General Info:
The Story of EcoChic Lifestyles EcoChic Lifestyles started with an adventure. I was working in the corporate world, but I was on the lookout for an opportunity. The right product at the right time. One day, I came across a mirror made with wood from old tropical houses, and I loved the history behind the piece. This wasnt just anonymous wood from a factoryit had a former life that gave it character and personality. And I was captivated by the vibrant colors. Could I find more? I started researching reclaimed materials in tropical regions. I learned that the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 had wrecked many fishing boats, which people then salvaged to furnish and decorate their homes. That got my attention: taking the wreckage from a devastating storm and turning it into something useful and beautiful. Fishing boats are generally made from marine-grade teak, so the wood is highly durable. And the photos I found showed gaily-painted boatsveritable works of art. Thats when I knew I had to go on an adventure and see these boats for myself. So I made my first trip to South East Asia. I didnt know what I would find, but I knew I had to go. And my adventure paid off: I found the high-quality fishing boat wood I was looking for. The richness of color and texture took my breath away. Pictures were no substitute for the real thing. I also found iron reclaimed from bridges, sanded clean but still with that wonderful aura of age. Then I found production companies that could turn my designs into reality. All the construction is done by hand, which means that every piece is cut and assembled carefully but without the cookie-cutter look of industrial manufacturing. And I have fallen in love with the results. I am endlessly fascinated by the unique and practical beauty of our pieces. Im a very hands-on business owner: Ive been buried in paper for days at a time, unwrapping an entire container; Ive spent countless hours testing out different finishes to see what works; and I fly to South East Asia regularly to source the best fishing boat wood, manage production, and monitor the quality of EcoChic pieces. When I see peoples eyes light up at the sight of our EcoChic collections, I know that the adventure has been worth it. From the Founder & CEO of EcoChic Lifestyles