Kara Fabella, Slow fashion digital creator/advocate/stylist

San Francisco, CA

 

 

Kara wears Aya Bralette and Astra Hi-Waist Brief in Mimosa.

 

- Where have you found inspiration this Spring? 

From my fellow creator friends--mainly who I’ve become really close to since the pandemic started.  They each bring unique perspectives to the table, and I’m grateful that we can be candid with one another and inspire each other to continue creating.  Because, honestly, that’s what kept us all going this year and last.

My neighborhood also brings a source of inspiration. I’m lucky in that I live a few blocks away from Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, and the beach.  I live in one of the most colorful cities, and I think that’s not only inspired my style color palette but also kept my serotonin levels up. =)

 

- How would you describe ethical fashion and what is your relationship to it?

I believe ethical fashion is the antithesis of fast fashion.  I believe ethical fashion does not exploit BIPOC communities in their production of goods.  That there is genuine commitment to using the least harmful fabrics and not just certified organic cotton--deadstock fabrics, recycled ones, using natural dyes, etc.  I believe that it invests into the very communities that they are based. I believe ethical fashion is also inclusive of body types, genders, as well as diverse representation.  I believe it’s educating both the consumer and the factories they partner with.  I also believe that ethical fashion should be a tribute to the BIPOC designers and makers whose upbringings and cultures really championed and always advocated for the people and our environment from the very beginning before sustainability was labeled as “cool”.

My relationship to ethical fashion has evolved so much since I first started The Flipp Side.  Like many people who shifted their consumer habits, I thought I had to completely change my wardrobe, toss out my Zara and H&M pieces and only shop from designers that claimed sustainability and neutral colors--not to call out anyone who loves neutrals.  Rather, I was buying into the narrative that by consuming more, but in the right way, I would truly be more ethical.

I am willing to admit that I am an imperfect conscious consumer, but one thing that my micro-platform has given me is the voice to amplify others and to connect my audience to  BIPOC-owned sustainable designers and makers.  And, at the end of the day, that’s what gives me the most satisfaction of pursuing ethical fashion.

- The world is still reeling from the pandemic.  What have you been doing to stay grounded and mindful during these times? Anything you would like to share or recommend? (Could be a recipe, a movie, a practice, a book...)

This is a tough one because oftentimes I feel like I’m still figuring out what keeps me grounded.

A few things that have brought me joy and solace--

Cultivating authenticity in friendships: I’ve realized with more time to reflect and prioritize areas that I want to grow in, especially on a creative or “professional” level, I’ve unintentionally found truly deep friendships with people I’ve either not even met yet (IG truly can be a place for community if you use it right!) or ones that I’ve had but begun to have deeper conversations with.

Skateboarding: I am one of those people who took up an outdoor sport as a hobby as an adult, and I don’t regret it!  My partner has been skateboarding most of his life, and I wanted us to be able to do that together.  It was also a great way to get me outside of the house!  I’m a self-proclaimed extrovert, but I also really love the comfort of being at home with a good book and some wine--simple things that I didn’t have time for pre-pandemic.

Secondhand homeware/furniture-hunting:  I am a sucker for a great vintage furniture Instagram account or an amazing find on Facebook Marketplace!  Fun fact: almost all of our large furniture is secondhand minus our sofa and a rug.  Another thing I felt like I didn’t prioritize pre-pandemic was making our home a true home.  I’m genuinely excited every time we come back to our little oasis, and I can’t wait to have a few friends over once it’s safer. 

BIO:

Meet Kara, an ethical fashion advocate and stylist based in San Francisco.  Her handle is both a tribute to her Filipina roots and sharing the other side of fashion that was not often talked about in the influencer space when it first started.  She often saw a sea of designer fashion labels on former budget-conscious folks when, in fact, it was their ability to achieve that individual style with thrifted and/or vintage finds that drew her to them in the first place.  

You’ll find that Kara’s account is filled with colorful looks reminiscent of that summer vacation we haven’t taken yet.  She loves to highlight the pieces she owns from local and/or independent BIPOC and women-owned brand.

Kara’s style services merge her experiences as a digital creator, bold color lover, sustainability advocate, and merchandiser.  She styles campaigns for brands with a like-minded focus on ethical manufacturing, inclusivity, and conscious consumerism.  Additionally, she offers virtual wardrobe consultations that include closet audits, advice on how to donate items in a sustainable way, suggestions on how to repurpose or rework that one piece you just can’t seem to get rid of, and a curated list of sustainable brands based on your lifestyle, color choices, likes/dislikes, etc.

