Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/692367
"TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN HELPING THESE ARTISANS GET THEIR WARES OUT INTO THE WORLD IS SO MEANINGFUL." —MELISSA MORIARTY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AZULINA TABLE ESCAPES FLORAL AND FABULOUS, CERAMICS LINE AZULINA BRIGHTENS TABLES AND SUPPORTS FEMALE ARTISANS IN COLOMBIA. BY SAMANTHA REICHSTEIN What started with the search for a wedding gift in Colombia led to the creation of an international business centered on colorful, joyful, hand- painted ceramics. Part-time Austinite Melissa Moriarty, who has a home in Bogota, launched Azulina in 2013 after walking into a shop in El Carmen de Viboral and finding stacks of blue and white dishes, all painted freestyle by hand. Moriarty now works with the female artisans on com- plete lines of dishware, many featuring patterns inspired by the floral countryside—perfect for summer dinner parties and bridal registries. Moriarty donates a portion of proceeds to the Marina Orth Foundation, which helps underprivileged schools in El Carmen. Why Azulina? "To play an active role in helping these artisans get their wares out into the world is so meaningful and brings a lot of joy to my life." True community: She meets with her artisans regularly and is greeted with hugs. "They love knowing that brides register for Azulina [and] that our dishes are sold in places as far away as Hawaii." Best-seller: The blue-and- white floral Clásico line. "I am not shy about big patterns and color, so it's a natural fit for my aesthetic." azulina.com . CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Owner Melissa Moriarty advises mixing and matching her pieces, which are sold online and in stores across the country; Moriarty with a mug from her company; the Clásico line of dishes is Azulina's best-seller. 120 AUSTINWAY.COM SPACE GIVING BACK