Autumn 24 Full The Entrepreneurial Spirit Issue Final

This issue dives into the stories of the under-represented efforts of LGBTQ+-owned emerging brands, creatives, and entrepreneurs. We demonstrate LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs' success and ability to thrive in business while remaining true to their identity. In our newly added section, "Troo Spotlight," we bring the stories of three of my personal friends in the beauty industry, makeup artists and entrepreneurs Freddy Lopez and Mercedes Gramajo, and hair stylist Robert Douglas. In Home Design, Nigerian-born Stephanie Fintan, founder and creative director of Studio Fintan, based in Ontario, Canada, shares her focus on elevating living spaces through accessible e-design. Get ready to drool in Culinary as we bring you six features taking us through the experiences and stories of some established and up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Be inspired by SF-based chocolatier Carol Gancia. Jake Bullock and Luke Anderson are co-owners of Cann Social Tonics, the best-selling THC Beverage in the U.S., and the no-nonsense Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza talks about all things food and more. In travel, contributing writer Filipa Araújo transports us with her mesmerizing imagery and writing in "Free to Travel Queer." I am obsessed with Rich Mnisi and the Phluid project's initiatives, designs, and bold, colorful energy in fashion. This issue will dazzle and take you on a fun and colorful journey of learning about the revolutionary brands and entrepreneurs in the LGBTQ+ space. Be Inspired!

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT ISSUE

Where begins Balance Vanessa Simmons Forges a New Path to Bliss Wellness

where begins Balance Vanessa Simmons Forges a

Where begins Balance Vanessa Simmons Forges a New Path to Bliss Wellness

New Path to Bliss Wellness

TrooRa’s Reforestation

Impact

TrooRa’s Reforestation Commitment

TrooRa's reforestation commitment in partnership with a leading environmental organization, Click A Tree, advances toward a greener future through our global communities’ collective impact. For every print subscription or print copy sold, a portion of the proceeds is donated to advance our efforts to actively fight climate change.

Join us in this noble cause, and let's make the world a better place, one tree at a time. Order your copy of our magazine today and help us plant more trees!

In Ghana , we plant over twenty different tree species through our reforestation system called “syntropic farming,” which creates both a forest and fruit trees, enabling the local community to eat and sell the fruit as we create a forest. We also support an educational program teaching Ghanaians entrepreunership. In Thailand , we plant over forty different tree species, creating a habitat for elephants and other endangered animals, as well as a food source for the local community and the animals. In the Philippines , we plant thirteen different tree species and for each tree planted, we remove 1 kg of plastic from the ocean in the Philippines.

TrooRa’s Sustainability Efforts

THE MAGAZINE YOU ARE READING IS:

Crafted using 100% recycled paper

TrooRa is committed to building a sustainable business model promoting and protecting the environment. Our digital platform on troora.com offers a conscious approach, creating an immersive space. With your help in building robust online support, TrooRa will print fewer magazines to ensure we remain a leader in the industry. However, when TrooRa produces print issues, we will uphold the highest quality of sustainability standards.

Imprinted with vegetable-based inks and encased in biodegradable laminates

For every print copy sold, a tree is planted

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WIND Naturally occurring stripes of the partridge feather lend themselves to a striking balance of beauty in the Wind Bar Bracelet. This tan and black neutral bracelet is crafted to coordinate with the Boysen Demi Drop earrings and matching Casper Bar Necklace.

HUTLETT A striking neutral toned addition to our feather organic stud earring collection. The Hutlett Earring feature partridge feathers in naturally occurring stripes of cream and black.

CRAFTED TO REFLECT THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF EACH FEATHER

DUNOIR The Dunoir Multi Bezel Hoop Earring will become an instant classic. Each bezel shocases the starking contrast of the partridge feather, including thick black bands and cream color blocks.

BRACKISH MOORCROFT BOW TIE Deep, rich shades of brown offset the dark shade of the Turkey feather on this beautiful art deco-esque bow tie. Perfect for black tie affairs, this tie is sure to set you apart from the crowd. Band collar wrap features an adjustable strap from 13" to 21" and a hook closure. Bow tie dimensions are 2.5” tall and 4.5” wide. Each feather used in production is all-natural and sustainably sourced. Feathers for bow ties are hand-selected, giving each finished piece unique coloring. Each bow tie is hand-crafted in Charleston, South Carolina and takes approximately five hours to make, start to finish.

HUTLETT A striking neutral toned addition to our feather organic stud earring collection. The Hutlett Earring feature partridge feathers in naturally occurring stripes of cream and black.

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PASSION FOR TRAVEL AND EXQUISITE APPARELS.

« People come, live and go ».

And we are here to celebrate the diversity of the world.