Outside of the ethical fashion and styling realm, Kara has an IG Interview series that features #BIPOC reflecting on their experiences with #colorism and how it ties directly to the #BLM movement.  You can find all episodes on her IGTV series, “Living In COLOR(ISM)”.

Visit @theflippside page for more color combo inspo, goofy dance videos, and upcoming styling campaigns. 

 

Isabel Osgood-Roach, Social Media Manager

Los Angeles, CA

 

 

Occupation or current life status: social media manager for @everybodylosangeles and @ponysweat and freelance consultant working with artists and small businesses to develop digital content and community. I founded Queer Mall in 2019, which is a pop-up event series in Los Angeles. And occasionally I sell vintage and/or re-worked/painted clothes via my IG! 

 

Where have you found inspiration in 2020?

By the ocean - I've felt most activated during my two weeks with my parents and grandma in Zihuatanejo, Mexico in February, a pandemic ritual of taking one day off a week to spend the day on the sand in Santa Monica or Malibu with my partner, and a blissful vacation at the Oregon Coast in October. Time and space away from home means less phone/computer and more making, reading, and just playing. When I am tapped into my fullest self and can access my own weird ideas and aesthetic preferences AND have the energy to pursue new projects, I feel excited and hopeful. 

 

What does sustainability mean to you or your business? What systems have you implemented to prioritize sustainability? 

Sustainability to me involves an active awareness of the systems and processes by which items come into and out of our lives. It means rejecting Amazon, fast fashion, and exploitative big businesses that normalize cheap prices, minimum wage labor, and free shipping. Taking each dollar that I spend really seriously - what am I investing in? Where is this money going? What am I getting back? Looking closely at how, where, and by whom the things I consume are made. Supporting small businesses whose values align with my own, where the money I spend makes a difference in my local community. Always searching Craigslist, OfferUp, @noihsaf.home and eBay (or in pre-Covid times, avidly scouring thrift stores) before buying new. And building monthly investments in BIPOC-led initiatives into my budget. 

 

 

What would you like to share with others in your community this week?

In this pre-election anxiety, I'd like to recommend The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio which was released this spring. Karla is a brilliant writer and thinker, she just became the first undocumented person to be nominated for the National Book Award. And she's queer! I savored her book. Please buy it from your locally-owned bookstore!  

Welcome to our new column, Botanica World, in which we interview our favorite creative women about inspiration, sustainability, business, and social distancing for public health. The objective of this series is to bring some positive content to the social media space. Artists and creators have always persevered and thrived even in times of adversity, and we wanted to check in with our community to share experiences- we are all in this together. 

---

 

 

Karina Fontes, Actor

Los Angeles, CA

 

 

Where have you found inspiration in 2020?

It mostly happens in the shower or when I'm on a run I get really euphoric and inspiration starts flooding my brain. Recently since we’ve been in quarantine, it's happened a lot during my meditations which is really cool. 

 

What does sustainability mean to you or your business? What systems have you implemented to prioritize sustainability? 

Using/Working with what you’ve got instead of buying because we’re taught consumerists. I’ve recently been saving all my food scraps or veggies gone bad for compost, I typically leave it in the bottom shelf of my fridge. My best friends have chickens in their backyard in Venice so I’ve been running over there and feeding the chickies when the compost bag fills up. America is ranked #1 in the nations that waste more food than any other country in the world. 

 

 

Who are the women in your community that inspire you? Do you have a mentor? 

Fortunately, there are many women in my life who inspire me daily. My closest friends are my teachers, It’s inspiring when they meet me with absolute truth and sincere advice. I'm still very close with an ex’s mom, she’s been the closest thing to a mentor that I have. Typically, asking her for advice on ways to navigate my career. I feel very lucky. 

 

What has been your biggest challenge in your career? How did you approach it? 

Refusing to give up when I feel like things are not going my way, or when it takes a turn that I hadn’t planned for. “Just keep going, even if you’re not moving or grooving” is how I get through it. 

 

 

Society is facing an unprecedented situation with the effects of COVID-19. What have you been doing to stay grounded and mindful during these times? Do you maybe have a recipe or favorite pastime to share while we are all at home? 

