So many things have happened since I last wrote here. The brand has changed; it continues to progress in a way that I'm really pleased with. I look forward to the further evolution of Samaavar in the direction it is going now.
It feels kind of surreal, to be here three years after starting my business in skincare (back when it used to be 'Suite Sailing Soaps'!). I almost thought I wouldn't make it this far, that I wouldn't be able to have a small business that would eventually grow to sustain itself. I'm so humbled and grateful to God for everything in my life, in particular Samaavar. Despite still trying to figure out what Samaavar really is (I thought it meant 'tea', but it is so much more than that), it is a great adventure that is quiet and small and very very meaningful. My time here in Vermont has taught me the value and meaning of family...of connection...because there is very little of that here for me.
A 'samaavar' is an object that boils water and keeps brewing tea warm. That's all it is. A tool. A means. Tea, in Persian and many other cultures around the world, is the backbone of any relationship and the sustainer of many personal bonds. It gives an excuse for a short chat (or a long lounging night) with dear friends and family. Tea and what it translates to is what Samaavar means to me, right now. I hope to communicate that with everything I do. That I care for you. Because everyone is like family to me.
Love,
Sara
]]>Working for yourself can be hard. It can be really stressful with no good nights of sleep and seemingly endless days of working while getting nowhere (or at least, that's how it seems). Despite the drawbacks of being your own boss for the first few years, it is still rewarding. There is a great sense of peace in knowing that you don't need to answer to anyone when you are doing your craft, and that everything will eventually fall into place if you work smart and work hard. It might take a little longer, particularly when rebranding your image, but it can be well-worth the wait and effort.
I've re-branded my skincare line from Suite Sailing Soaps to Samaavar in an effort to grow closer to my Persian roots. A 'samaavar' is basically a contraption that aids in making copious amounts of tea to stimulate socialization, caffeination, and love between friends and family in my mother's culture. Tea is a very universal drink, but a samaavar is the backbone of any Iranian kitchen and family. I wanted to bring that sense of belonging and tradition through the ingredients and methods used to produce skincare, and later, apparel. Samaavar reminds me that we can come together to be beautiful and have nice beverages together that are simple yet delicious, regardless of culture!
Stay tuned for organic, natural, handcrafted soapy goodness (and other skin-related things!) in the future. Don't forget to grab a bar on your way out!
Love, Sara
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