DOLCE VITA IN VOLCANIC ORANGE Introducing our exquisite collection of bags crafted with the finest Tuscan Silk Leather in Passion Red, offering a polished texture and a luxuriously soft touch. The unique design includes a delicately bent thin Bamboo Handle seamlessly attached to a metal framing, allowing for a graceful 45-degree movement in each direction. Standing tall on four bottom studs, these bags showcase meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Elevating the design further is the distinctive Benjamin Babadi "Bote Jeghe" Logo, meticulously crafted in brass and double gold plated, adding a touch of sophistication to each piece.

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CEO/Founder TRYSTANNE CUNNINGHAM - Founder, Creative Director, Executive Editor In Chief - USA

Administrative

Executive Assistant Administrative Virtual Assistant

INNAH MARIE ALEMANIA PABLO LIM III

Finance Team ROSELYN CRUZ

Systems & Web Team

Systems Management Director Web Operations Director

ALESSIO MONINO HASEEBUDIN SIDDIQUI

NEW LUXE LEATHER TOTE BAGS VEGETABLE-TANNED VACHETTA LEATHER

Editorial Team

Executive Editor in Chief Associate Editor Editorial & Visual Design Director Editorial & Visual Content Associate Designer Associate Copy Editor Copy Analyst/Proofreader

TRYSTANNE CUNNINGHAM MORGAN BERNARD KIM STONE FATJONA NEXHIPI

NATASHA WOLF MARIANE BELEN

Photo Editing Team

Photo Editor

ASHLYN LIN

Graphic Design Team

Graphic Designer Video Media Assets Creator Graphic Designer Media Assets Creator

ERICK BUENO HASINA AFZAL

Contributing Writers Team

Senior Contruting Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Lead Contributing Writer Fashion Stylist Director & Fashion Columnist Contributing Writer Lifestyle Columnist/Contributing Writer

LINDSAY HEINMAN CARY WONG TOBI ADEBANJO MAXIM SOROKOPUD ANGELIQUE REDWOOD SIKANDER SIDDIQUI STELLA POLYZOIDOU JESSE ADUMA CRISTINA DEPTULA ABBY YOUNG MARY-JANE DASER QUANIA LOVE JONES KATARINA SKIPIC ELOISE STARK LEON POSADA SHAMEYKA MCCALMAN NIDA KHAN HANNAH COLLYMORE

Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer

Marketing Team

AMBRA JEANSON YOGESH KUMAR CONOR DOUGLAS

Director of Brand Outreach & Global Community Strategist Social Media Maanager Email Marketing

Contributing Photographers & Videographers Department

Contributing Photographer Contributing Photographer Contributing Photographer Contributing Photo & Videographer Contributing Photographer

CHERYL FOX MORGAN OTAGBURUAGU

DONTAE BLINKS BAIDI KAMAGATE ISAIAH JACKSON

Bureaux Team • WARREN HEATH • ELSA YOUNG • KWAME AFROCHEAMPONG • GAELLE BELLER • GREG COX • SHELLEY STREET • ROBYN ALEXANDER

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p h o t og r a p h e r s IN THIS ISSUE

A-C @ALEJANDROTAKESPHOTOSS ALLI SCHAPER ANDREA HOFFMAN ANIMA IRIS AUINTARD HENDERSON

H-M

HANNA HILLIE @HOUSEOFZAMA @HYIPRODUCTIONS

JERAMIE CAMPBELL JULIA COMITA

BEATRICE CORREA BLK GIRLS GREEN HOUSE BUDGERON BACH CHARLES SCHOENBERGER CHEF JOHN CARNEY /ERIA CHERYL FOX CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS DAKOTA MATTHEWS @DANROLLINGPHOTOGRAPHY DEVON ROSE

LEA L LENNY KRAVITZ

Celebrating US! the STRONG, RESILIENT, and RADIANT Women in our communities WHO INSPIRE THE WORLD with our DIVERSITY and BEAUTY.

MEGAN REYES MELISSA

P-W

PEDRO LEBRON PL PHOTO & VIDEOGRAPHY POLINA TANKILEVITCH PROSEUZ PURITYOFSPIRIT

D-G

ELLA OLSSON ELIZA LOGAN ELLI

RICARDO LOZANO

TIMADGE BERKHADLEY TINA MALINGA

FOTIOS PHOTOS

WARREN HEATH/ BUREAUX. CO. ZA

GISELE BONDS GREG COX/

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86 WEST

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FRESH INGREDIENTS ONLY With Cold Press Juice Patented Fresh Tech No Preservatives

c o n t r i b u t i n t e a m g IN THIS ISSUE

TOBI ADEBANJO Contributing Wr i ter

CRISTINA DEPTULA Contributing Wr i ter

JESSE ADUMA Contributing Wr i ter

ELOISE STARK Contributing Wr i ter

STELLA POLYZOIDOU Contributing Wr i ter

SIKANDER SADDIQUI Contributing Wr i ter

QUANIA JONES Lifestyle Co l umn i s t

CARY WONG Contributing Wr i ter

SHAMEYKA MCCALMAN Contributing Wr i ter

KATARINA SKIPIC Contributing Wr i ter

LINDSAY HEINMAN Contributing Wr i ter

ABBY YOUNG Fash i on Co l umn i s t

ANGELIQUE REDWOOD Contributing Wr i ter

MAXIM SOROKOPUD Contributing Wr i ter

LEON POSADA Contributing Wr i ter

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OUR MISSION IS TO REMAKE, RE-USE, RECYCLE, AND REPURPOSE FOR A PROLONGED LIFE CYCLE.

