#meismith

I know it’s been a while...

But we are slowly coming back, w i g g l i n g our toes, filling our bellies with d e e p breaths, allowing our faces to be stretched with g e n u i n e smiles.

Mei Smith is as much a part of me as the hair on my head. And as you all know, sometimes we just need a break from it all. I wanted to put a slight pause on Mei Smith and take some personal time for:

Personal reasons that I will circle back to at another time and

To contemplate the journey that I wanted Mei Smith to go on.

Sometimes there’s so much noise going on in the world and in our lives that it can feel like there isn’t any room to relax, to meditate, to be creative, to really live [as a human and not a robot]. It almost feels like we are constantly on the go. Go, go, go. We give so much time and energy to everyone and everything but ourselves that it begins to feel like we are running on fumes. We hear all these voices that we can no longer recognize ours. It is crucial that we take the time necessary to calm our minds and be still; be present. When we finally silence the noise, we allow ourselves to finally hear that beautiful voice within us.

Now, you’re probably thinking, what is this crazy woman getting at?

Well my voice was constantly asking me questions, constantly challenging me. How can I make a difference beyond fashion? How can I be more sustainable and socially responsible? How can I effectively make change starting with myself and Mei Smith, on a small scale? How can I help my brothers and sisters? How can I practice gratitude through my struggle? How can I give thanks? I wasn't happy. Because I know I could and wanted to do more.

I want to create a space where honesty can breathe and thrive. I want a boutique where beautiful pieces can be bought, be cherished, last, and be returned to Mother Earth kindly. I want a place where women of all sizes can come to and find something different. I want to motivate and give the tools to young women to do whatever it is their heart desires. I want to be of service to disadvantaged communities.

“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Albert Schweitzer

So I say this all to say thank you. There were times when I wanted to give up and thought this wasn’t making a difference. Then I would receive an email from someone who thought it was. Every single time. And then I saw more companies & brands inspired by my same vision. Uh huh I see you. When I felt the flame slowly going out, this small, thoughtful community ignited it back every time.

Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I hope you will stick around and stay with us on our journey to making and leaving this world a better place.

xx Ayanna