Couleur de la vie
Woodland Hills, California
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Bobbi: Couleur de la vie
I have a creative soul and I love being a maker artist. I created Couleur de la vie after falling in love with this eco printing, natural bundle dyeing craft. I hand dye natural fabrics and vintage clothing with plant materials and minerals. Each item I dye creates a one of a kind work of art. The fabrics I dye are either plant based like cotton or linen, or protein based like silk or wool. I dye scarves, silk hat bands, up cycled vintage clothing and home textiles like napkins and dish towels.
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
The name Couleur de la vie means Color from life in French. I visualized what the process means to me and I felt that the phrase "color from life" explains the process and the beauty of the plants that create my eco prints. The living flowers and leaves create the colorful prints on fabric.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
I think my beautiful silk scarves show the most colorful and dynamic prints. I started creating on silk with flower petals and leaves. I have a record of each scarf and what plant materials I used to dye it. I felt very attached to some of my original scarves and I used these notes to improve on my next experiment. I love the originality of the plant dyes and how they have evolved in each of my creations.
What makes your business unique to the industry?
Each scarf, napkin, or dyed vintage item is one of a kind and naturally dyed. The process is sustainable and natural. All by-products from the process can be composted and returned to the earth. I feel good when I know that this process is non toxic and natural.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
Understanding and navigating my online presence. I love showing my products in person and I feel that my scarfs are very tactile, and the texture and colors do not translate well to online photos. I have worked improving my photos and descriptions to promote my products.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
I have used this time to complete my website and create an Etsy online shop. I feel that I have learned to be more competitive and promote my products. I feel that I will be more prepared when I'm able to talk to my customers directly. Describing my products online has made me focus on promoting both myself and my business.
Photo courtesy: Bobbi Matuk
What is your favorite part of what you do?
This is easy :) I love the "reveal" when I unfold a bundle that I have dyed. Each piece is different. Variations in the steaming temperature and duration, plant materials, and minerals cause variances in the result. Its always new and different.
What is your *must do* local activity?
The Hollywood Bowl is my must do activity. My summer is complete when I have been able to chill at the bowl with good music, wine and a picnic. I am missing this experience this year.
Where to find Couleur de la vie:
Website: www.couleurdelavie.com
Instagram: @couleur_delavie
Facebook: facebook.com/couleurdelavieco
Phone: 310-210-7539