6 THINGS WITH ROWENA LEI

6 Things with Rowena Lei Founder of August Sage

Based in Austin, Rowena is the founder of August Sage, a destination for hand-crafted, natural-material home accents. Rowena is a first-generation Chinese-American with a true passion for artisanal handcrafted goods. August Sage introduces you to the work of artisans and master craftsmen who have spent their lives honing ancient techniques with a sense of artistry to inspire you. She collaborates with artisans all over the world—Kenya, Mexico and beyond—to produce modern home decor. Rowena's vision for August sage is to promote a more mindful existence.

1. What started it all for you?

August Sage was born after I noticed that every time I moved into a new home I would go all out styling the space with pieces from big box stores and it would feel so on trend at the moment but over a few months, I would find myself getting rid of them and do it all over again. Caught in this cycle, I felt so wasteful and those pieces filled the space but were meaningless, but I did notice that I would hold to a few treasured pieces from my travels made with time honored craftsmanship and technique - It dawned on me that I wanted things in my life that people had taken care to create and that I valued and could connect with natural materials and craftsmanship that feels soulful.

2. What drives your creative spark?

International travel and gardening! Naturally, when I travel I become more open-minded and that allows for creative thoughts to flow, I become more curious and ask more questions which activate a part of my brain to think in ways it wouldn’t normally on a day to day. For me preferably going somewhere brand new with a unique design aesthetic especially if I have a big project that I’m working on. I’ll do the same ordinary, daily routine but life becomes more vibrant in a new place and the feeling of awe and wonder that is so closely tied to creativity comes alive.

Some spots I have on my list:
Guesthouse in Bath, England
Casa Barichara Boutique in Barichara, Colombia
Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole (absolute fan of Marie Louise Scio’s talents)

3. Most treasured home decor item?

Antique Chinese medicine cabinet - my mother is a traditional Chinese doctor and I was raised with homeopathic healing so having something that reminds me of how much of a badass babe she is a key reminder to stay motivated and grateful for the beautiful knowledge and life she provided me with. It's a stunning piece that houses all of my little treasures and is a proud part of my heritage - it's an heirloom for future generations.

4. What’s the best advice you've ever received?

The best way to be creative is simply just doing and becoming obsessive. Entrepreneurship for me has been the best education I can ever get - I see and understand the world in a whole new light. Even if I fail or work on something that isn’t quite, I have absolutely no regret - just moving forward always brings me closer to my true calling.

5. It's 5 o'clock at home. What would you be pouring?

We love doing an evening herbal tea! My husband is South African so we drink a lot of Rooibos with honey. I also love a dried fruit infusion tea - Fruit Garden by Palais des Thés is one of my favorites!

6. What are your favorite 6 accounts that you follow for inspiration?

@roseuniacke
@slow_roads
@houseandgardenuk
@leanneansar
@modaoperandi
@nowness

SHOP ROWENA'S 6 HOME PICKS

French Country House $50

August Sage Tray $145

Dior Teapot $600

Anise Herb Pots $20

Scilly Ceramics Plates $325

Framed Intaglio VII $338

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"The best way to be creative is simply just doing and becoming obsessive. Entrepreneurship for me has been the best education I can ever get - I see and understand the world in a whole new light. Even if I fail or work on something that isn’t quite, I have absolutely no regret - just moving forward always brings me closer to my true calling." -Rowena Lei