Deeper Than Seeds

Botanique is bringing Antigua and Barbuda’s traditional craft of wild tamarind seedwork to the global stage. Not only to keep its intangible cultural history alive but to provide financial support and to link like-minded, wise entrepreneurial women of Antigua and Barbuda to their sisters in Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

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Botanique’s Brand Ambassador

Antiguan born Iza Goodwin-Michael is a wife and a mother of 2 boys, and currently resides at Buckleys Extension, Antigua. Iza is a creative: she loves beauty, nature and life itself.

Iza grew up in a large family with her parents and 8 sisters. Throughout her childhood she was surrounded by art, design and creativity. Her father’s paintings hung throughout the house, and she often closely observed his various creative pursuits, the most memorable being, textile design with painting, tie-dye and batik and straw work and bag making. Her mother as a designer and seamstress was always surrounded by fabrics and threads, busy sketching, cutting and sewing. It is therefore no surprise that Iza herself grew up with a love for beauty and art, becoming a self-proclaimed artist. She not only developed her talents drawing, painting, pursuing various crafts and needlework, but as a teenager, she designed and sold beaded jewelry.

Iza has since channeled her love for art and design into a career in architecture. After many years of study, Iza became a registered architect in 2012. She leads her own architectural firm - Studio GM Architecture renowned locally and regionally for it’s design projects including hotels, schools and residencies. Iza’s most memorable projects includes being part of the design team for the Sir Novelle Richards Academy and the design team for the restoration of the West Wing of the Government House of Antigua and Barbuda.

Outside the scope of architecture, Iza’s other passions include karate. Iza is an avid karateka and has been active in this sport since 1995. Karate has introduced Iza to many people and cultures and different countries around the world. Iza has traveled the world for tournaments and training camps, managing to win a few medals, her most outstanding being the capture of the gold in women’s kumite (fighting) during the Caribbean Karate Championships in 2001. Iza is also a karate instructor and has been teaching karate to people of all ages since 2001. The discipline and focus developed through karate is carried over to all aspects of Iza’s life.

Iza tries to make the best of every opportunity life has to offer, she is a well-rounded individual who believes that through dedication, integrity and hard work, all goals can be reached.

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The Fashion Designer

Mosia Challenger is a gifted creative designer who was born with a needle and thread in one hand and a pair of scissors in the other. She is a God-fearing wife, mother, entrepreneur and professional civil servant.

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The Director

Anne Jonas was born and raised on the Caribbean Island of Antigua and Barbuda.

A woman of faith and an educator for most of her life, she is passionate about helping others achieve their greatest potential.

Anne is also of the view that there are certain characteristics that make one uniquely Antiguan and Barbudan. These views propel her to do her part to help preserve and protect her people's rich cultural heritage and find effective mechanisms for sharing the island's unique story with the global community. Botaniquè Studios is one such mechanism.

Anne has been working with like-minded individuals through this channel to create economic opportunities for entrepreneurial women while sharing an intriguing and triumphant story of their art and culture.

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The Advisor

Dr. Barbara Paca, O.B.E., is Cultural Envoy to Antigua and Barbuda and has enjoyed working closely with craftswomen to preserve the intangible cultural heritage of the island nation. Through her philanthropic efforts, she has supported Botanique Studios and emerging artists.

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The Master Seedwork Artisan

This is Esther Louise Edwards, and she is a Master Seedworker in Antigua and Barbuda. Read more where she describes in her own words how she came about learning the intangible cultural craft of Wild Tamarind Seedwork and her hopes for keeping this part of Antiguan and Barbudan culture alive.

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Every Botanique piece has a history — from the relationship with the artisan, to the life of the wearer. We design each of our collections with the intention of creating pieces that can be passed down through generations, with minimal waste and a minimal carbon footprint. Our wares are all made by local artisans based in the Caribbean island of Antigua, with expertise in traditional methods of crafting wild tamarind seed and jumbie bead seed wares by hand.