IN THIS ISSUE e d i t o r i a l t e a m

NATASHA WOLF Associate Copy Ed i tor

KIM STONE Editorial & Visual Design Director

TRYSTANNE CUNNINGHAM Executive Editor in Chief/

FATJONA NEXHIPI

MORGAN BERNARD Associate Editor

ERICK BUENO Graphic Designer

HASINA AFZAL Graphic Designer

ASHLYN LIN Photo Editor

MARIANE BELEN Copy Analyst/ Proofreader

Editorial & Visual Associate Designer

GOODNESS OKORO Creative Art Di rec tor

EMERALD PEEKABOO BANGLE IN 14K

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e d i t o r s n o t e '

Dear TrooRa Community, We’re thrilled to bring you our Autumn Issue. This season’s issue is teeming with entrepreneurial inspiration that transcends industry and cuts to the core of what it means to be a true trailblazer. Our writers searched far and wide across a multitude of industries, from tech to wellness, culinary, and sports, to bring our readers stories of achievement against all odds. From daring designers shaking up our perception of beauty to compassionate founders providing a space for community engagement, our writers give readers a deeper understanding of what it takes to ignite change. In the sports world, Megan Reyes shines a light on underreported stories in women’s soccer and beyond, using her own Filipino heritage as a catalyst for her most compelling work. From the design world, Candice Luter blends fine art into everyday living with her exquisite interior design staples. In "A Scent for Every Occasion," the team duo behind 86 West gives readers the inside scoop on how they're shaking up the fragrance

world and redefining a space once dominated by luxury brands. This issue has something for readers from all walks of life and every corner of the globe, from our community leaders in the Bay Area, like Chef Mimi, who’s united Oakland's Black culinary community through events showcasing the area’s diverse culinary talents, to Anima Iris designer Wilglory Tanjong, who’s bringing African artisan traditions to the global stage, one stunning handbag at a time. We worked tirelessly to deliver an issue that stirs the entrepreneurial spirit and awakens your inner creative. Whether you’re a designer, artist, chef, soon-to-be executive, or community leader, we hope you find the inspiration in our pages to blaze your own trail and set out into the unknown in search of success and fulfillment. ,

Breathing New Life Into Antique Fabrics A Sustainable Take On Luxury

Happy reading. Sincerely, Morgan Bernard Associate Editor

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Morgan Bernard Associate Editor

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' f o u n d e r s In s ig h t s

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The Pulse and Heartbeat of Entrepreneurship

critical topic of athlete mental health, exploring the pressures they face and the support systems that are vital for their well-being. In addition, we are proud to introduce emerging brands and innovative technologies that are shaping the future of sports. From advancements in athletic performance to breakthroughs in sports medicine, this issue highlights the cutting-edge developments that are transforming the industry. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our contributors, copy editors, graphic designers, and the entire team whose passion and expertise have brought this issue to life. A special welcome and thank you to our new Associate Editor, Morgan Bernard, who has taken on the task of writing our editor’s note. I am confident you will enjoy reading the pieces the TrooRa team has crafted moving forward. Their storytelling and ability to capture the essence of each experience is truly remarkable. I am also grateful to our readers, whose support and engagement fuel our mission to create a platform that amplifies diverse voices and promotes equity in all spheres. Thank you for being a part of the TrooRa community. We hope this Sports Issue inspires you, sparks conversations, and encourages a deeper appreciation for the incredible world of sports.

ello TrooRa Readers, Welcome to the 2024 Sports Issue of TrooRa Magazine! As the founder, creative director, and executive editor in chief, it is my pleasure to present this special edition that takes a deep dive into the dynamic world of sports. This issue is particularly significant, as it not only highlights the athletic prowess and captivating stories of athletes who often remain on the sidelines but also sheds light on the essential themes of mental health, diversity, and innovation in sports. At TrooRa, we believe that sports are more than just games; they are a reflection of society, culture, and the human spirit. Our goal with this issue is to showcase the multifaceted nature of sports and the incredible individuals who push boundaries both on and off the field. We have curated a collection of stories that celebrate achievements, confront challenges, and inspire change. This issue features in-depth interviews with some remarkable figures, including Ms. Olympia Sheryl Grant, San Francisco 49er Austin Bryant, former professional soccer player Devante Dubose, and many more. Their journeys offer insights into the dedication, resilience, and mental fortitude required to excel at the highest levels of competition. We also take a look into the often overlooked but

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CONTENTS

Travel

160

EXPLORING TOMORROW

Fashion Accessory

Home Design

74 90

ARTFUL LIVING HOME & AWAY A LIFE ALOFT

108

178

BOLD BAGS

Culinary

Beauty

134 144

WHI SKED

FLAVORS OF CHANGE

202 214

SCENT-SATIONAL

BREAKING THE BEAUTY MOULD

NOTES OF BLACK CHERRY, TAMARIND, AND A NOD TO FRESHLY-BAKED STRAWBERRY GALETTE

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Vintage-inspired yet refined and modern colored glass collection that starts a revival of colored glass that is reminiscent of a past time.

