A personal letter from Melissa, Co-Founder of Lavender Road
Dear Friends,
As the co-founder of Lavender Road, I’ve always believed that true luxury lies in the details—those carefully crafted elements that transform a space from functional to extraordinary. Our handwoven Turkish towels are a perfect reflection of this belief. But for me, they represent so much more than just luxury; they embody a rich tradition and artistry that I hold deeply dear.
My connection to the shuttle loom is personal. Two of my three children were born in Turkey, and our time there remains one of the most cherished periods of our lives. During our time in this beautiful country, I became familiar with the famous Turkish rugs, but it wasn’t until later that I discovered the unique and delicate art of weaving towels on a shuttle loom. I learned that this ancient craft was slowly fading, practiced by only a handful of families still keeping the tradition alive.
I felt an undeniable pull to do something about it. I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way to preserve this cultural heritage, so I started hosting trunk shows in my home, encouraging friends and family to move away from factory-made towels and embrace these handcrafted works of art. It became clear to me that I wanted to share this tradition with the world, and I knew that bringing these towels to the U.S. would be my way forward. I realized that in doing so, I could help keep this heritage alive, ensuring that the generations to come would experience the beauty of a time-honored craft that has endured for centuries.
Each towel in our collection is a labor of love, woven by artisans who take great pride in their craft. The process of weaving on a shuttle loom isn’t just about creating fabric—it’s about creating something that tells a story. It’s about weaving together history, tradition, and craftsmanship. Every towel carries the touch of the artisan, with softness and absorbency that mass-produced towels simply cannot match.
These towels aren’t just luxurious in their feel—they are an investment in sustainability. They grow softer with every wash and are made to last for years to come. By choosing one of these towels, you are not only bringing beauty and comfort into your home, but you’re also helping to sustain a dying art and support artisans who are keeping the tradition alive.
I’m also deeply honored to be working alongside my partners in Turkey on a very special project. One of my dear friends has long dreamed of opening a weaving school—a sanctuary dedicated to preserving the art of handloom weaving. But her vision extends beyond just saving a craft. She hopes to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports the art and the people who carry it forward.
The plan includes creating a weaving school that empowers marginalized rural women, teaching them the skills they need to become artisans—and even teachers. It also involves establishing a regenerative organic farm, where students, workers, and visitors can live, work, and thrive on healthy, chemical-free food. But perhaps the most exciting aspect is her vision of integrating eco-conscious tourism. The idea is to create glamping cottages, where visitors can observe or even participate in the weaving process, while learning about sustainable living and the environment.
This project is a holistic approach that weaves together education, sustainability, and tourism, all while uplifting the communities we work with and preserving the cultural heritage that is so close to my heart.
For me, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of wrapping myself in one of our towels after a long bath or draping it over my shoulders as a simple yet elegant accessory. It’s a small luxury, but it has the power to transform everyday moments into something extraordinary.
With every purchase you make, you’re helping to support this mission, and the artisans who are working so hard to keep this craft alive. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing together, and I’m so grateful to be able to share this heritage with you.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us preserve the beauty of this timeless craft.
Warmly,
Melissa