I’ve been volunteering since the beginning of quarantine with Red Cross and L.A.U.S.D to provide meals for students and their families. It's been so fulfilling and bringing me so much joy to help my community. Other activities include meditating, Journaling, FT with friends. I was baking a ton at the beginning of quarantine but having no one to enjoy it with haha. Long walks have kept me sane, not being hard on myself for being productive every day. I’ve been making these GF almond crackers:

- 1 3⁄4 of almond flour (blanched)

- 1⁄2 teaspoon celtic sea salt

- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary finely chopped

- 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large egg 

 

1. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt, and rosemary 

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil and egg 

3. Stir wet ingredients into almond flour mixture until thoroughly combined 

4. Roll dough into a big ball 

5. Press big ball between 2 sheets of parchment paper to 1⁄8 inch thickness (you can roll it flat with a bottle of wine) 

6. Remove top piece of parchment paper 

7. Transfer the bottom piece with rolled out dough onto a baking sheet 

8. Cut dough into 2 inch squares with a knife or pizza cutter 

9. Bake at 350 for 12-15 min until lightly golden 

10. Let crackers cool on baking sheet for 30 minutes, then serve with goat cheese or pesto! 

 

Thanks to Karina for contributing to Botanica World! You can watch her most recent movie, Body at Brighton Rock, on Hulu.

If you enjoyed this interview, please consider donating to the following charity that she has selected: 

World Central Kitchen!! They’re working with L.A.U.S.D providing meals for free for students and their families.

Welcome to our new column, Botanica World, in which we interview our favorite creative women about inspiration, sustainability, business, and social distancing for public health.  

The objective of this series is to bring some positive content to the social media space.  

Artists and creators have always persevered and thrived even in times of adversity, and we wanted to check in with our community to share experiences- we are all in this together.

---

 

 

Jessica Taft Langdon, Footwear Designer & Consultant

The Company of Strangers, Los Angeles

www.thecompanyofstrangers.co

@thecompany_ofstrangers

 

In this article, Jessica wears Kaja Rib Dress in Petal.

 

 

Where have you found inspiration in 2020?

I’m a really social person, by nature, so the process of staying home seemed like it was going to be a huge challenge, and at first, I found it really did disrupt my professional creativity. I had a very hard time letting my mind relax enough to find the playful side of my work, designing shoes.

But personally, I also do find a lot of freedom and creativity/ expression in the way I dress. I found that that side of my creative brain quickly flourished during quarantine, and without the expectations of social engagement or the need for specific practicality, I really started dressing for me, and for fun, and for inspiration!

It didn’t take long for me to channel that fun into the sketching and design work I do, and because there’s no too much else to distract me these days, I’m really enjoying getting back to the fundamentals of my job, and just enjoy the fun of thinking and developing ideas for new styles.

* I’m just realizing that I barely remember what happened in 2020 before this pandemic. I just looked back at my calendar, it’s so strange to see evidence of what “normal” used to look like. 

 

What does sustainability mean to you or your business?  What systems have you implemented to prioritize sustainability?

I ran my own footwear brand for about five years, and sustainability played a big part of that work, developing shoes with only bi-product and deadstock leathers, and working with domestic factories for production.

Now that I work as a consultant for other brands, it’s not me who makes the final decision on some of these issues, so that’s been a big shift for me in the past year or so. However, because I built a reputation as someone who wants to create more sustainability practice into the work of developing shoes, most of the clients who are inclined to work with me have an approach that is similar to mine – we make good quality shoes with natural materials, in traditional ways that support the communities where the shoes are made. I feel really lucky that the clients who want to work with me want to work in that way.

Recently, though, I’ve really been thinking a lot about the fact that increased efficiency in the fashion industry in general is something that we need to focus more on, and be ruthless about. There is so much redundancy in our industry, whether we are looking at simply the number of brands out there making similar products, the number of custom materials that are developed by brands each season, or the excess of both material and product beyond the consumer need. While working with clients, I can’t always affect changes in all of these area, but the truth is that making efficient choices is also usually the most financially responsible as well. Most of my clients are small businesses, where the owners are wearing a lot of hats. It’s really nice to play a role where I can take the time to do the research that they can’t, and present them with options that are usually best, both for the health of their businesses, and for the planet.

 

 

Who are the women in your community that inspire you? Do you have a mentor?

I have never had a professional mentor – there aren’t a ton of women who have had the type of career that I have. The footwear industry was very male dominated until surprisingly recently. 