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CONTENTS

Influential People

Wellness

224 250 260 270 280 294

WHERE BALANCE BEGINS GROWING TOGETHER BURNOUT TO BONBONS

306 316 330 342 352

CAREER SUPERPOWERS THE FABRIC OF BELONGING THE CONFIDENCE ARCHITECT

BALANCING AMBITION & AUTHENTICIY HARNESSING THE POWER OF FUNGI VOICES UNHEARD STORIES UNTOLD

AI MEETS EDUCATION INNOVATING INCLUSION

Healthy Eating Tasteful, Playful & Beautiful

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A carefully chosen selection of items for people who that enjoy “ the finer things in life. ”

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NOMA Collective partners with talented artisans across the globe to bring you consciously designed, ethically curated, homeware, textile, and accessory collections.

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Living ARTFUL WRITTEN BY ANGELIQUE REDWOOD IMAGES BY @DANROLLINGPHOTOGRAPHY Custom interior design blends art with life, allowing people to create home spaces that reflect their deepest desires. For some of the most innovative designs, Candice Luter stands out as a gifted artist reshaping the industry with her bold ideas. At Candice Luter Art + Interiors, her approach to design is infused with grit, grace, and relentless drive. Through her entrepreneurial spirit, Luter dares to revolutionize interior design, bringing her unique vision to the forefront.

“I love being in a customized industry,” Luter declares, “… so I’m all about customs because it allows me the freedom and flexibility to think outside the box.”

t rue innovation is a rarity. It shies away in corners, hidden from the crowd until the right light shines. It’s why our present-day feels stuffed with rehashes and remakes from decades before. But all you need to do is look closely enough, and you can find innovation in unique places, particularly in the visionary mind of Candice Luter. Growing up biracial in the Midwest, Luter had a hard time finding any mold she truly fit into, which proved to be both a blessing and a curse. Luter felt the substantial weight of juggling multiple worlds throughout her youth, but it never deterred her from pursuing

her dreams. She dedicated time to foster her full potential, and it has now led her to gain the confidence and joy to boldly dive into entrepreneurship and launch Candice Luter Art + Interiors. Before founding her own business, Luter wore a variety of hats. After graduating college with a health and fitness degree and a daughter, Luter jumped into occupations like personal training and program management. Being relegated to corporate life left Luter yearning for more, which pushed her to explore creative hobbies in her spare time. Her winding path through the business world eventually drew her creative projects into the spotlight. Soon after, Luter put her management skills into the interior design sphere, seamlessly blending her creative and professional worlds.

Cozied up in a small condo with her daughter, Luter decided there was no better homey welcome than creating her designed furniture collection. This sparked her journey into entrepreneurship when she began selling her pieces at local farmers' markets. Increasing sales quickly led to the creation of Luter’s Etsy account in 2019, a turning point that ushered in her era of creative prosperity. Without warning, Luter had people pining for her intricately innovative designs. Clients poured in all at once, and some of the pressures of entrepreneurship followed along with them. Immense amounts of stress forced her to look within for answers, and Luter soon understood her business was a rocket that required extra fuel. She would need a considerable amount of help to fulfill her growing order quantity, and soon after putting out a social media signal to her online followers, Luter established The Warehouse. Candice Luter's trust in her community has helped bring her and many other women's self-made visions to life on their terms. The organic, creative community makes Candice Luter Art + Interiors special. Today, Candice Luter Art + Interiors has a dedicated space to create comfortably without constraints, and a new, all-women crew has joined to help Luter realize the store of her dreams. All of Luter’s efforts culminated in big wins for her business. In 2021, Luter earned first place in the Etsy Design Awards, and soon after, she designed home décor sold in Targets nationwide in honor of Black History Month. Those key achievements officially put Candice Luter Art + Interiors on the map. Now, Luter sells her designed products in a range of well- known stores.

