Lauren Edwards

Sunday, July 27, 2008

A picture is worth...

...a thousand words...a new thought...opening eyes...stirring hearts...a calling.

Benjamin and Lauren Edwards are photographers, God-lovers, parents, friends, you name it. They're a source of inspiration to me for the love they have for God. You'll see them tonight if you attend the event I posted last. They capture photos, moments, glimpses of the soul, glimpses of God in a way I haven't seen anybody do. Ever.

They do amazing work here in the states with weddings, quite gifted I'll say (ohhh they'll razz me about posting so much about them...I look forward to it). But not only are they amazing wedding photographers, they have captured bits and pieces of Africa and brought them home to us so that we may know and be encouraged, and have our eyes opened to what's happening around God's whole Kingdom. In hopes that it inspires us to live for God, not just for ourselves.

Check out their blog:

http://benjaminimages.typepad.com/edwards_photography/

And their website:

www.benjaminimages.com

Monday, July 21, 2008

Cutting the Star Flowers


I want to invite you to a night of insight into one of the most culturally binding issues of our time, female genital mutilation.

Join Benjamin Edwards (photographer) and Elizabeth Fischer (video producer) as they share stories, pictures and a REACH documentary on the agonizing truth behind FGM, what the people of Uganda are doing to stop it, and what God is asking us to do to help rid our cultures of this practice.

When: July 27, 7:00PM
Where: The Kilns, 550 NW Industrial Way #44, Bend, OR
Why: Because each one of us can be part of the solution

Do you believe we all deserve rights? Do you have and fight for your rights? Then come help those who do not have rights, let alone the help or encouragement to fight for them.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

My "Baby" Broke

*Sigh* I'm at a standstill with my creative side. At least when it comes to using my sewing machine.

I think I have been working my sewing machine a bit hard lately, what with my own fun in sewing, with some sewing jobs, and with work in general. What a surprise. Sadly, my wonderful machine has been slipping lately, not having the strength to make even a few stitches in a garment. Thus, I'm sending her in. My beautiful European, almost vintage machine is going to the shop. Hopefully to be repaired and in fine condition upon her return.

I thought I would share my temporary heart break. However, the plus side is I've been able to focus on my finishing techniques and my hand stitching. So, even through the tragedy, some good has come of it. :)

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Yay for non-profits

Check out the newest thing in Bend:

http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080705/NEWS0107/807050311/1041&nav_category=

It's a pretty sweet bookstore called The Kilns and it exists for a stinking awesome cause. This article explains it all.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Time

Time is something I was prompted to consider at a pretty early age. I am pretty sure I was 15, almost 16, sitting in geography of all classes. Mr. Perry was my teacher.

The first thing of the entire year he asked us was, "How do you spend your time? Like a currency? Is it worth something to you?" He went on to talk about how we need to be careful in spending our time. Prioritizing. It's funny how I didn't really think much of it, just did my thing, finished all of my homework on time, and hung out with friends and family. I didn't really think about how I was spending it.

However, now I think about it, and the man was brilliant. Practices that I work hard at now revolve much around that first 30 minutes of my geography class sophomore year. Blocking out my time, prioritizing my tasks, all of which I am not perfect at, but now understand the importance of.

I look at the year ahead, the dresses that I will be making, and the other work to be done when running a business, and I am glad to have had words of wisdom that came back at just the right time.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Pluggin' away

Just a little shout out to ProQ Solutions (www.proqsolutions.com). They're chipping away at my website right now, and it's rockin. It'll be up sometime this year, I say that only because they're waiting on me to get them all the content. For now, visit the pilot page to get a taste of what's to come!

www.aniaexperience.com

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Meet Katie

Meet Katie. This is my new model. The dress I am making is purely for portfolio reasosns. It is going to take some time, because let's face it, I'm still in the beginning phases of my company and funds are tight. Silk is mildly expensive. So keep checking back to see the progress as the dress slowly comes together.






Saturday, June 14, 2008

Here, ruin your life.

http://humanrights.antiochchurch.org/?page_id=2

It won't be hard for this information to crumble you, make you feel helpless and small, wonder why there is suffering, question joy, question God. Is God sovereign? (Read Habakkuk)

But it's worth it. It's not making a huge impact that matters.

It's about your heart and the little things you can do to help others in this world.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy. - Proverbs 31:17-20

God has used this passage recently to light a fire in my heart, fuel some long lost dreams of mine. My dreams of making wedding gowns. But that's not all there is to it. Recently God gave me dreams of helping others. Because I don't exist for my own satisfaction, I have realized, I exist to help others, love others, to serve and give of myself and use the talents God has generously poured out on me.

So here she is: a woman in her 20s with a small company that makes couture wedding gowns and provides an unforgettable experience. All so that she can seek out God's heart - a higher calling to help those in need, to help bind up the broken hearted, provide for those in need, free the captives.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Indecisive

About most things in life I can make a pretty solid and quick decision. However, when it comes to this blog, I am not sure how I want to focus it. I'm sure you'll start to see a little more business in here than just where my heart is at. Because without the business, I wouldn't be able to help people. So you'll get a little taste of both.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Hand-made

I saw a good friend's wedding gown for the first time the other day (she married her husband a while before I met this couple). I heard the story of the adventure just to go purchase the gown in NYC. It was hand-made by a woman who moved to NY from Italy and opened her own boutique. I could have held it and looked at it for hours. Not that it was so intricate it would take that long just to see every detail, but that I could have gazed at it, appreciated each seam, each hem, each finishing technique the woman used to create the gown.
More and more I'm loving hand-made garments (or accessories), of any kind, really. I love it when I see a friend who's made a new shirt, or created a great piece of jewelry. I'm not saying I've never appreciated these things, that couldn't possibly be the case. I just love the creativity and where the thought must have come from for that creation. I think as I get older, it's just a deeper appreciation for life itself.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Textiles as Art

Maybe it's just me, but lately I have run into people who don't really get that textiles are art. Or, they believe textiles just aren't as artistic as, say, a painting or pottery.

