Groundation Interviews ~ Mimi ChiQ
:: by Malaika Brooks-Smith-Lowe ::
Mimi ChiQ wearing earrings from her collection.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Melissa Urykah Riddell aka Mimi ChiQ, ethnic background half Grenadian half Jamaican. Born in the UK grew up in Grenada and resided in the England for about 12 years.
You recently moved back home to Grenada, can you tell us what made you decide to return?
I’m currently on an extended vaca trip during this time its made me come to the decision of moving back in the near future.
What is ChiQ Haven?
Haven Hut is in the final stages before official opening.
We know you haven’t fully launched yet but can you give us a little teaser about the Haven Hut?
The Haven Hut is my baby. This is my start as a certified massage therapist. A lot of hard work and inspiration has gone into it. I wanted to create a getaway feel for my clients bringing the outdoors to the indoors.
How do your different creative and holistic practices interconnect?
ChiQ Haven Collections
Tell us a little more about your eco-friendly approach.
With this collection, I have used fabric scraps that were donated and mixed it with recycled material that I have been collecting over the months. But as a designer I see the beauty in all material and made a great collaboration of African fabric, recycled jersey fabric, recycled card board and chains.
In terms of my business ethics, my overall aim is to operate by doing practices for the greater good of all. Whether it be environmentally, social and economic in this way clients can reap the benefits of cheaper products yet still maintaining quality of products and services. I will be updating my website with regards to a more detailed about my sustainability plan.
What made you begin to explore design as an avenue for your creativity?
So, how do you represent your individuality and your roots? In other word, what inspires your work as a designer?
My main inspiration come from the motherland; Africa. My designs reflect the fusion of where the tropics meets Africa.
I get inspiration from the simplest of things as I am a very visual person. My latest inspiration depot is instragram (ChiQHaven). I’ve meet some beautiful and amazing people on there sharing their journey and passions alike.
ChiQ Haven Collections
ChiQ Haven Collections
I am currently reading “The power of Karma” by Mary T.Browne. Its a great read to start off my day. And I am also re-reading “The Four Agreement” by Don Miguel Ruiz this is an insightful and amazing read.
What was your first favorite book?
I have 2 favourite books; The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and The 4th Agreement by Don Miguel Ruiz.
What is one book you haven’t read but want to read before you die?
THIS SUNDAY 15th December I will be selling some new original pieces at the Xmas Bazaar at True Blue Bay Resort from 10am -5pm. Entry is FREE and there will be lots of other local artists there too.
You can also find me online at Mimi ChiQ (Facebook), ChiQHaven (Instagram) or visit www.ChiqHaven.com
__________________
Malaika Brooks-Smith-Lowe
Editor/Co-Founder Groundation Grenada
Malaika Brooks-Smith-Lowe is a Grenadian contemporary artist and activist. She is director of public Relations at The Grenada Goat Dairy Project. She is also co-founder of Spice Harmony Yoga Studio in Calivigny St.George, Grenada. Malaika is a certified yoga teacher, holds a BA in Studio Art from Smith College and is pursuing her MA in Cultural Studies through University of the West Indies.
Reblogged this on Misskinx's Blog and commented:
Moving back home is a consistent and persistent question for me. Seeing others do it and knowing that these types of services will be available definitely helps to make the decision an easier one….
That is a huge part of our focus, helping to be magnetic for all the dynamic Grenadians living abroad who just need that extra little encouragement. Representing the incredible things that are brewing here in Grenada, in this moment, is so crucial for folks at home too.
Thanks for this post Malaika, because of it I recognised our lady at Dodgy Dock’s art and craft sale last weekend. Bought myself a cute pair of hand crafted earrings.
I needed to thank you for this good read!! I definitely loved
every bit of it. I’ve got you bookmarked to look at new stuff you post…
Glad you are staying connected to us.