Our Story
My journey with Isleande started in 2017, inspired by an unusually hot summer in Helsinki. After struggling to find comfortable and versatile pieces for my little ones, I found myself overwhelmed by the abundance of loud prints and synthetic textures – completely unsuited for sweltering temperatures. With this in mind, I set out to create a children’s brand that celebrates my own Caribbean heritage and also reflects my love for Nordic – especially Finnish – way of life.
A year later Isleande was founded. Starting with our signature styles the Naantali and Nagu, our mission is to create soft yet sustainable children's clothing with a focus on timeless pieces that are inspired by Nordic and Caribbean summers. Each piece is meant to be lived in and passed on – for little ones to explore the joys of recreational living, and for parents who want to pass on their way of life.
Lots of love, Peta
Isleande Brands We Love: By Hand & Heart
When it comes to textures, wood is my all-time favourite. It’s warm and inviting, elegant yet solid with endless usability. Really, it’s the chameleon qualities that hold the true allure of wood. A litany of juxtapositions, a well-made piece can span several lifetimes and with it, carry the memories of our forebearers, while embracing new traditions of the present generation. You don’t really own these pieces, but merely care for it and pass it down. With these thoughts, naturally anyone who yields wood with care and skill, I instinctively gravitate towards and revere for their talent. So you can imagine my delight when I came across wood brand By Hand and Heart.
Brett Manson, the creator and maker of By Hand & Heart, started working with wood as a reaction to spending copious amounts of time in a dark room editing films. Combined with his taste for functionality, a passion for visuals and an earthy sense of touch, the designer and maker took the plunge and turned this yearning into beautiful tableware and home creations. Staying close to the source, all of Brett’s products are handmade, using impressive woods such as oak, American black walnut, and rosewood to name a few. Best yet, all the materials are sustainably sourced from both foraged wood and high quality off cuts, and finished with organic natural oils, and organic beeswax.
To read more about his origins and process take a look Isleande’s feature article published earlier this month. Meantime, enjoy a few of his mouthwatering creations, many of which are available here.
These pictures don’t do the pieces justice, which by the way are all courtesy from Brett at By Hand & Heart. But don’t take my word for it, come see for yourself!
By Hand & Heart at Isleande
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