Letter From the Editor: The Joy of Giving

The holiday season is almost here and, while we may love giving and receiving, it can be stressful to find the right present for the special people in our lives.

In this issue, we’ve curated a collection of gifts, each of which carries rich traditions that make them worth treasuring for years to come. These range from handwoven scarves of lotus fibre from the gardens of Myanmar, to traditional cushions woven in one of Italy’s oldest churches. All together, we have found 26 unique gifts that will bring beauty and joy to your loved ones.

Yet the spirit of giving goes beyond holiday gifts. In this issue, we’ve sought out entrepreneurs who infuse their businesses with the spirit of giving. Treana Peake, the owner of Obakki, not only employs artisans from far-flung corners of the world, but also helps indigenous peoples preserve their cultures through long-term economic opportunities.

American designer Lori Weitzner shows us that sustainability is as much about culture as it’s about the environment. Her designs bring joy to her artisans and customers alike. Rebecca Hui is another entrepreneur whose passion for traditional craftsmanship has led her to connect indigineous artists to designers around the world, showing us that there is no limit to human creativity.

Our cover story for this issue introduces an exceptional dancer, Lillian Parker, who recently became the first Caucasian performer to win gold at the world’s most prominent Chinese classical dance competition. She grew up going to see Shen Yun Performing Arts every holiday and is now one of the company’s dancers, touring prestigious theatres around the world. Parker’s sincere dedication to superior artistry exemplifies why we love Shen Yun and why we believe tickets to Shen Yun are an unforgettable gift idea.

The act of giving enriches not only those who receive, but also our own way of living. I hope that this issue not only gives you unique gift ideas, but also inspires you to find a new spirit of joy and gratitude that carries on past the holidays.