But there are so many women in my life that inspire me – starting with the first one, my mother, who was extremely career focused, in her job in the healthcare, and who really made her way in an industry did not have leadership roles for women until she (and others) carved them out for herself. Simply growing up watching her navigate that, and also stay true to herself was a tremendous inspiration, truly from day one.

Although there’s a stereotype that belies this, I have also found the women that I’ve worked with in the fashion industry to be hugely inspiring, and I learned from so many senior designers and creative directors in my first jobs, as I was navigating my way as a young designer. I think in other functions in our business, there is more cattiness, competition, etc, but truly, in the design studios that I sat in, there was almost always an amazing sense of comradery and support. Which was really necessary while working long hours for not much money!

I’m super inspired by people like Misa, and my other friends who have small brands and businesses that are growing and thriving, all while keeping their strong commitments to the ideals of sustainability and community support.

And lastly, when I’m not working on shoes, the other thing you’re most likely to find me doing is taking dance classes at the Sweat Spot studio, here in LA. The dance world is another one where participants (particularly female ones) often find a very contentious and competitive environment. The Sweat Spot was founded on the idea that anyone can express themselves through movement, regardless of training, strength, body type or age, and the dancers and teachers that I get to dance next to regularly are endlessly inspiring. I am so thankful for my communities here in LA – I’m surrounded mostly by dancers, artists and designers.

 

What has been your biggest challenge in your career? How did you approach it?

There have been plenty of challenges in my career – from figuring out how a person even goes about learning to design shoes, to wondering now what happens to a category of products that no one really needs, when we’re all staying inside all the time!

But, certainly, the most difficult thing that I’ve had to deal with, to date, was the decision to close my brand, the palatines. The amount of energy, time and investment that goes into getting a small brand to be a viable business is really immense, and I’m really proud of the fact that I did just that. However, it also became clear to me that after five years of giving the business all of my energy and attention, other parts of my life had really been neglected, including my family, my health and my financial security. It was also clear that none of these things were likely to change within the next couple of years.
In order to make the brand more financially viable, I’d started to look into changing some of the core values - in particular, manufacturing the shoes outside of the US. The harder I looked at that idea, the more I realized that I just couldn’t do it. It brought up way too many of the issues that I mention above – the oversaturation of brands, and the inefficiencies of shipping materials from one part of the world to another, and then finally shipping the final product to the US. There are already plenty of brands doing that exact same thing, and although it was hard, I realized that I couldn’t make the argument for why mine should be another. So, I made the really difficult decision to shut down. 

For months, I was making arrangements for this, before I made it public, which was really hard, and I was really really concerned about what I might do next. Previous to starting my brand, almost all of the businesses that I worked for didn’t share my core values, and I was really concerned that, for the sake of my financial well-being, I’d have to work for brands like I had in the past. I’d also spent five years in a community of other designers and small brand owners, and I was honestly scared that I’d be giving up both the work that meant so much to me, and also the friendships that I’d built. It really felt like stepping off a cliff.

Of course, now, a year and a half after making the decision to close, none of the above has happened. The relationships I built with friends who really believed in me are intact, and in most cases, are much stronger, since at least one of us isn’t working 60+ hours a week (me!), and as I’ve explained, above, the clients that have found me have found me through the work I’d done on my own. And of course, I learned the lesson that there’s nothing more valuable than making a commitment to what you believe in. It turns out that even if it doesn’t take you where you think you want to go, it takes you where you need to be.

 

 

Society is facing an unprecedented situation with the effects of COVID-19.  What have you been doing to stay grounded and mindful during these times? Do you maybe have a recipe or favorite pastime to share while we are all at home?

Although I love to eat, and do cook at home… I’ll admit, my skills are pretty basic. I am a big fan of ad-hoc clear-out-fridge pasta dinners, and the like. Really, nothing worth sharing!
A couple of quarantine pastimes, however, might be. Since we can’t go to the Sweat Spot or other dance studios at the moment, many many dance teachers are sharing classes online, mostly for free or an open donation. The owner of the Sweat Spot, Ryan Heffington has begun a dance revolution with his Instagram classes, which are really fun, and easy follow alongs. They are really, truly for everyone, and I highly recommend them to those who think they can’t dance! That has been so nice, and was an absolute lifesaver, in the early weeks. Now that more teachers are joining in, some are teaching more “serious” classes, and teaching choreography to learn in one’s bedroom. It’s actually so much harder to do! But it’s been fun, and great for a small sense of normalcy.

