Our History

It all started with my first trip to Bali in my early twenties... this would prove to be the start of a career that has spanned over 30 years. I started designing clothes for Canadian and American women and have never thought to look back. After many years of traveling back and forth to Bali and numerous collections later... production came to a sudden stop. I found out that I had come down with an illness called CFS. I spent many years in search of a remedy. When my body finally caught up, I was eager to start where I had left off. I packed my suitcases, and with only a small amount of money left after years of forced unemployment, I boarded a plane to Bali. It was there that I basked in Bali's light for some12 years. During that time I managed to sprout 3 shops, my own factory, showroom and a Balinese lifestyle I will cherish in memory always. Life was blissful for a while... then came the first Bali bombing... and of course my world changed again. Now I have a new lifestyle and husband in America. I've brought my experience producing for buyers across North America, Europe, Asia and South Africa to you...

My husband, well he's not always as keen as I about the fashion biz.... he's a police officer who's used to chasing robbers or settling domestic disputes. But thankfully he retires in 2 months only to be assigned another permanent job... posting and packaging for you...

And just to give you a little more background about us - my label in Bali was "Daya" but I have since renamed my label "lotustraders" this is because I like what the lotus symbolizes in Eastern thought. I am also fond of traders because a part of me thinks I'd have loved being a part of the caravans that traded on the silk road of Asia long, long ago. So lotustraders is our new name and the title of this new chapter.

Our previous label was known and recognized in Bali. Most of the buyers I designed for would use their own labels. That is the nature of doing business in Bali. So chances are, even though you likely have seen my designs before, you would not know so. In Bali my collections were less batikm but here in North America I find there is a real spirit of appreciation for batik and the fabrics of Bali, so we'll stay with that.

I'm also a great fan of OS (one size) as you can see and easy to wear clothes for women. I don't like wearing clothing that is too form fitting myself. I prefer flowing feminine clothes that drape the body and flatter. So I hope you enjoy...

Lastly, I am thrilled to still be able to employ some of the wonderful people in Bali. It keeps the connection alive. And with the recent Bali bombing I feel grateful to continue to work with them. It is important we support one another in these difficult times. Through your purchases you are also allowing me to keep pulling out my colour swatches and pen, and because for me to be able to create is akin to breathing, I cannot thank you enough!

We will continue to bring you as much variety of color, texture and style in our clothes as my imagination will take me. Cheers! Annie

On a final note... I almost forgot to introduce the other part of my team. My daughter Lucy is with us and has been on board since the get go. She is much more computer savvy than I, but with growing family needs she's only been with us on a volunteer basis. And then there is Daya... yes, she's the beautiful model you see in most pictures. She and the camera do well to bring life to these clothes. Daya also helps with many other aspects of this business.

Thank you for listening... and please enjoy.