Our Journey
Our Journey
There is a different way of being in the world
Our Story
Our story begins with you ~ all you amazing people who are meditating in the midst of our busy chaotic world. We want to support you and your practice – it’s that simple.
"REALthings introduced me to an environment with which my engineering trained eye was not accustomed. It is an environment where products do not just have functionality but also beauty and amazingly, a unique story of their own and colours that bring them to life". Mirvise Najaf
Meet the Founder
Julie Jarvis
Founder, julie Jarvis, curates spaces and experiences that inspire people to connect meaningfully and live a rich life.
A long time meditator, Julie saw so many people struggling to find a way to sit comfortably on the floor that she started a company to make bigger, better, beautiful meditation cushions for North American bodies. She later created the Runa Posture Cushion so people can meditate with ease on a chair.
As a speaker and educator, Julie has helped thousands of people find the right cushion and posture to sit quietly and meditate successfully. She works with companies, retreat centres and individuals to create calm inspiring spaces to breathe and be still.
Hand Sewn
Local Artisans
All our products are handmade in Canada. They are designed by Julie Jarvis in collaboration with our Master Artisan, Dolma Tsering. Before moving to Canada and joining REALthings, Dolma worked for 20 years with her husband, Dorje Wangdu, a Tibetan Applique Thangka Master who worked for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Monastic communities. Dolma is the heart of our production team.
In Search of Fair Fabrics
Textiles & Weavers
We work with weaving collectives and NGOs in Cambodia, India and Indonesia to build healthy, sustainable communities and meaningful livelihoods. We source our heavier silks, organic cottons and cotton twills from small shops in Toronto, New York and Paris, so we can support small businesses and pay attention to evolving quality, colour and textures. All fabrics are selected by Julie.
