“As a proud woman of the Mohawk bloodline, I have lived my life inspired by the ideology, values, and principles rooted within Native American cultures.”
- Stephanie Harte - Founder & Product Designer
After 11 years of developing personal skincare products for herself, and her friends, Stephanie decided to bring her creations to market. Unsatisfied with the plethora of products developed with vanity and preservatives at the forefront, the I:se brand was born on the promise to relentlessly answer to the same values derived from North American indigenous cultures – respect for nature, sustainability, and people.
MOTHER EARTH
Native American cultures emphasize harmony with nature and cultivating from the earth. Historically, women's farming provided most of the sustenance while men hunted and trapped the lands and rivers for game and fish. Food was harvested with respect for sustainability of the earth by revitalizing lands. Hunted game not only provided food, but also clothing, weapons, tools, and other useful objects.
BRAVERY
As honored by the traditional war paint mark anchored in the I:se logo, bravery is a source of inspiration in our culture, and our products. Made from natural sources such as clay, berries, plants or minerals, it was often believed to provide the wearer with supernatural powers including strength and protection. The symbols and colors of the paint would determine the types of powers bestowed upon the wearer and were sometimes used to convey a message of victory or success.
CONFIDENCE
Mohawk people may be best known for their work on high steel construction projects, including the Empire State Building and the George Washington Bridge, both in New York City. This represents the continuation of the ideals of confidence for greater good. Additionally, nighttime dreams manifest divine will for a dream-it-do-it mentality. Confidence is a powerful motivator that fuels our day and yours.
APPRECIATION FOR WOMEN
According to the Six Nations Traditional Women’s Council Fire, clan mothers traditionally held great influence in the well being of their tribes. Assuming authority of life-givers, holders of the land, and a deep understanding of the price of war, Women of certain tribes governed the appointment of, and authority to ‘de-horn’ (remove Chieftainship) the tribal Chief.
PEOPLE
Honoring human interaction is nurtured as one of the most joyful aspects of life. Indigenous cultures are rooted in the core personal values of honesty, integrity, and generosity. Fueled by the natural power that comes from wisdom and the knowledge carried forward from elders, we at I:se celebrate life through personal relationships as an expression of self.