W hen reminiscing about her time designing Target’s first Black History Month home collection, Luter speaks candidly about the magnitude of that spotlight. “I remember it being such an emotional journey, just fighting imposter syndrome and things like that. And so, people will say, ‘Wow, that’s so cool, you got to design for Target…’ But in my mind, I’m thinking... I found myself in that process and found what Black History Month meant for me in my experience, and that was more than enough to represent Black History Month. People had no idea behind the scenes that I was really struggling… and I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’m enough to represent.’ And so just pushing past that in that way really helped me marry the two and discover myself uniquely.” After years of self-reflection, Luter inadvertently echoed her maturing strength into the atmosphere through art. Her artwork demonstrates a subtly whimsical spirit, where reflective mirrors and sculpted coffee tables cleverly wink

back at the viewer. Playing with simple adaptations, Luter finds ways to twist and recreate the normal into unique representations of life. “I love being in a customized industry,” Luter declares, “… so I’m all about customs because it allows me the freedom and flexibility to think outside the box.” According to Luter, her supreme creations are ones inspired by her customers. “Honestly, it’s an investment. Whether it’s a $200 piece or a $2,000 piece, I treat them all the same and realize that investment looks different for everyone, so I want people to feel comfortable, confident, and happy with what they have.” Naturally growing with the seasons, Luter embraces change in all its forms. Whether through painted mirrors or draped fabrics, Luter’s singular vision for beauty results in her constant renovations of art and style. She has become a tower of creative energy by putting in the internal time and effort. Everything Luter knows and loves bravely fuses into her life’s work. Even a love of fashion has inspired Luter’s interior

designs, as her artwork shares some of the same drooping frames and draping gowns of runways. The natural blend of her hobbies resulted in Candice Luter Art + Interiors 2023/2024 portfolio showcasing Black models adorned in Luter’s most recent décor doubled as accessorized fashion. In the same way, her designs reshape any room; they effortlessly complement the featured Black models, serving as statements of art, style, and social consciousness through a scope of pattern and color. With character, Luter’s designs jump out among inanimate objects, turning houses into homes and daily life into art. Regardless of preference or taste, Luter’s pieces universally grab the eye, daring us to peek closer and seize meaning from life's unassuming materials. With skill, Luter finds a way to make the external world reflect our internal selves

Luter chose the entrepreneurial route, a road rooted in grit, grace, and grind. For Luter, the entrepreneurial sacrifices are well worth it in the end. By looking inward and pursuing her passions, Luter is now reaping her harvest and has become a successful entrepreneur on her terms. “Trying to determine where Candice Luter Art + Interiors and Candice Luter the person stop and start, I had to realize they are one and the same… I had to embrace all of that, of what I thought was negative, and figure out a way to try to make it positive and use it to my advantage. And so, just embracing everything and owning it has been the best thing I’ve ever done.” Ultimately, there’s no better motto to adorn The Warehouse of Candice Luter Art + Interiors, a place for women dedicating time to finding themselves in the safety of their self-made paradise. Entrepreneurship takes guts, but Luter embodies what it means to level up internally and harness our grit, grace, and grind.

Becoming a designer took three things for Luter, which now serve as the motto of her business’s warehouse: grit, grace, and grind. Like many, Luter didn’t have a quickly paved path to success. It took immense amounts of sacrifice to stay afloat and an affinity for pure hustle and tenacity. There’s something inspirational about the grind, especially for artists trapped in winding circles trying to find their niche. With her nose to the ground, Luter wrote herself a new chapter of expression, throwing fear out the door to combine her talents into triumphs. Luter stresses that her success surpasses any sort of money or recognition. The most significant piece of her journey has been the strong, intelligent women she’s had the opportunity to acquaint herself with, who reminds her of what it means to embrace your greatness and grow with the seasons. “We can define success by sales and numbers and all that stuff, and that’s not how I define success. But I think it’s

easy to focus on that as tiny businesses and entrepreneurs. When they’re getting advice from mentors, it’s always that’s the focus… Anybody can be successful, but if you’re not doing the internal work, it won’t be as successful as you could be.” “The one biggest thing I give for advice, whether it’s design students or aspiring entrepreneurs, is to do the work internally,” Luter states with seriousness. “Once you do the internal work, there is nothing anyone can tell you besides what you know about yourself. And so, I think when you spend the time knowing who you are and what you’re worth, and that’s a constant life-long journey, it will set you up for success in the long run…” Life is forever renewing, and change is one of the few constants we humans have. Time stops for no one, so we must take hold of the things that bring us joy and refashion our adorations into a way of life the same way Luter has. It doesn’t even matter what form your life's remodeling takes.

JUST LIKE ANYTHING IN THE KITCHEN, TO CREATE EXCEPTIONAL COOKWARE, YOU MUST BEGIN WITH EXCEPTIONAL INGREDIENTS. SO WE BUILT OUR FACTORIES IN ITALY TO ENSURE EVERY VESSEL IS CRAFTED WITH THE WORLD’S BEST MATERIALS, MACHINERY, AND HANDS AT WORK.

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A CAREFULLY CHOSEN SELECTION OF ITEMS FOR PEOPLE THAT ENJOY “THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE.”

