| Love is a beautiful thing | Life is unpredictable. No one knows this better than Rita Addo Zakour, a supremely talented artisan whose works range from gorgeous beaded jewelry to stunning wood-carved masks to decorative mirrors.
“I went from being a secretary to an artist. Wow! What a transformation!” she says, practically glowing over the joy that artistry has brought into her life. And she credits her husband with supporting her along the way.
“I will say a big thank you to my husband for encouraging me to think outside the box and discover the artist within me. He has been my mentor and my inspiration.”
While her husband was already well established in the trade — and a member of the prestigious National Handicraft Association (NAHA) — Rita discovered the latent talents within her only after they started dating. Falling in love became an incredible gift that had so many facets. She says, “By the time we tied the knot, I wasn't only in love with this person but also with his craft.”
For years now, they have worked together, collaborating in that unique, fruitful way that artisan couples experience in the best of times. “We design together, work together, have fun together, and this has brought success to our business. Sometimes we disagree and have a little misunderstanding but quickly patch up and move on.”
Mostly, what Rita Zakour feels is profound gratitude — to her Novica customers and to the way that art has changed her life. “Today our wood carvings, masks, and jewelry are known all over the world, and have made quite an impact in our lives.”
Still, she finds joy in the special moments that she shares with her family, her children, and the young women she invites into her workshop to train and to help build their own careers.
This Valentine’s Day, Rita looks back on the glorious, unexpected path her life has taken. “When I examine everything that has transpired — my marriage, my children, my art career, my ability to impact other lives, as well as my relationship with Novica — l can proudly say, ‘Love is a beautiful thing.’”
We’ll toast to that! | |
