WHAT ARE TALKING TEA TOWELS? A limited release collection of artisan textiles that turns everyday towels into storytelling statements. Each cloth design is adorned with local and global cultural symbols that express a narrative honoring our Ancestors. Your purchase uplifts the creative vision of teaching artist Queen Leia Lewis, while supporting her community-building mission of Reclaiming Indigo.
"Every textile tells the story."
INDIGOLA artisan textiles are inspired by Louisiana's indigo heritage. Empowered by ancestral wisdom, our brand unites local creatives and collaborators to learn and sustain global traditions of dyeing and surface design. INDIGOLA is a unique expression of art and soul. The meaning of our name conveys our ethos: Indigo is wealth. The premiere launch of INDIGOLA celebrates freedom and commemorates Juneteenth—a national holiday that observes the emancipation of enslaved Black People in the United States of America. The continued pursuit of self‑determination, justice, and liberation guides our work. INDIGOLA releases designs as a finite quantity. Curated. Cultural. Collectible. Cherished. Reserve yours today!
This maximalist pattern tells the story of Black folks' wit & wisdom --- and the soulful tradition of "call and response." Waving hands evoke the loving presence of ancestors, elders, family and friends who bear witness our trials and victories on the journey of life. Can I get a witness?
This geometric pattern of indigo dye blocks tells the story of craft being a display of wealth. The Louisiana French title means, "A Whole Lot of Blue." Each repeated form appreciates people who are skillful artisans, makers, and culture bearers carrying forward knowledge over time.
This hero pattern honors the indigo heritage of Louisiana and tells the story of enslaved African laborers whose genius and grit powered plantation economies. The horseshoe and machete stand as bold symbols of productivity and resistance. The stylized indigo plants remember these stewards of the land.
100% cotton twill
Rich indigo palette | one-side printed pattern
Thick mid-weight, durable, absorbent
Generous size, 18 x 30 inches
Cold wash, low tumble dry, no bleach
Statement home decoration & accessory
Kitchen towel, bread warmer, cloth napkin
Handkerchief, bandana, soulja rag
Burping blanket for baby
Altar cloth, Prayer cloth
YOUR BUNDLE INCLUDES -
* 3 TALKING TEA TOWELS
The INDIGEAUX Collection
one of each design
* SIGNED GALLERY ART PRINT
"The Indigo Dyer's Hands" by Queen Leia Lewis
12 x 12 inches, unframed
* JUNETEENTH SPECIAL GIFT FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS
IMPORTANT SHIPPING NOTICE: ORDERS SHIP THE WEEK OF JULY 7, 2026 VIA USPS PRIORITY MAIL.
For more than 30 years, Queen Leia has served with passion and purpose as a visionary leader and program organizer shaping arts, culture, and education at both grassroots and institutional levels. Her social-impact initiatives have been recognized by Voqal Partners, 4.0 Schools, Green For All, 40 Under 40, and Unsung Hero Award. At the age of 50, she stepped fully into her artistic calling, emerging as a mixed-media and indigo artist working through her studio, Art by Oriade.
Most recently, Queen Leia has expanded her art and design practice with the brand, INDIGOLA. INDIGOLA artisan textiles include culturally expressive home décor, statement accessories, and luxury fine craft. The Talking Tea Towels lead the way, offering a beautiful functional item you touch in the rhythm of daily life.
"Folded over a stove handle. Tucked into a purse or pocket. Passed into the hands of someone you love. These towels carry stories and memories of care."
Talking Tea Towels are inspired by Queen Leia's breakout art exhibition, INDIGEAUX. Every printed pattern is sourced from the artist's growing iconography --- blue hands, plants, vessels, farm tools, indigo blocks, and other symbols. Each motif reveals insights into her pilgrimages to plantations, historic sites, and natural landmarks in the Deep South. Learn more about the artist's INDIGEAUX Exhibition and community arts engagements by exploring these selected media features: Shreveport Times (2024), NOLA.com (2025), The Museumgoer Podcast (2025). Follow & connect with Queen Lewis on Instagram @queenleiacreates
"Indigo is likely the most valuable heritage crop in the United States of America. Before cotton became king, Black people cultivating indigo built fortunes for colonizers during the 17th century. The cultural genius of African ancestors powered the rise of a new empire. The impact and aesthetics of indigo still reverberates through our society today.
Reclaiming Indigo is my mission to uplift this important national history. Furthermore, Reclaiming Indigo aims to strengthen community by preserving cultural arts knowledge and generating a thriving cultural economy. Every order helps to make a difference."
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