David's AW News: Spain an Emotional Update

Greetings from La Cala de Mijas, Spain

Wow I feel like I have been running around like crazy, I just landed in Spain three days ago exhausted. And last night we had the AW-Artisan Christmas party..

Last week I was telling you about my last days in India after a quick trip to Kathmandu and a chilly visit to the artisan felt factory in the foothills. If you missed it you can catch up here. 

Since then I went to Kolkata via Delhi, then after a couple of days to Goa, to see my friends and check on the renovation of our apartment there. Getting from Goa to Spain was a little difficult, Air India to Mumbai (delayed 3 hours) then five hours in Mumbai before a 2.30am flight to Amsterdam, five hours before a flight down to Malaga.   

As we came into land .. I couldn't believe how green everything was.. that rain in Spain..

so green..

Malaga was like a dream. I got off the plane first, walked to the luggage belt, and my luggage was waiting for me. Strolled to the minibus meeting point for MalagaCar.com which was waiting there. a short hop to the carhire place and I'm away within minutes. MalagaCar.com have taken over the carhire business by simply not being dodgy, I can't recommend them enough. Fast, friendly and fair.. just like another company I could mention...

So anyway, last night we had the AW-Artisan Christmas party in a very nice restaurant, very posh (one of many) owned by Antonio Banderas. This year twenty one people, and of course as usual I had to give a speech, translated to Spanish by our English girl Molly, I traditionally have to mention that they are my favorite team (it's just a joke guys) but they always love it. Afterwards I was surprised, our warehouse manager:  Juani, asked if she too could make a speech. It was very emotional.. basically this year as been for her and her team very challenging as we have dramatically increased the number of products we offer. The warehouse is not actually big enough (we are looking for a larger place) but Juani is a perfectionist, a wonderful manager and keeps everything in its place and organised. This year has been hard, some disasters like part of the roof collapsing from the storm, but together with incredible team spirit we came through it. One by one she gave credit to her team members, praising them, and joking about them. So much love, kindness and compassion. At the end we are all in tears. Then after Graciela, who is Toni's right hand also gave a heartfelt speech, she is pregnant and will leave us shortly, and she said very shortly she will be back. Because she too loves AW-Artisan. Then more speeches just kept coming.. It was almost too much emotion..

After all those emotional speeches - it was already 1am - well past my bedtime, lots of hugs and I got a taxi home - while the rest of the team would enjoy each other's company and party until dawn. Friday is a bank holiday in Spain so no problem.

Meanwhile.. in the UK.. no time to party (yet) they are riddiculacly busy.. I'm told containers of Spring stock are arriving at least one everyday, Tomas is there making plans for next year (BIG PLANS) and customer service is buzzing. Rodrigo tells the AW team is on full steam right now and ready for the Big Boss (apparently that's me) to arrive next week. 

I'm excited to be there - coming home for Christmas.. I'm also excited because one of our most worked on products of the year is finally on its way. 

But before I tell you about it - big apologies to you Libra people..

Tomas and I visited the factory in China.. (actually AW factory) just as these candles were going into production. Designed by Sandra of (Hop Hare fame) made into life by Coco in China and with a little input from me and Tomas.. we are proud to present.. big roll of drums..

Zodiac Crystal Candles with a Gemstone Bracelet.

Beauty beyond words.. special midnight blue candle jars with silver embossed star sign constellations, out of this world fragrances (tested by my nose), Soywax, wooden crackle wicks and decorated with actual Peruvian Pyrite. Each candle is designed and devoted to a different Zodiac - and to top it all is a gemstone bracelet each one carefully designed to reflect that zodiac sign.  Presented in beautiful boxes with silver embossed. What more can I say!! If you can't sell these you then just go home.

But apologies to Libra folk that particular candle is coming early next year.. 

Christmas is here.. we have a countdown on the website.. Christmas songs and all AW is in the Xmas spirit.

There is a NEW Christmas deal every day... and with that..

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

David