Air Collection
STORY
The Medicine Wheel is a symbol found across many indigenous nations. The teachings and concepts vary slightly between communities. However, the most common shared symbolism speaks to the four directions, natural elements, states of being, medicines, and phases of life. Our physical world is composed of four classic elements; water, fire, earth, and air. These elements are considered important energy forces and as a part of the medicine wheel, used as a guide and teaching tool for personal growth and learning. Air. We can’t see air, but we feel it on our skin. We observe its presence when the trees and flowers move. Without thinking, we immediately take a deep breath in, as if knowing air has mystical properties to soothe our soul. The Air Collection is about slowing down and observing the world as is–not grieving the past, or worrying about the future. This winter, let the air element inspire more mindful living and bring you back to the present moment.
Design Elements
The Air Collection introduces the geometric floral. The neutral hues connect back to the air element. The arrows, shapes, and accent lines point toward the center of the pattern representing the power of being present within one’s self.
My Calling is Culture Collection
STORY
The My Calling is Culture collection represents the blending of cultures. It reflects the experience of Tessa’s family migration from the indigenous prairie lands of North Dakota and Montana to the Pacific Northwest to Coast Salish territory. The collection is a reminder to honor all facets of ourselves, unique heritage, background, communities, and experiences. A personal calling of acceptance, inclusion, and self-love. Let it rekindle the cultural calling in you.
Design Elements
The My Calling is Culture Collection introduces the salmon tail floral, a design inspired from a tattered button blanket belonging to Tessa’s grandmother Mary. Through the refurbishment of the blanket into a stole, a salmon tail was combined with florals to highlight both Coast Salish and Chippewa woodland design. The Coast Salish design elements were created by Tessa’s father, Michael Sayers, an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and trained artist in Coast Salish aesthetics.
Earth Collection
STORY
The Medicine Wheel is a symbol found across many indigenous nations. The teachings and concepts vary slightly between communities. However, the most common shared symbolism speaks to the four directions, natural elements, states of being, medicines, and phases of life. Our physical world is composed of four classic elements; water, fire, earth, and air. These elements are considered important energy forces and as a part of the medicine wheel, used as a guide and teaching tool for personal growth and learning. Earth. All living things are supported by earth, the foundation of all the elements. Its energy pulls in as if coaxing one back to motherly love and security. The Earth Collection is about connecting to this safe energy and trusting it will be there for you. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed, take a moment to close your eyes and feel the ground beneath you. This fall, let go of holding space alone and connect with the energy of mother earth to ground and re-center your soul.
Design Elements
The Earth Collection introduces fall florals. The red, maroon, yellow, brown, and orange hues connect back to the earth element. The flowers with root systems represent grounding into the soil and celebrate Chippewa woodland floral design.
Water Collection
STORY
The Medicine Wheel is a symbol found across many indigenous nations. The teachings and concepts vary slightly between communities. However, the most common shared symbolism speaks to the four directions, natural elements, states of being, medicines, and phases of life. Our physical world is composed of four classic elements; water, fire, earth, and air. These elements are considered important energy forces and as a part of the medicine wheel, used as a guide and teaching tool for personal growth and learning. The 2018 spring collection introduces the water element. Water. An element we cannot, as humans, live without. On a high vibrational scale, water represents cleansing, purifying, movement, and fluidity. With its polarizing nature, it also symbolizes coldness, stillness, and destruction–an energy of danger and darkness. The Water Collection is about moving through uncertainty and fear with self-compassion. This spring, let courage be your north star as you navigate the uncharted waters of self fear and brave the horizon for new adventures.
Design Elements
The Water Collection introduces the water floral. The teal and blue hues connect back to the water element. The curved outlines and soft shapes celebrate Chippewa woodland floral design.
Fire Collection
STORY
The Medicine Wheel is a symbol found across many indigenous nations. The teachings and concepts vary slightly between communities. However, the most common shared symbolism speaks to the four directions, natural elements, states of being, medicines, and phases of life. Our physical world is composed of four classic elements; water, fire, earth, and air. These elements are considered important energy forces and as a part of the medicine wheel, used as a guide and teaching tool for personal growth and learning. The 2018 summer collection introduces the fire element. Fire. We need fire to keep us warm and heat our food. Its destructive nature obliterates anything in its path but, with the die-off, there is cleansing and regrowth. The Fire Collection is about shedding old narratives, writing a new chapter, and loving yourself through the process. It’s about giving yourself permission to throw a match at your internal space, watching the flames of shame, anger, fear, and anxiety smolder away into the past. This summer, let love fuel your inner fire as you face fears and push through challenging times. Feed your fire with this love and see what beautiful growth takes place.
Design Elements
The Fire Collection introduces the floral flame. The red, maroon, and orange hues connect back to the fire element. The curved outlines and soft shapes celebrate Chippewa woodland floral design.
Seasons Collection
STORY
As humans, we experience different seasons of life. In spring, we might feel renewed, budding, and ready for the next adventure. Summer, at our peak, feeling loved, connected, and fulfilled. Fall, an opportunity to let go and clear what isn't serving us anymore. Then there is winter...when some of the tougher aspects of our life take the forefront. The winter season offers an invitation to dig deep and heal layers of unresolved emotional residue. May this collection inspire you to slow down and take note where you are, allowing yourself to feel into the season, life lessons, and healing that can take place. To offer yourself compassion and permission to nestle into the winter season for as long as you need.
Design Elements
Seasons introduces four main florals representing the four seasons; spring, summer, fall, and winter. The focus is winter, representing grief and the associated colors of black and grey. The flower shapes connect back to Chippewa woodland floral design.
Seasons introduces four main florals representing the four seasons; spring, summer, fall, and winter. The focus is winter, representing grief and the associated colors of black and grey. The flower shapes connect back to Chippewa woodland floral design.
Messenger Collection
STORY
The Messenger Collection is inspired by the story of Omakakii, the Chippewa frog who became very sick because of contaminated pond water. Omakakii was confused as to why Creator chose her to bear this hardship when other frogs were healthy. Labon, a wise Hopi frog, told Omakakii that Creator only allows the strong to carry such burdens. He said Omakakii was a messenger to the people about the importance of taking care of mother earth and themselves. Her sickness was part of healing the collective community and a sign of her strength. This collection is dedicated to anyone who is journeying through life with a health challenge. May it give a different perspective in the struggles you are facing. Let it be a reminder you have the strength to heal and the medicine teachings to share with others.
Design Elements
The Messenger Collection introduces Omakakii (oh-ma-kaw-key), the Chippewa frog. The green and yellow hues connect back to color markings on amphibians. The curved outlines and soft shapes tie back to Chippewa woodland floral design. *This story was told to Tessa Sayers by her Hopi friend, Brian Labon in 2012, as an effort to help Tessa accept and cope with a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease.