The other thing I’ve spent some time doing, everyday (73 days, as of today, and counting) is learning to play the ukulele, my first instrument. My husband is a talented musician and teacher, so I’ve been learning from the best, and I’m actually about to go join him so that we can record a little video of a silly little song that we wrote together. Undoubtedly, it will be posted on my Instagram, by the time this is.

 

 

Thanks to Jessica for contributing to Botanica World!

 

If you enjoyed this interview, please consider donating to the following charity that she has selected:

The World Health Organization

Welcome to our new column, Botanica World, in which we interview our favorite creative women about inspiration, sustainability, business, and social distancing for public health.  

The objective of this series is to bring some positive content to the social media space.  

Artists and creators have always persevered and thrived even in times of adversity, and we wanted to check in with our community to share experiences- we are all in this together.

---

Saehee Cho, Writer & Cook

Soon, Los Angeles

@soo_nfood

 In this article, Saehee wears organic cotton Kaja Rib Dress in Petal.

Where have you found inspiration in 2020?

In the last couple months I’ve been inspired and encouraged by all the gestures of generosity and kindness I’ve witnessed. There are so many ways in which we can close down and become selfish in moments of crisis and I’m truly seeing the opposite out in the world.  Among friends, there are constant exchanges of concern and care.  Even among strangers, at the farmers’ market or on the road, people feel more courteous to me, more conscious that we’re all in this together. 

 

What does sustainability mean to you or your business?  What systems have you implemented to prioritize sustainability?

Sustainability is at the center of my work! Working in food right now means having to address how broken our food supply chain is. We’ve been trained as a culture to expect on-demand ingredients that look like they’ve been vacuum sealed into perfection. I think the scarcity of food that a lot of us have never had to address is bringing home the fact that a simple dinner salad is actually a very complicated thing.  Food and resources are finite and while we may have known that in the abstract, feeling absence on our plates is a different kind of reality. It’s so valuable to understand how food gets to your table--it changes the way you eat, it changes the way you consume in general.  

 

Who are the women in your community that inspire you? Do you have a mentor?

Everyday I’m amazed by my friends. Designers like you, Jujumade, Black Crane, and Goodfight have not only donated masks to me but also have reached out to donate masks to local farm workers.

I’m inspired by Robbie of Underwood Farms and Marcie of Jimenez Farms, both women, both boss ladies at their respective farms.  These women work HARD and I can feel how much they care about their team. 

 

 

What has been your biggest challenge in your career? How did you approach it?

I think a lot of small business owners can relate but it’s been a challenge to accept that not everything works, some things will just fall apart as hard as you try and even with the best of intentions.  Accepting this as an inevitable truth and feeling peace with uncertainty are things I’m still working out but so far I’ve learned that being fluid with change and having a consciously positive outlook are essential to keeping afloat. I think this is all to say, I’ve dealt with failure. Failure happens, probably more than once.  Everything is in the response after.

 

photo below: Justin Chung for Faculty Dept. (Saehee's food styling)

Society is facing an unprecedented situation with the effects of COVID-19.  What have you been doing to stay grounded and mindful during these times? Do you maybe have a recipe or favorite pastime to share while we are all at home?

Actually, my work is my self-care. It gives me some measure of peace to be able to bring healthy produce to friends that I love.  When I’m selecting produce at the farms, it’s healing to think about the people who will be receiving the food. I smile every time I get romaine for my friend Casey because I know she loves that lettuce. I’m a believer in food magic and I like the idea that we can imbibe more meaning into everyday objects with intention and care.  

 

Thanks to Saehee Cho for contributing to Botanica World!

If you enjoyed this interview, please consider donating to the following charity that she has selected: LA Food Bank

Welcome to our new column, Botanica World, in which we interview our favorite creative women about inspiration, sustainability, business, and social distancing for public health.  

The objective of this series is to bring some positive content to the social media space.  

Artists and creators have always persevered and thrived even in times of adversity, and we wanted to check in with our community to share experiences- we are all in this together.

 

---

Kourtney Kyung Smith, Photographer & Director

Common Body, Los Angeles

www.kourtneykyung.com

@kourtneykyung

 

In this article, Kourtney wears Daisy Dress in Black and Astra Hi-Waist Briefs in Black, plus archive pieces from seasons past.

 

 

Where have you found inspiration in 2020?

Long walks with my partner. We walk every evening, which is our favorite time to talk through arial-view ideas about the world and dream up new possibilities.

 

 

What does sustainability mean to you or your business?  What systems have you implemented to prioritize sustainability?

