I feel part Indian – I am so connected to that wonderful country that, after 16 years, feels so “normal” to me now. It's funny to think that, in traveling to such a distant “foreign” land, one could find a sense of belonging and community – but that's what happened! There were meditation retreats in the mountains, all-night beach parties in the south, yoga & massage trainings in the heartland, and of course Alchemy in the desert! I was a part of a tribe of travelers that migrated with the seasons up and down the west coast of India, seeking friendship, spiritual connection & fun.

How did the business emerge? From age 17, my summers back in North America were spent journeying to festivals and Grateful Dead concerts, and managing a popular vegetarian restaurant (the Naam). After graduating from the University of British Columbia with an Asian Studies degree (focusing on Asian religion, philosophy and art), I set off on my first trip to India. It was a calling - I just knew I had to go there, and embark on a path of deeper self-exploration. It did not take long before I became enamored by the amazing fabrics that India had to offer. It was a real feast for the senses. Especially magnetic still are the shimmering silks (silk reflects light better than any other fabric and is a great form of color therapy) and hand-embroidered one-of-a-kind saris. I started by purchasing 20 silk-cotton sari dresses (this type of sari has since become extinct) from a man who was to become one of my dearest friends – really we are now family. He still produces some of Alchemy’s silk sari line. The second season back in India, I increased my purchase to 200 sari dresses. By the third year it was a full-blown line that now included satin sari and cotton items. I pursued my fashion career with a passion.

Life changed in 1997, when Alchemy shifted to primarily a wholesale company. This meant less time traveling in India, and more time on the road back home doing seasonal cross-Canada trade shows. But this is also the point in my life where I dove deeper into the healing arts and yoga, taking workshops and trainings all over the world. Naturally, I found a way to combine my two inspirations, fashion and yoga, by participating, both as an exhibitor and as a student, at several yoga conferences across North America. My clothes have a special appeal to the yoga community – they are ethically and sustainably produced, they are made with much dedication and love, and they radiate with the energy of mystical mother India.

In 2003 Alchemy settled on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, in a hip little oasis called Roberts Creek. Not long after that I met my husband Brett and had a beautiful son name Julian. We have an amazing little beach outside our front door, the Alchemy warehouse in our basement, and a yoga studio above our garage. I am now teaching yoga out of my own sacred space – what a blessing! And Alchemy has evolved into a real family business: my husband Brett helps with sales and is the anchorman behind all our shows and festivals; my Mom helps with trade shows and provides loving childcare; and my Dad is the mastermind behind our website. My son Julian has a special role - always helping to balance work with play.

Alchemy has successfully evolved because of my ever-deepening relationships with the people and soul of India. Business in India is not cut-and-dry. It is an art, a dance of communication (from endless chais and head-wiggles, to late-night phone calls and epic emails), rooted as much in trust and friendship as in economics. It requires infinite patience; it involves the heart.

Namaste

Trish / Alchemy