Vita Haus is One

And just like that, we're One!

While this isn't the first business we have individually started and been a part of, it does feel like the most meaningful. Not because of the brand, but because of how honest and true to our own experiences and values it is. 

So, in celebration of the year that has been, we wanted to share a little more about us, and our story. 

Our Story 

The two people behind Vita Haus are Lisa and Roger (Hi!).

Together for nearly two decades, we have been travelling and experiencing the world since we were a couple of young 20-somethings. Back then, travel was of course all about the nightlife, food scene, and resting hazy heads on an incredible beach somewhere.

Without realising it though, even then, we still chose to bring home eclectic, unique and interesting pieces from every where we travelled. 

Fast forward into our 30-era and those purchases and choices became conscious and something we would choose to spend our days finding. We became those people who would choose to carry the most obnoxious-sized pieces as carry on, because the story and pieces we found were too good not to.

Then, on one particular trip throughout Africa, we started to really focus in on the people, the incredible hand-detailed works the stories and the effort that went into these pieces. 

The following year we travelled to Indonesia, and that seed started to sprout. It wasn't until we returned with really unique pieces, having spent time speaking and learning about the artisans, that the words "this needs to be the new normal" were said out loud. 

We started asking ourselves; how do we push past the noise of chain retailers only focused on mass-producing items. How to we bring back homes filled with natural materials and not cheap synthetic options.

How do we replace all of that with sharing the beauty of these pieces with others, who may or may not get to these locations. How can we help others create a home that feel like it truly reflects them. How can we help these artisans through our platform, to share their works that they are so passionate about.  

And so began the journey of Vita Haus. We only wish we started it sooner. 

Sit Down With Us 

We wanted to share some Q&A's we both threw at each other, reflecting on the last year. 

What's been the most unexpected part of this journey so far? 

Roger: The pure enjoyment you get when you connect with the people making their pieces. I find it can be difficult to motivate myself to get out of my comfort zone and speak with people in markets, artisans, or locals but then when I do, I find it so rewarding.  

Lisa: Yeah, the emotions I get when seeing and hearing the passion from an artisan, talk about the work and time they put into their art forms. It's something that really surprised me, and still does every time. 

What location would you love to visit, or return to, for the artisans and their works?

Roger: Hands down, Cuba. I feel like the time we were there, we noticed the level of craftsmanship from artisans in particular fields, and even brought many pieces back, but missed a huge opportunity to really sit and engage with those people. 

Lisa: I would have to say revisit Africa, and visit China. The beaded and intricate wood-works we came across in Africa was something we had never seen. I would go back in a heart beat to meet the artisans and learn their stories. Then to visit, would have to be China - the more remote villages and towns. They have so much tradition there, with hand dyed pieces and crafts, I just think it would be a really beautiful thing to see. 

How do you find the artisans or representatives?

Roger: A lot of the time it's luck. We do a little bit of reading about the places we're going to but, one of the reasons we wanted to start this business is because we have a love of travel, first. So we still want these trips to feel like an experience and by doing so, we continue to find really special artisans; just doing what we have always done.  

Lisa: What we've learnt in this short time is that there is only so much you can find online. And that's really one of the reasons we started this. We often find ourselves (well me dragging Roger around) to markets, known local hot-spots, and really just travelling how we normally would, popping in and out of bustling streets, and simply being curious.

How do you choose the pieces to source and provide through Vita Haus?

Roger: For me, it's about thinking about what we would personally choose. So if we would find it unique and want it in our home, I use that as a guide. We have a lot of pieces in our home we get a lot of compliments on, so I feel like this is a pretty good general-guide.

Lisa: It's always a good sign when the artisan is there hand making one of their pieces, for everyone to see. Anything we get the chance to see being made, is always a big tick. Otherwise, for me, it's all about the materials, the artisans story in how they learned their skills, and then of course; can we get this home safely? Ha!   

How do you hope people feel when purchasing from Vita Haus?

Roger: I hope, through the content we share and products we provide, people get to feel like they get to see parts of the world that they may or may not get to personally visit, through that product. A piece that they are proud to put in their home.  

Lisa: That the feel happy, knowing that they are adding to their home and the story it tells of their values and life. I hope they feel proud to be supporting pieces made by hand, and from artisans potentially on the other side of the world. 

What's Next

We can't wait to see what adventures lie ahead for Vita Haus. While the future is never guarantee, we do personally love a good planning session and have some fun-ideas brewing. 

We have a very exciting trip to one of the northern-most parts of the world at the end of the year, so we hope to find and meet some incredible artisans there.

And while we are always planning (and daydreaming) about the next experience and location we can't wait to see with our own eyes, there is an added level of excitement now - and that's the mission and goal we have set for Vita Haus. 

To personally meet the people choosing to honour the craft of hand made. Carry forward their story, their culture and their heritage. 

 

We plan to carry on our slow-made approach, working with the artisans who make in small batches, as we also choose to offer these pieces in limited quantities. 

Because; our goal is to offer unique pieces, that build your home and you're own story.