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THE WORLD’S FINEST HIDE R U G S

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Plant-based designs bringing the outside in & celebrating the natural world

Healthy Eating Tasteful, Playful & Beautiful

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Home Aaway HOUSE KJELDSEN A N D

WRITTEN BY ROBYN ALEXANDER STYLING BY SVEN ALBERDING/ BUREAUX.CO.ZA IMAGES BY GREG COX/ BUREAUX.CO.ZA

THIS PAGE: An inviting, L-shaped couch occupies one corner of the living and dining room. In this light-filled space, the interior walls have been plastered but left unpainted, giving them a unique textured look. The tin- framed mirrors, couch, rattan coffee table, side table, wooden stools, brass table lamp, throws, and cushions are all by Tine K Home (www.tinekhome.com). OPPOSITE: Vibrantly colored exterior walls and traditional green wooden shutters adorn the exterior of the low-rise apartment building in which interior designer Tine Kjeldsen’s apartment in Santa Catalina, Palma de Mallorca, is situated.

In the buzzing district of Santa Catalina in Palma de Mallorca, Danish interior designer and retailer Tine Kjeldsen has created a holiday apartment that combines laid-back family living with an all- natural, layered aesthetic.

S ituated just a short distance on foot of Santa Catalina. The lively historic district features attractive low-rise apartment buildings with cast-iron balconies, classic Mallorcan wooden window shutters—mostly painted traditional dark green—and rooftop terraces ideal for enjoying long, balmy summer evenings. The area contains a plethora of coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, and at its heart is the renowned Santa Catalina market, where you can shop for top-quality fresh vegetables, cheeses, preserved meats, pastries, flowers, and plants. from the historic old center of Palma, the capital city of the idyllic Mediterranean island of Mallorca, lies the neighborhood A short stroll from the market, on the first floor of a small building on a tree-lined street, is the apartment where Danish interior designer Tine

A local carpenter made the deep white storage drawers in the compact kitchen, and the leather handles are by Tine K Home (www.tinekhome.com). The simple basket pendant light illuminates an open shelf on which glassware, crockery, and a metal table lamp, all of which are also by Tine K Home, are displayed. During the renovation, the windows above the shelf were added to allow light through into the bathroom, which is situated behind the kitchen. The black kitchen mixer tap is by Grohe (www.grohe.com).

The compact kitchen is situated just off the living and dining room. A local carpenter made the deep white storage drawers and the leather handles are by Tine K Home (www. tinekhome.com). The simple basket pendant light illuminates an open shelf on which glassware, crockery, and a metal table lamp, all of which are also by Tine K Home, are displayed. The black kitchen mixer tap is by Grohe (www.grohe.com).

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A simple open shelf in the kitchen provides display space for glassware, crockery, and a table lamp by Tine K Home (www. tinekhome.com). OPPOSITE: A palette of natural tones creates a neutral backdrop against which the black and white patterned crockery has a graphic boldness. The crockery, like the antique brass tray, the charcoal linen napkin, and the tea glasses are by Tine K Home (www.tinekhome.com).

renovation that has reinvigorated the space. From the door on the street, you head up a quaint, narrow staircase to the wooden front door, beyond which a pretty entrance hallway, complete with a notice board covered with holiday snaps and neighborhood restaurant business cards, opens up before you. Directly ahead is the doorway to the living and dining room, which has a small kitchen situated off it, while to the left and right are two of the flat’s three bedrooms. mistake of thinking that this is the "master suite." Rather, this is the bedroom that Klara, Tilde, and Konrad share. It has plenty of space for two double beds in it, and it used to be the kitchen. "We didn’t want to be cooking so much with all these lovely restaurants around us," Kjeldsen explains, "so now the kids have a huge bedroom with lots of space."

Kjeldsen, her husband Jacob Fossum, and their three children, Klara, Tilde, and Konrad, spend their Spanish holidays. A light- filled corner flat with several Juliet balconies, it is a perfectly restful yet vibrantly urban getaway. K jeldsen says the apartment, then adorned with a Sa Vende (For Sale) sign, caught her eye one sunny December day a few years back when she was in Palma seeing a client. She immediately decided that she had to take a look and fell in love with the property on the spot, despite it being in a state of disrepair after having been unoccupied for some time. "It was clear that the apartment needed love," says Kjeldsen, and that is exactly what it received, in the form of a careful

The main bedroom leads off the living and dining room and features a Juliet balcony with views of the tree-lined street outside. The white wood and glass storage cabinet in the living room stores (and showcases) books, including back copies of Tine K Home (www.tinekhome.com) catalogs, as well as crockery, baskets, and glassware by the brand.

The shelves of the white wood and glass storage cabinet in the living room display books, including back copies of Tine K Home (www.tinekhome. com) catalogs, as well as crockery, vases, and glassware by the brand.

