Cultural Appreciation, Not Appropriation

Learning to Look Deeper

I’ve always been in love with color — the way a sari catches the light in India, how Spanish tiles turn sidewalks into mosaics, how a hand-painted bowl can tell a thousand-year-old story.

For a long time, I collected inspiration like postcards: a pattern here, a flavor there, a fabric I couldn’t stop touching. But somewhere between admiration and action, I realized something important — loving a culture doesn’t give me the right to borrow it carelessly.

When I first started designing, I made mistakes. I used prints because they were beautiful, without asking where they came from. I bought fabric from markets without knowing who made it. I described traditions through my own lens instead of learning from the people who lived them.

The truth? I was well-intentioned but uninformed. And that’s not enough.

Respect Starts with Curiosity

Over time, I learned that appreciation begins with listening. Before I use a pattern, I learn its name and story. Before I share a dish, I try to understand who it belongs to. Before I reference a tradition, I talk to someone from that culture — or at least read their words.

Appreciation is slow. It’s not about replication; it’s about reverence. It’s asking, How can I honor this? instead of How can I use this?

The difference is humility. It’s realizing that inspiration is a privilege — one that carries responsibility.

My Promise as a Creator

Now, when I design or write, I aim to make my process as open as my heart. I credit the artisans and the origins. I link sources. I name the people and places that shape what I make.

If a piece is inspired by another culture, I make sure collaboration and consent come first. And when someone reaches out to correct or educate me — I listen, I learn, I update.

That’s what growth looks like: messy, humbling, human.

Why It Matters

Everybody Loves Everybody isn’t about erasing differences — it’s about learning from them. True appreciation expands the circle. It says, “Your story matters, and I’m better for knowing it.”

I hope this space reflects that .I want you to see the fingerprints of the world here — in the stitching, in the spices, in the words. I want you to feel inspired to create, but also to care.

When we honor where beauty comes from, we become part of its story instead of creating shadows.

From my corner of the world,

Erika

💬 Is there a tradition or art form that taught you something about respect or creativity? Share it in the comments — I’d love to learn from you.