We’re approaching summer. And I’m only too aware of being halfway into the year. Six months have passed and it’s a reflective time. Not only in terms of our carefully laid plans. Or timing. In terms of news. News that breaks your heart. Pulls on your soul.
We feel it collectively. We yearn for understanding. For healing. For peace. For love.
And so, as we prepare for the holidays, I want to share with you one way that helps. All you need is time. And a flower.
Drawing for Peace at Afrika Rose
Journey to the heart of a rose. Journey back to Source.
“Look at where you come from. How could you ever not be enough?”
Notes from my sketchbook:
Went to meet the roses, at Afrika Rose, after hearing Megumi Hagiuda’s inspiring story at our recent FEW (For Empowering Women) meeting on social entrepreneurship. Sat on a stool on the street and got to know them better by drawing. When asked about drawing, I replied:
“For peace. With so much happening in the world, it’s sometimes hard to find. We need more and more ways of cultivating inner peace, so when we open the door each day, we take it out into the world. Combat unconsciousness. Contribute to the collective. So many ways to choose from. Drawing’s one way to peace. And connection. Flowers as teachers. Each time we look, really look, we can remember where we came from. That we’re part of something so much bigger. When drawing, I recognise lines in the flower as the same lines found on my own body. It’s a true meeting. We look at each other till I don’t know where I end and they begin. And then there’s a stillness. Peace.”
And you can guess what happened next.
We sat down to draw.
Megumi: “I haven’t drawn since the third grade!”
Afrika Rose
Peace. Presence. Purposeful Business.
What’s the purpose?
Love.
Always. In all of our many, many, rich, colourful, diverse ways. If we’re disconnected it can’t come in. Got to keep plugging in. Plugging into nature. Each flower a constant reminder.
Loved every minute of time shared with Megumi and the roses. We relax. We laugh. We swap stories.
Megumi told me about her purpose and business model – a love business model – from the happy Kenyans who grow the roses to the smiles of her customers in Tokyo. 80% of the employees in Kenya are women. Through the money they earn they now have clean, filtered water and a hospital. Every person who walks into her shop in Tokyo walks out with a smile. The roses speak for themselves. She takes some of her customers to Kenya with her each year.
“People call me a social entrepreneur, but I feel I’m just doing what I want to do. We often think about the product and the price. Not enough about the people who made it. In my opinion all companies should be social companies. Donation and circulation in the business are very different. Not making a donation to them. Making them a part of it.”
Incredible story. Importing fresh roses from Kenya every week. Founder & CEO, Megumi Hagiuda, went to Kenya in 2011 to help build schools. “Would it be sustainable to just donate?” She asked herself what was the best way. Her answer was to import roses to Japan, expand the market and create job opportunities in Kenya. She started Afrika Rosa in 2012 as soon as she came back from Kenya and after 3 years of online business, has opened a store in Hiroo, where Kenyan roses are available anytime, as well as flower arrangement classes and events. Stop by and say hello.
With peace and love.
Ever draws,
DMK x
Online Course, Classes & Retreats
Online Course
For those of you who would like to find out more about drawing for peace and discovering something new, Part 1 of my online drawing course is free for immediate download for you to try out at home. Head over here to download your free copy
Classes
For more information on drawing classes at Afrika Rose, click here for dates and details. 5 Class Course & Final Group Exhibition Party
Retreats
To work with me in person, come join one of our exclusive retreats – run with my friend and partner, Sarah Furuya, Coach, More info click here
Drawing Classes at Afrika Rose
