She was one of a kind. A highly creative mind with the for artists so typical tendency to chaos, a tireless worker, an idealist, generous in her way, sometimes incredibly stubborn and always a perfectionist.
Her motto was: "The joy of co-creation brings harmony to the world." She lived by that, always looking for cooperation, working hand in hand with others to create new things.
Ellie and her brother created this wonderful video of her. It's perfect, and even though you didn't know her, I'd like to share it:
https://watch.wave.video/FhliEUymBPs7Vyx0
We were lucky. It was a beautiful day, and the fruits of weeks and weeks of preparation finally made come together something extraordinary. The ceremony was very moving, no eye stayed dry, even those who are seldomly to see crying.
Jan was Ellie's and her brother's boss, and yes, she was more of a boss than a leader. Briefly, she was my boss, too, and we worked very well together. She respected me for being a business-creator, and for the many insights that I had into that world. I understood her in ways that Ellie and her brother couldn't, which lead to me being a conduit between Jan and her staff here in Ecuador.
Being independent and "only" a consultant, I was also able to criticize her in ways the others wouldn't dare. I wasn't working for the money (though the clothes I got paid with are just amazing), but for the idea of the project, which is still dear to my heart. And to support my girlfriend and her brother. I learned a great deal there, especially about clothing and fabrics which is absolutely not my strong suit (haha).
But along came life. We paused our work together when Lily moved in with me, as I wasn't able to be of any constant use while focusing so much on the little one. Jan, as always, understood completely, and the first thing she said after me "quitting" was: "Whenever you need something, let me know."
And she meant it. She helped me out many times with many things, small (a new comb for my beard cutter) and big (a completely new Vitamix Propel 750), everything that fitted a suitcase was game. She didn't care about extra cost, she didn't have to.
In the last 8 years, she came up with so many designs for the clothing. She changed the whole way the factory worked, always searching for ways to create a symbiotic relationship with nature to create her art. "Inspired by nature, created by hand." And to her, there was never an end to inspiration from nature.
In her poem "When Great trees fall", Maya Angelou writes:
"When great souls die,
the air around us becomes
light, rare, sterile.
We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly, see with a hurtful clarity.
Our memory, suddenly sharpened,
examines
gnaws on kind words unsaid,
promised walks never taken."
Jan's husband chose that poem for the celebration of life, and it's the perfect one. This is just the verse that stuck out most to me, but I do recommend reading the whole poem, it's an amazing piece of art. Click here for one of the many links available.
We all got page separators at the end, with her motto, and the QR to the video - and of course, some fabric weaved into the paper which also displayed some of her artwork. There is no better way of remembering someone than through reading books.
After the celebration, we got hammered. I hadn't been that drunk in a while. It was the feeling of relieve that everything went so perfectly. Even though I wasn't that involved in the planning and preparation, Ellie sought my advice many times, and I supported her as much as I could since Jan's untimely death. I felt like I had contained her, given her hold, and that effort finally fell off me. It was a great night, and Jan would've been very happy with us shaking it all off.
She leaves a vast network of friends, sad for now, but inspired for life.
