Janelle Sisting’s first trip to Thailand became a blueprint for launching her business, Lotus and Luna, a bohemian collection of jewelry and accessories that serve “a culture I love.”
A myriad of colorful bracelets handcrafted by female artisans from villages outside of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, sustain Sisting’s initiative for “women helping women.”
The colorful wearable art, made through a “delicate beading process” from high-quality material sourced from Thailand, strives to “provide fair and consistent employment to each artisan who handcrafts our accessories.”
“Village women who may otherwise be unemployed or working manual labor now have a safe space to work as artisans,” she said. Sisting offers workers ethical standards, proper wages, sick pay, paid vacations and the flexibility of working in a safe workshop space or from home. “Every mom can earn a fair living wage working from home while caring for their children,” she explained. “The flexibility is important for single moms or moms caring for elders or spouses who are ill or unable to work.”
What began as one village and three artisans working with Sisting’s design team has become four villages that employ over 150 artisans. Villages vary in their product workload with one central village supply location. “Village women are trained by our artisans and given tasks based on their personal interests and skills,” explained Sisting “There’s a place for everyone, even seniors – women 75 years or older. Some make bracelets, others tag items or cut fabrics. As these women make our products, their village economy grows stronger, allowing them to better provide for their children and generations to come.”
Sisting noted the positive impact Lotus and Luna has made within each village. “The villages that work with us now donate to their community schools and orphanages because they have a little extra to give,” she said.  “We plan to evolve season by season, giving these women the opportunity to expand and hone their skill while empowering them as they continue to grow their economy.”
The self-described titan feels blessed to work among a network of amazing people that includes customers who are helping to put an end to poverty with every purchase. “I’m proud, fulfilled and blessed to be a part of the global picture that fights to stop the cycle of poverty,” she said. “Lotus and Luna has made such a positive impact. And customers have become a part of our mission; they too can be proud of their contributions.” Lotus and Luna’s artifacts are available online and in over 550 retail locations including San Diego’s Paradise Point, Hansen’s, Tilly’s, and South Coast Surf Shop. Larger retail stores include Scheels, Palmetto Moon, in Florida, Alabama, New Jersey, and Georgia. Pacific Beach is home to the company’s brick-and-mortar, which serves as retail store, showroom, boutique, shipping center, and executive offices.
Bracelets (for both men and women) necklaces, chokers, and anklets sidle hair scarves, headbands, scrunchies and Lotus and Luna’s beach line of swim cover ups, beach pants, shorts, and sarongs. New products are launched regularly in order to “employ more deserving artisans in Thailand.” Lotus and Luna
1552 Garnet Ave.
lotusandluna.com