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Probably the most instantly eye-catching elements of the entire apartment are its original period features. These include traditional Mallorcan floor tiles, wood and glass doors, pressed ceilings, cast-iron balcony railings, and wooden exterior shutters. The floor tiles in particular are intricately patterned and absolutely lovely—perhaps even more so because during the renovation, they were a surprise discovery, unearthed from beneath much less attractive flooring that had been laid on top of them. Only in the children’s bedroom and the bathroom were new tiles laid, and these are handcrafted Moroccan cement tiles from Kjeldsen’s own collection, created for her store, Tine K Home. They work perfectly alongside the older tiles. The traditional double wooden interior doors, all inset with glass, were retained. The existing glass in them was thick and discolored, however, so it was replaced to allow light to stream through the space, which it now does freely throughout the day. A s lovely as its period features are, however, the apartment feels thoroughly unpretentious and functional. When they are here, Kjeldsen and her family spend plenty of time out and about in Palma, as well as exploring Mallorca’s many attractions beyond the city itself. Describing a typical day spent on the island, Kjeldsen says, "My husband and I wake up earlier than the kids, so we go to the small coffee shop on our street to see the area wake up and people-watch as the locals go to the market to do their shopping." Once the children are also awake, the family has breakfast together, and

In the guest bedroom, clothing storage takes the form of a simple bamboo "wardrobe," which, like the textured throws, basket, and round palm- leaf mat, is by Tine K Home (www.tinekhome. com).

Woven straw hats hang on the bamboo "wardrobe" (by Tine K Home, www.tinekhome. com) in the guest bedroom.

then, "We plan the day from there," says Kjeldsen. "And whatever the day brings, whether it’s an excursion to Deià, a bicycle trip around town, or a day on the beach, we always end up back in our area having a late dinner." Of course, the apartment also gets its chic yet easy-going atmosphere from Kjeldsen's decorative approach. The look is definitely in line with the overall feel of the Tine K Home brand, although appropriately, given its location, it’s a little more laid-back. "In Palma, it’s more boho combined with Nordic, simple and natural," says Kjeldsen. "And the use of materials like bamboo and rattan makes a perfect contrast with the old tiles on the floors."

One of two double beds in the large bedroom that is shared by homeowner Tine Kjeldsen’s three children, Klara, Tilde, and Konrad. The floral cushions in Liberty fabrics, the wall-mounted metal reading lamps, the rattan-framed mirrors, the round palm-leaf mat, and the textured bed linen are all by Tine K Home (www.tinekhome.com).

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A bed is built into an alcove in the large bedroom that is shared by homeowner Tine Kjeldsen’s three children, Klara, Tilde, and Konrad. A glass-fronted, white, wooden cabinet (the twin of the one used for storage and display in the living and dining area) contains bed linen and baskets, all of which, like the bamboo ladder, the wooden stool, and the textiles on the bed itself, is by Tine K Home (www.tinekhome.com).

ontrasting elements are used to perfection throughout the space. For example, white wooden, glass-fronted cabinets display textured linens and books, and sleek white drawers in the kitchen hide crockery, cutlery, and all the usual domestic necessities. But a veritable swarm of

The compact bathroom is situated behind the kitchen. Sliding doors off the main bedroom and large children’s bedroom allow access to it from two sides. The striped floor tiles in this space are new. They are Moroccan in origin and are part of the Tine K Home (www.tinekhome. com) collection. The basin is made of black stone and is beautifully compl emented by the sculptural, wall-mounted metal lamp, which is also by Tine K Home.

rustic wood and wicker stools and side tables, in turn, provide perfect counterpoints to these. In the living and dining room, a simple wood and bamboo dining table and woven cane chairs (“all of which are light enough to be easy to move around the space at will,” says Kjeldsen) contrast with the white, upholstered L-shaped couch nestling in the corner. The couch is covered with tactile, gray textured throws and large, gray and white cushions that invite lounging. The lighting is all about contrasts too. The pressed ceilings are set off by woven baskets that function as pendant lamps, while a clean-lined metal table and built-in bedside lamps add a contemporary element to the mix. The apartment is, in many ways, a perfect expression of the Tine K Home brand. Since founding it with her husband in 1999, Kjeldsen has created a unique blend of Scandinavian simplicity with French, Asian, and Moroccan influences. Yet this home away from home is by no means a showroom intended for display. Rather, it is a family-orientated, lived-in space. Holidays spent in this unique pied-à-terre, situated in a vibrant yet historic city, must be truly special. Kjeldsen says, "We love this style of simple living. Our Spanish home is our second home and a place where the whole family can relax."

Street life: interior designer Tine Kjeldsen’s holiday apartment in Palma de Mallorca is situated in the picturesque historic district of Santa Catalina.

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A hand-built, studio-like space tucked into a tree-filled mountain proved the perfect home for South African fashion designer Jenni Button to rediscover her passion for painting.

While the bottom floor is essentially one large, open space, surprising features such as this fireplace found in the middle of the room separate it into different living zones.

