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MEET: Keren Longkumer



Keren Longkumer is the co-founder of LoQ. She hails from a small state in India called Nagaland. She loves exploring new cultures through their food, and values simple things in life - heartfelt laughter, making her masala chai first thing in the morning, and making travel plans with her best friend.
Shaina Mote — MEET: Keren Longkumer

What shapes, textures, and palettes encompass the sensory details of your present self?

Soft edges, rounded forms with earthy creams and browns and a touch of bright yellow.

 

 

 

What is something you have loved for a long time?

The relationship with my best friend, Remy.

 

 

What is something you have recently rediscovered?
Korean drama - it’s pretty addictive. I just watched Itewon Class and Kingdom on Netflix; it’s so good!

 

 

At what moments are you the truest version of yourself?
When I’m home with family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What landscapes or places in nature are most resonant? Where do you feel the deepest connection with the outdoors?
I was born in the mountains, and I feel most at peace when I’m surrounded by lush green surroundings.

 

 

Can you share the story behind a meaningful garment you own — perhaps an heirloom, or something that feels weighted with a special significance?
In my culture, we inherit handwoven shawls and wraps known as “mekhala”. These articles are traditionally woven by our family members and tells a story of our lineage. My mother had passed onto me an indigo blue shawl that she received from my maternal grandmother. I clearly remember the day I held that piece in my hands, it felt heavy with emotion.

 

 

Can you share more details on one act of “wellness” that brings you joy in its ritual — maybe a special tea, or a favorite walk, or another ritual that you use to come back to yourself?
I’ve been practicing acupuncture and homeopathy for the past five years. It helps me destress and recoup my energy after I’ve had a long day.

 

 

Can you share a recipe or idea for a simple, healing meal that you make for yourself often?
My mornings are incomplete without a cup of tea. So, here’s my recipe for masala chai:

1 teaspoon black Assam tea
6 cardamom pods

6 cloves

1 inch ginger sliced
350 ml oat milk or whole milk
Sugar to taste

Pestle and mortar

Place cardamom pods and cloves in a mortar and pound it until they break in to small pieces.


In a saucepan, place the crushed spices, black tea and ginger and warm it for 4 mins. Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture to make sure it doesn’t burn. Add 500 ml of water tot he pan and bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce the heat and let the tea simmer, add the milk and sugar and stir the ingredients. Bring it to a boil.

Remove the pan from the stove and strain the tea into a mug/tea pot.

And viola! Your masala tea is ready.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keren wears the <a href="https://shainamote.com/products/pisa-top" target="_blank">Pisa Top</a> in Onyx. 

 

 

What books are you reading right now (or have read recently)?
This pandemic has made me realize the importance of living a sustainable life, being able to life off of what you grow. I’ve started working on a vegetable garden and am taking inspiration from a book I’m currently reading, Roberto Burle Marx Lectures - Landscapes as Art and Urbanism.

What book(s) do you always recommend to friends?
The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur. It’s a collection of poems that is simple and easy to relate to.

 

 

What music is in rotation for you this month?

Blood Orange, Rosalia

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