Sustainability is both like a form of spirituality and an art practice for me. It allows me to feel closer to the natural state of things and find more meaning in the objects I live with. I need to feel connected to my environment, so the majority of what I own is either secondhand, thoughtfully made from people I trust, or we made it ourselves. In this sense, sustainability feels more like a lens for me rather than a formula.

In recent decades, American Capitalism has encouraged us to limit aesthetic value to what something looks like, or optics, as a way to feed its own system. But I don’t believe holistic beauty comes just from what something looks like. It is the culmination of its history and its future lumped into one symbolic thing. An object’s potential beauty-meaning is tied to the way the material is sourced, constructed, profited from, and how it will be discarded in the end. It’s the difference between cultivating a garden and decorating with silk flowers. We often unknowingly sacrifice the real thing for the illusion of it — I think sustainability is the natural outcome of valuing the real.

Kandinsky talks about this idea with regards to the emptiness of things made for the moment, “This art, which has no power for the future, which is only a child of the age and cannot become a mother of the future, is a barren art. She is transitory and to all intent dies the moment the atmosphere alters which nourished her.” 

My aim is to build my environment out of things that will continue on to be a mother of the future. 

 

 

Who are the women in your community that inspire you? Do you have a mentor?

I feel lucky to know many women that inspire me in my community. Maria Dora, Valerie and Keren of LOQ, and Olivia of Nonna are a few women that particularly inspire me with their generosity and supportive natures. Their desire to empower people in their communities is rare to find mixed with such talent and know-how. 

As far as mentorship goes, there is a mixed bag of film directors, artists, and philosophers I feel I learn a lot from. Claire Denis, Lucretia Martel, Céline Sciamma, and Agnes Varda are just a few.

 

 

What has been your biggest challenge in your career? How did you approach it?

My biggest challenge in my career has actually been internal. I feel like I live in a few different worlds and it’s sometimes hard to reconcile them. My satisfaction in photography comes more-so from the tactile nature of analog processes and the collaborative relationships I’ve built with my clients. Those things feel like they’re living and breathing to me rather than a static capture in and of itself. Academia and the film industry are arenas that best marry my interests: research, philosophy, psychology, history, and all of the arts. I’ve found ways to enter into the theory conversation in those spaces in the past year or two, which is especially fulfilling for me. My partner and I also have a project called Common Body which allows us to make art together. I’m learning to embrace the fact that I rely on the synergy these things to feel nourished and propel me forward.

 

 

Society is facing an unprecedented situation with the effects of COVID-19.  What have you been doing to stay grounded and mindful during these times? Do you maybe have a recipe or favorite pastime to share while we are all at home?

I find little ways to connect with my body throughout the day. Things like opening the windows to feel the breeze, reading in the sunny corner of the room, and tinkering around on the piano are daily check-ins for me. I also had a stint during quarantine where I was revisiting all of my favorite “fantasy, fairy tale,&  feel good” films at the time when I needed it most. That was a lot of fun and helped me experience enough whimsy to get me through those bleak few weeks. I’m planning to share that quirky list soon so someone else can share in the magic too.

 

 

Thanks to Kourtney for contributing to Botanica World!  We are thankful for her work as a collaborator and as an advocate for sustainable living on social media.  Follow her on Instagram at @kourtneykyung.

Welcome to our new column, Botanica World, in which we interview our favorite creative women about inspiration, sustainability, business, and social distancing for public health.  

The objective of this series is to bring some positive content to the social media space.  

Artists and creators have always persevered and thrived even in times of adversity, and we wanted to check in with our community to share experiences- we are all in this together.

---

 

Mar Peidro, Fashion Stylist

From Barcelona, living in Los Angeles

MarPeidro.com

@marpeidro

In this article: Mar wears Daisy Dress in Iris and Black.

 

Where have you found inspiration in 2020?

In my new home! I am constantly plotting remodel scenarios. All the imperfections push me to think creatively in ways to make them better.

 

What does sustainability mean to you or your business?  What systems have you implemented to prioritize sustainability?

For me and for my business, sustainability means being conservative with how I utilize the resources that are available to me.

I avoid single-use anything - reusing materials and equipment. I support small local businesses.

Since my job requires me to actively participate in consumer culture, in my personal life I disengage from it, minimizing the purchase of goods, and leading a lifestyle focused on enjoying nature and sunshine.

 

 

 

Who are the women in your community that inspire you? Do you have a mentor?