WRITTEN BY ROBYN ALEXANDER :PRODUCTION BY SVEN ALBERDING/ BUREAUX.CO.ZA IMAGES BY WARREN HEATH/ BUREAUX.CO.ZA

HOUSE BUTTON

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LEFT: The reclaimed factory windows that front the home accentuate the volume of the space inside and infuse the home with beautiful natural light. ABOVE: "A friend of mine bought these iron and rope chandeliers and then realized her ceilings were too low for them. She gave them to me and I think they work wonderfully here," says Button.

its immense proportions, hand-built by the previous owner a decade ago. "As I walked up that driveway, I knew this is where I wanted to live," explains Button. The gate, incidentally, sports a sign that warns visitors "4x4s only." Reaching the house requires you to hike up forty coarsely cut stone steps. With its dominating reclaimed factory windows and simple silhouette, the home doesn’t reveal much of what you can expect inside when you arrive. It’s hard to capture the sheer volume of the

"My ultimate dream was to have a New York loft in a wild forest setting, and I never thought it would be possible. It’s like a big art studio," says Jenni Button, her petite frame dwarfed by the incredible loft-like space she discovered and made her home on mountain slopes in Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. When house hunting, the well-known South African fashion and interior designer sought a refuge where she could paint—Button studied fine art and has recently rekindled her romance with oil paint. She found her sanctuary in this unique house with

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A sober canvas of stone, brick, and wood is brought to life with Button’s treasure trove of furniture she has purchased over the years.

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project that has taken up most of her time and energy. Clearly, it has unlocked her creative juices. The large wall in the lounge area is freckled with her hand- painted portraits. While Button admits to an affinity for quite masculine design, her treasure trove of furniture suggests otherwise. A self-professed magpie, Button’s portrait wall is flanked by an ornate, hand- carved antique door from India and surrounded by a compendium of Eames and Le Corbusier originals (design investments she made in her early twenties),

space, but the word “cavernous” comes to mind— partly because it is nestled into the side of a mountain and partly because the building is enriched with stone features, exposed brick walls, and rough wooden floors. Button jokes that the house had many "Freddy Flintstone" features when she purchased it. Her initial focus has been on bringing the various elements of the two-level building together with a consistent stone gray palette and, of course, taming the vast garden, a

LEFT: With pieces sourced from, or inspired by, Africa, India, China, and France all found interacting in the living area, Button laughs that she finds it impossible to be tied down by one style. "I fall in love with individual pieces," she says.

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Button’s Bengal cats have free roam of the large garden. BELOW: A collector at heart, Button has filled this incredible cabinet from Cape Town’s Onsite store with white crockery. The multiple panes mirror those of the factory windows that face them.

With a home surrounded by trees, every window offers up a different glimpse of nature.

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"I can’t stick to just one style. I enjoy the juxtaposition of different influences and textures. And I think the items I have collected over the years work here because it is such an eclectic space itself,"

Button’s dressing table overlooks the living area and the tree-filled garden beyond it.

Steps from the living space take you into a mezzanine that is home to Button’s ensuite bedroom.

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shades. But I change my house around every couple of months. So you could come back and discover this wall is covered with acid-yellow paintings," she laughs. "It’s the beauty of having a house like this, which is such a canvas." While Button wishes she could spend her days painting with a Klimt-like view of vast trees overlooking the valley at the back of Table Mountain, her fashion business and growing interior design clientele, unfortunately, take her into the city every

Chinese cabinets, and traditional French country furniture. "I can’t stick to just one style. I enjoy the juxtaposition of different influences and textures. And I think the items I have collected over the years work here because it is such an eclectic space itself," says Button. Amidst the stark gray shades, taupes, and neutrals that Button loves is a persistent thread of bronze, copper, and brass—a gleaming bowl, a striking chandelier. "I love the warmth and richness of these

ABOVE: From the steel lattice headboard to the embroidered French bed throw, and the Dutch daybed with its textured fabric, Button’s bedroom has a feminine feel.

"I bought the map that lies above my bed in Venice. I love how elongated and distorted it is," says Button. Her bedroom features some of her other favorite items, including carved tables she had made in Indonesia, a Chinese screen, and an antique Dutch daybed.

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The copper bowl and taps in Button’s bathroom rest on a thick plank of natural wood. Set against the neutral studio-like space of the home, elements like these add texture and interest.

to build a wine cellar and dreams of building a studio behind the existing structure. This will provide her with further solitude and a canopy view of her "mad garden of trees." The view from Button’s bedroom is also perfectly positioned to capture this leafy view, and she says no two days are the same. "When I wake up in the morning, the light starts pink, and then turns orange, and then fades into blue," she says. Despite its stony form, it seems this home is destined to be infused

day. But weekends are spent painting or entertaining friends. Bar stools hug the distressed wood kitchen island, and the dining room table has tip-to-toe additions to make space for more guests. The half- moon tables, bought from a bric-a-brac shop in downtown Cape Town, "make the table longer, but also add interest," explains Button. Always the tinkerer, Button has plans to enclose the mezzanine floor, currently home to her ensuite bedroom, with glass. She is also excavating a space

Button’s partner Richard Hebblethwaite.

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