Reconnecting to Culture & Purpose
One of the things I love most about in-person markets is getting to talk with people from all different places and walks of life. It’s so educational and feels expansive, I absolutely love it. And at this point I’ve done so many markets and shows that I just get there and do my thing. But the market that I participated in over Labor Day weekend was different for me. I was nervous. Leading up to it I started questioning my jewelry and the new direction that I’ve decided to go with this business. It was a little bit of a mind f*#k to be honest.
If you’re wondering why, let me back up a little.
When I first started Zaffera I had just began my own spiritual journey and I knew that I wanted my jewelry and the premise of my business to reflect that. I wanted everything I did and made to help others along their own personal journey. And I still do.
But late last year I kept having this feeling in my gut that something was off with the direction I was heading. And honestly there were things in my business that just felt harder than it should. We had the chance to spend New Years in Hawaii with my family and there was this moment, while floating around in the ocean, where I got so much clarity around the future of Zaffera.
Aside from making a few pieces with some pearls, I had been trying so hard to not incorporate my Hawaiian culture, but the more I tried, the louder it got.
It was all fear based.
I know some of you reading this can relate when I say this, but there was a fear of not being “enough.” I didn’t grow up on the islands, I grew up in Utah. I didn’t know a lot about my own culture, and in all honesty, still don’t. So what right did I have to represent it?
But if you’ve ever stepped foot on any of the islands and swam in her waters, you know how the mana of the ‘āina feels. And I brought that home with me and made the shift.
I realized that the pieces I create aren’t just meant to celebrate the Hawaiian culture, but are also a road to learning more about it, not just for me, but for anyone who comes across them. My mission is for my art to foster a relationship between other diaspora native Hawaiians and the ‘āina; to help create a deeper connection to one another.
So fast forward to Labor Day where I was a vendor at Polynesian Days here in Utah. And all the same fears around being “enough” came right back. And can I just tell you how fast those fears disappeared. Polynesian Days created one of the biggest shifts I’ve had along this journey. Not only did I realize how much all of the fears and doubt were just made up by me, but I was reminded of how incredibly rich and beautiful the Polynesian cultures are. I connected with so many amazing people, had soulful conversations and LOVED seeing so many other artists representing the different islands.
One of my favorite poets, Maya Angelou said, “you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.” I feel this so much in my core and I hope this inspires you to find out more. Don’t let the fear of not being “enough” ever stop you from what your gut is trying to tell you. The idea of “enough” is just that, an idea. You’re enough regardless of where you’re at.
My hope is that you feel it when I say, this isn’t just a business, it’s a journey I’m taking with you to reconnect to our roots, whatever they may be.
Mahalo nui for being here.
Erica