I wish I had a mentor! I am inspired by those who strive to enjoy their life to the fullest, in a sustainable and peaceful way. Especially those who are also mothers.

In my work, I drive inspiration for each job from the photographers I am collaborating with; I love Amanda Charchian, Carissa Gallo, Nadia Lee Cohen, Maria del Rio.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career? How did you approach it?

I am still trying to figure out the best approach to my biggest challenge, which has been balancing my work with being a new mom.

 

 

Society is facing an unprecedented situation with the effects of COVID-19.  What have you been doing to stay grounded and mindful during these times? Do you maybe have a recipe or favorite pastime to share while we are all at home?

I am enjoying feeding my son breakfast while facetiming with my mom, who lives in Barcelona. I have been home over a month now, finding balance in at least one daily walk on the yard, weather permitting. I also like to start the day with a glass of water and practice qi gong at sunset. 

 

Thanks to Mar Peidro for contributing to Botanica World!  Follow Mar on Instagram for effortless, stylish and fun stay at home stories.

Welcome to our weekly column, Botanica World, in which we interview our favorite creative women about inspiration, sustainability, business, and social distancing for public health.  

The objective of this series is to bring some positive content to the social media space. 

Artists and creators have always persevered and thrived even in times of adversity, and we wanted to check in with our community to share experiences- we are all in this together.

---

 

Kristine Claghorn, Creative Producer

Claggie, Los Angeles

Claggie.com

@claggie

In this article: Kristine wears Renata Top in Natural and Robi Shorts in Natural.

 

 

 

Where have you found inspiration in 2020?

2020 has been a trying year so far, and it’s only April. We’ve had wildfires, earthquakes, a pandemic… all while having upsetting governmental leadership. Although there are some days when it feels overwhelming, I am constantly inspired by those that use hardships to invigorate positive change. There’s not a whole lot we can do to control the situation, but we can control our reactions to them. 

During our time in quarantine, my friends and I have been communicating a lot about this. It’s been a huge reminder of how much they inspire me. I’ve also been reading Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl and it feels incredibly timely. 

 

What does sustainability mean to you or your business?  What systems have you implemented to prioritize sustainability?

Living sustainably is a huge part of my life. Starting Cabin Vintage was a huge step in me moving away from full time jobs where I was being paid to market brands that don’t focus on being climate positive. I’m a huge supporter in buying things secondhand when you can and I love thrifting more than just about anything. Cabin Vintage has helped me spread awareness that wearing secondhand/vintage clothing is something anyone with any style of can do. 

I stopped buying brand new clothing (for the most part) in November of 2018 and it has been very freeing for me. I’m a lot less susceptible to impulse buys, especially with trends shown on social. The fashion industry is a huge polluter and giving something that already exists a longer life is a positive step to take to contribute less to your overall carbon footprint. 

 

 

Who are the women in your community that inspire you? Do you have a mentor?

My best friend Mickayla is a nurse currently working the frontlines with Covid-19 patients. I admire her bravery and selflessness. 

My mom is also such an inspiration to me. She’s been teaching me ways to live sustainably way before it was in the spotlight. I remember she bought be beeswax food wraps in 2011… and it took me awhile to realize what I could do with them. She always stays up to date with current events and tries her best to live in a way that helps the planet. 

My grandma is another huge inspiration. She’s in her mid-eighties and she has such an open mind. My grandparents and parents have always taught me to be kind and accepting of others. It’s helped me a lot in my life. Empathy is key!

I’m also inspired by brands that work hard to incorporate sustainability practices into their process. I know it takes a lot of time, patience and money to do. Here’s a list of a handful:

Fibers & Florals

Whimsy & Row

Mixed Business

Botanica Workshop

Pair Up

 

 

What has been your biggest challenge in your career? How did you approach it?

My biggest challenge was jumping into my own projects. The stability of a full time job was hard to leave behind. I got “lucky” and was laid off from a failing start-up in July of 2019, so I was forced to start to do my own thing.

I recommend to anyone that taking time to figure out passion projects is really important if it’s something you’re able to do. 

 

 

Society is facing an unprecedented situation with the effects of COVID-19.  What have you been doing to stay grounded and mindful during these times? Do you maybe have a recipe or favorite pastime to share while we are all at home?

I’ve been having to remind myself that we’re doing through something crazy right now that it’s ok to rest. I’m not good at staying still, so I’ve been taking this time to try to be better at that. Meditation and and reading books helps me. Communicating with family and friends has also been important. 

