Our newest retailer, Sapana, creates Coats from Kantha quilts. Kantha, from the Sanskrit word meaning “rag.” Saris or fabric remnants layered and bound with a running stitch.
Sapana Founder, Jolie Helms is passionate about supporting artisans in Nepal and India. Their brand mission is twofold – to provide employment opportunities in rural areas of SE Asia, and to preserve handicraft traditions.
We sat down with Jolie Helms, the owner of Sapana, and asked her some questions about this impactful business. To read more, follow along with the interview below:
How did you get started with Sapana?
Jolie: Our stint in Malaysia, courtesy of my husband’s job, was a transformative journey for our family. I was restless after repatriating. I wanted to keep traveling and volunteering. Sapana was the solution. I could continue to explore and it was a way for me to give back by providing employment opportunities. The areas where we are working are communities that were good to our family. Your Sapana purchases make a difference.
Your brick-and-mortar store is located in Round Top. What landed you in the Texas Panhandle, and specifically at From 6th Colletive?
Jolie: I’m originally from Dumas. If you’ve ever been from a small town, you know how strong those ties are. I wanted to bring Sapana closer to the community where I grew up and to family friends who have followed and supported the business from the beginning. I was one of those small-town girls who was going to leave and never come back. Now I’m the girl who appreciates the small town she grew up in.
I’ve been part of collectives before. I’ve grown professionally and personally through every experience. From 6th Collective has its own magic.
Kasey has created a beautiful space for her customers. She’s a talented designer and no doubt every small business in the collective is learning so much about merchandising and brand identity. The store is a feast for the eyes – pure eye candy!
Tell us about your original location in Round Top!
Jolie: We have a year-round showroom on Henkel Square in Round Top! We share a building with Southern Beasts. Mary Lou and her daughter Kellye are true artists working with antique and vintage fabrics. If you’re a textile lover and haven’t been in you’re missing out!
What are your Round Top favorites?
Jolie: Oh, I have too many to list. I love that there are several year-round stores in the town now. During the shows … The Arbors has fantastic artists and fashion. My favorite lamps and my dining table both came from Blue Hills. I’ll forever love Warrenton because that’s where I’ve shopped from the beginning.
From your perspective, what makes Sapana a one-of-a-kind shopping experience?
Jolie: Almost everything we sell is one of a kind. I work with repurposed textiles or pieces that are crafted only for Sapana by artisans that I know. Our customers usually feel a strong connection to their Sapana pieces and I’m certain that comes from how our products are made.
When you aren’t busy with the business, do you have any hobbies or interests you enjoy doing?
Jolie: Digging for treasure in Round Top! We also recently finished building our home – I’m slowly working on giving each room a personality. I have two really cool adult kids – my husband and I enjoy spending as much time with them as they will give us.
Now that we are a few months into 2024, what are you looking forward to most this year?
Jolie: Growing, and expanding the brand and product line.
There will be some big announcements this summer!
You can shop Sapana at From 6th Collective, their online store, or at their brick-and-mortar store in Round Top. Learn more about Jolie’s impact on others through her business.
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