Local businesswoman follows her heart

Lotus by Shiva is an online business
run by Edmonds resident Shiva Riddell

“Exercise your inner and outer strength, your beauty, your steadfastness and your open heart.”

By Barb Swan

Penned recently on the Lotus by Shiva Facebook page, this self-reflection is perhaps the easiest way to understand the extraordinary entrepreneur, Shiva Riddell. Stepping forward into unchartered ventures by following her heart, never being afraid to learn new skills, following her passions and living up to an ideal of inner beauty are just a few of the characteristics that have guided Shiva as she launched her new business, Lotus by Shiva.

Scarf exhibit at a trunk show

The Edmonds resident travels the globe to find regional artisans, breaks down language and cultural barriers and brings unique fashion accessories back to the local marketplaces so women can incorporate beauty and grace from a worldwide perspective. Combining a passion for travel and the beauty found in diverse cultures, Shiva personally selects unique and mostly handmade accessories by artisans and designers from around the globe – many of them women from small villages who are working to sustain their own living. Her goal is to bring hidden talent to light while supporting hard working, undiscovered artisans. Humbled by the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hardship, she has named her business: Lotus by Shiva.

For Shiva this is more than just a business venture; a proponent of lifelong learning, embracing change and personal growth, Shiva has always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Her commitment for enhancing both body and soul, combined with her belief that travel lends to an appreciation of life, love and personal growth are the perfect motivations for her line of quality ladies accessories.

Lotus by Shiva passed its first year anniversary in May 2013, and with it celebrated a fantastic milestone and successful year. Shiva adores sharing her sparkling personality and inner beauty with others and assisting women in “dressing up their own inner and outer beauty with accessories.”

Bracelets designed by Shiva

Shiva received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from The University of British Columbia and her Master’s in Education from the University of Washington. She has been a fitness trainer at Harbor Square in Edmonds for over ten years assisting clients in realizing both their inner and outer strength. Her trilling laughter is an antidote to her steely resolve – yet another trait that she is finding useful in running her own business.

Shiva is never unadorned in her own personal life – whether she is hiking with her husband and two children, entertaining her extended family, cooking her native Persian foods, teaching Yoga or working with her private clients at Harbor Square – she is a living example of how to accessorize an outfit with grace and style. She also is an example of a beautiful spirit and open heart – accessorizing models in a fashion show from which proceeds will benefit DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network) at the C’est La Vie fashion show in Renton on September 26th and frequently donating to charities which benefit the health of women and children.

Rings from a California artisan

As her business and inventory expands, Shiva has begun to design her own jewelry and scarf accessories and work with her artisan contacts in different countries to produce custom accessory lines. From high mountain silk artisans in Japan to the weavers of Istanbul and Cambodia and the silver workers of Mexico or India – boxes of beautifully crafted fabrics and sparkly jeweled accessories are arriving at her warehouse weekly, and being incorporated into her ever changing inventory.

Lotus by Shiva is currently available through the website, through private Trunk Shows and at a few local retailers. Go to the Lotus by Shiva Facebook page to sign up for fashion alerts and new product previews.

Corrected and updated 09-30-2013 4:34pm