For over 20 years, Melissa Goldstein worked as a magazine photo editor. While researching imagery, she developed a fascination with Scandinavian ceramics, 17th-century botanical illustrations and Japanese woodblock prints dating back to the 1500s. It wasn’t until she moved to Brooklyn and began rehabilitating the overgrown garden behind her brownstone that she began combining her interests: “[My brand MG by Hand] was the merging of my research, the garden and making things for my family,” Goldstein says of the fine English porcelain ceramics she now sells in select shops and online. In 2008, the artist began hand-making everyday dinnerware in her home studio in Carroll Gardens, decorating the pieces with floral motifs in a cobalt stain. Black irises, poppies and flowering quince from her garden adorned vases, shallow banchan dishes and scalloped serving trays. Her new Poppy and Cherry collections, which were fired in a gas kiln for 12 to 15 hours, channel Dutch Delftware while depicting local flora. “I have a wall that separates my garden from my neighbor’s, and I’ve interwoven quince in it,” Goldstein says. “I’m very into blooming trees.”
Investing In Travel With Purpose
23.02.2024 - 23:37 / forbes.com
Travel is an investment. It's all about the money you spend on travel. We often overlook the significance of our expenditures, but they carry substantial weight, shaping the experiences we cherish and the communities we touch.
Picture this: you're planning your next adventure, brimming with excitement for the sights and cultures awaiting you. But amidst the thrill, have you ever stopped to ponder where your money truly goes? Let's explore.
Connection, Empowerment, & Gratitude
For many, travel isn't just about leisure—it's a conduit for connection, empowerment, and gratitude. It's about immersing ourselves in new environments, embracing diverse perspectives, and giving back to the communities that enrich our journeys.
However, here's a sobering reality: a staggering 80% of travel expenditures often fail to circulate within the destinations we visit. Yes, you read that right—despite our best intentions, the majority of our dollars tend to flow back to multinational corporations rather than benefiting local economies.
But fear not, for there's hope on the horizon. By adopting a mindful approach to travel spending, we can catalyze meaningful change and amplify the positive impact of our adventures.
How can we ensure our dollars make a difference?
It starts with conscientious decision-making and a willingness to dig deeper. From supporting local guides and artisans to patronizing family-owned businesses, every choice holds the potential to uplift communities and narrow the global wealth gap.
Consider this: instead of booking a cookie-cutter tour, why not opt for an authentic experience led by a passionate local? Platforms like Airbnb Experiences offer a wealth of opportunities to connect with grassroots initiatives and contribute directly to grassroots initiatives.
Take it from my own experience—a pasta-making class in Italy led by a group of enterprising friends left an indelible mark on my heart. Despite the initial uncertainty and logistical challenges, the evening unfolded into a memorable celebration of culture, hospitality, and camaraderie.
Beyond the surface allure of tourist hotspots lies a world of untapped potential—a world where every dollar spent holds the power to effect change, no matter how small. Together, let's embark on a journey of conscious consumption, where every choice reflects our commitment to equity, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.
So, where will your next adventure take you? And more importantly, how will you make it count? I'm eager to hear your thoughts and stories—let's continue this conversation and inspire one another to travel with purpose.
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