Now, I understand first that not all people are artistic at the heart. I also understand that not all artists use the same media, this is obvious. When a painter sees a blank canvas, I'm pretty sure they have a vivid picture in their mind as to what belongs on it, and what message they long to convey. When a potter throws pot, they begin to shape and form sometimes before they even know what they're shaping it into. That's pretty sweet.

It's the same concept with me when I see an extraordinary bolt of fabric. Different lines, seams, patterns begin running through my mind until something clicks. Ask anybody who has been shopping with me if I touch, weigh, and sometimes even smell every piece of clothing or yard of fabric that I consider. Yes, it may be slightly funny at times, but it's where my art begins.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Fashion for Good

Rise Up is an organization that never ceases to amaze me. On the entrance to their website (http://www.riseupinternational.com/) it asks, "Can Fashion Fight Poverty?" They've proven that it sure can. Check out their cause, what they've been able to do, and their heart for those in need.

One of my struggles with starting my business was that I always viewed fashion and designing clothes as something that is vain, all about the way a person looked, and the status that it gave off. I had a hard time relating that to God and the fact that He could actually use it for the good. Guess what...it looks like He can. :)

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Amani Ya Juu

At the very start of this business venture, God laid on my heart a specific purpose to which He wanted me to work for. A cause that could turn this talent that I was given into a greater purpose for His kingdom.

I always asked God, "Why would you give me such a strange talent? Something like fashion seems so vain sometimes. What in the world am I supposed to do with sewing that helps other people and doesn't lose it's purpose at patching holes in my kids clothes and fixing a button here and there?" Let me just tell you, I finally listened to God's answer and it hasn't left the "front burner" of my mind since.

http://www.amaniafrica.org/ is the website for the organization that I feel God wants me to get involved with. It is called Amani Ya Juu. Check it out.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Passion

My heart is excited for Africa. I know I'm small, I'm one person, one tiny person that has only a slight and probably very skewed view of a country that is in need of assistance. I have learned so much recently about my thoughts toward Africa, and how there is no way anybody in this world can help that continent, because we want to "fix them". That's wrong. Hearing stories from those that have gone over there, they meet amazing people there - people that are passionate about changing Africa for the better. It is not our job to go there and impose what we think needs to be done, what we think is right, it's our duty to give assistance in what they need.

Even though I am small, just one person, with one small skill, I know I'm still able to help. This past year has taught me that really, my life is not about me. It's about serving a God that so lovingly made me and forgave me. It's about loving others, and giving of myself and my talents to benefit others. Check out this song, it speaks to me.

Set the World on Fire - Britt Nicole
I wanna set the world on fire
Until it's burning bright for You
It's everything that I desire
Can I be the one You use?

I am small, butYou are big enough
I am weak, but You are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
There's nothing I can not do
Nothing I cannot do

I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the Father's hands

My hands my feet
My everything
My life, my love
Lord, use me

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Ransom Wear

"Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime." - Lao Tzu

Ransom Wear kind of nailed this saying on the head for me. I had never been able to apply this to my life, or to something that I've been involved in. Now I feel as though God has really defined my passion for people, and taught me how I could use the gifts He has given me. It's funny how you can hear something your whole life, but until it applies directly to you, it kind of just blows over.

Anyway, go check out www.ransomwear.org. This is another organization that I will be supporting. Check out their story, and the video in the about us seciton, specifically.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Africa

This past week at our church was Art Sunday. It is the day where people in the church donate art to benefit missions within the church. We have done this twice, and sent teams to Uganda, to a village we are going back again and again to help. A couple that has lived in Africa and done missions there (not in the specific village we are working with, however) for years was interviewed. And the minute the wife of this couple began speaking, was when God nailed it in my heart. The pieces are coming together. She actually works as a liason for an organization that does exactly what has been on my heart: teaching women how to sew, to empower them to provide for their families and give them better lives. Everything began stirring in me, and I'm stoked to see what happens with this.

Friday, January 25, 2008

James Jaggard Photography













Thanks James for hooking me up with some sweet photos. Here are some pictures from the first official photo shoot (outside of a wedding) on one of my gowns.








Thursday, January 24, 2008

Welcome

Welcome to the blog for Ania. I will publish as much as I have time for to keep everyone up to speed on what I'm up to.

A little background. Ania began as a dream, something to be hoped for, when I was only a senior in high school. I loved weddings, and I loved sewing, and this evolved into my passion for custom designing wedding gowns.

I feel like I have had the, "Been there, done that" experience with school and a pretty high rolling career up until the end of last year. The only thing I had no peace about was the fact that I'd never just gone for it - my dream of Ania. If ever I thought about it over the last five years, I was too scared, not motivated enough, or it just wasn't the right time. Until a couple of weeks ago.

God has lined everything up wonderfully, and continues to do so. The right amount of encouragement at the right time, the right amount of fabric for a sample dress, generous friends who offered a space for me to use as a studio for free, or who did free photos, friends who offered to help me write up concrete contracts and review business plans. Not to mention the right and sincere motives I needed to get going at a good pace.

Welcome to my dream. I can't wait to show you around.