Helen Gist-Tselikidis

Milkywave Tie-Dye has been in existence since May 1987.The artists are Helen Gist-Tselikidis and her husband Niko Dethermi.

Proof of everything happens for the best was realized by them when their beloved dye co. Brooks and Flynn went under. They were then introduced to Dharma Trading and their fabulous assortment of white goods and supplies. No longer did Helen have to scour the streets of New York City looking for those unique white items. Voila, they were all in a fabulous catalog, and at prices that amazed the tightwad Helen. No longer did Helen have to buy so-called rayon that turned out to be polyester; no longer was Helen in department stores burning the corners of garments to make sure that they were the fabric content the label stated -- no longer will Helen be charged with arson.

Thank you Dharma.

Helen and Niko moved to VA In 1992. They soon learned that it was hard re-establishing themselves, so they would take turns every weekend going back up to their flea market in N.Y.C. on a greyhound bus. Remember, everything happens for the best. They were discovered by an up and coming designer, Todd Oldham. Soon they were in production for fabulous gowns that had been modeled by Cyndi, Naomi, Tyra and others, gowns being sold for thousands of dollars, while their shirts were being sold for 15 bucks. It was great. Their association allowed them to stay in VA and finally discover their ideal spot in Opal, VA. Business has been wonderful, and Todd has now moved on to designing interiors for casinos and hotels, and Helen and Niko are his dyers. To meet the demands and whims of this creative mind, they have discovered all sorts of dyeing techniques, with the help of many books bought from Dharma.

You may ask what the greatest thing is about having a cottage industry; and we would say, we have both been home with our son every moment of his life. We have the most wonderful, loving 18-year-old in the history of children, and we know it's because we have been with him every moment of his life (he incidentally appreciates this, but can't wait to graduate and be on his own).

Helen Gist-Tselikidis
and Niko de Thermi.