My favorite comforting recipe so far has been this recipe for Baked Oatmeal: 

 

 

Peanut Butter Cacao Baked Oatmeal

INGREDIENTS

2 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (or one egg)

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 cups milk of choice (I used almond)

1/2 cup apple sauce (or one ripe banana, I just had the apple sauce I made the other day on hand)

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons peanut butter

1 tablespoon melted coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 handful of dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375

2. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper

3. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together until well blended.

4. Pour mixture into baking dish.

5. Sprinkle a little cinnamon and chocolate chips on top. I also added hemp seeds.

6. Bake for 30 minutes. 

7. Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

8. Serve topped with a drizzle of peanut butter and a little maple syrup. 

 

Thanks to Kristine Claghorn for contributing to Botanica World!

If you enjoyed this interview, please consider donating to the following charity that she has selected:

The charity The Open Medicine Foundation is near and dear to my heart. My brother has been suffering with ME/CFS since he was 15 and there is not a whole lot of funding for research. 

There are so many people fighting this chronic complex disease and I’d love for there to be actual funding to help find a root cause + cure. There have been upticks in cases of this after pandemics as well, so I think it’s a great time to help them raise funds. 

Welcome to our new column, Botanica World, in which we interview our favorite creative women about inspiration, sustainability, business, and social distancing for public health.  

The objective of this series is to bring some positive content to the social media space. 

Artists and creators have always persevered and thrived even in times of adversity, and we wanted to check in with our community to share experiences- we are all in this together.

---

 

Jessica Wang, Fermentation Entrepreneur

Picklé, Los Angeles

Picklepickle.co

@picklepickle.co

In this article: Jessica wears Renata Top in Black and Conchi Leggings in Black.

 

Where have you found inspiration in 2020?

 

I have found inspiration in ongoing collaborative cultural projects - like Chinese heritage cookery workshops with my mama Peggy - and also in natural settings, while hiking solo on local trails.

 

What does sustainability mean to you or your business?  What systems have you implemented to prioritize sustainability?

 

Sustainability means practicing social and environmental responsibility with the goal of sustaining a healthy loop of systems, and for me that starts with sourcing. Ingredients and materials used for events are sourced from local small businesses as much as possible. For larger Picklé events I order produce from Food Roots, a social enterprise working with farmers who are POC. Trimmings removed from produce used at pickling workshops are always composted, and equipment provided to students are maintained in the cycle of use. I do my best to avoid plastics, including over-packaged products, and "disposable" wares because I care about the health of our ocean.

 

Who are the women in your community that inspire you? Do you have a mentor?

 

I am inspired by the spirit and friendship of many women! My short list of women entrepreneurs: Ai Fujimoto-Cordero of Omiso; Alia Kate of Kantara; artist Maryrose Corrubias Mendoza; designer Helen Koh; writer Betty Hallock; writer and ceramist Raina J. Lee; writer and owner of The Ruby, Rachel Khong; and cookbook author/ cooking instructor Sonoko Sakai. Sonoko has been an extremely supportive mentor in my journey as an independent cooking and fermentation instructor.

 

 

What has been your biggest challenge in your career? How did you approach it?

 

I am in the midst of it now with the current health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus. I am brainstorming and learning about alternative streams of revenue, so that I am not relying solely on live Picklé events. It hasn't been a simple process. I went through shock and a type of grieving period, in which I allowed myself some time to really feel the weight of the implications of the challenge and accept that it will require a major transition in how I operate my business. I am onto the next phase, feeling motivated to think positively and maintain community while getting organized to develop solutions to sustain some business activity during this prolonged period of social distance. I am staying connected to amazing humans, learning new survival skills through reading and observation, all thanks to the Internet!

 

Society is facing an unprecedented situation with the effects of COVID-19.  What have you been doing to stay grounded and mindful during these times? Do you maybe have a recipe or favorite pastime to share while we are all at home?

 

It has been grounding to connect with friends and family over the phone, whether on a call or FaceTime. Sharing experiences and offering and receiving encouragement has been nourishing. Staying plugged in to reliable news sources has been helpful as well.

 

I was raised to be a happy homebody, and reading was a big part of that when I was homeschooled as a child. In between mining my cookbook collection for ways to make the most of my pantry contents, I am reading Octavia Butler's science fiction novel Parable of the Sower, which could not be more relevant or engaging than at a time like this.

 

Thanks to Jessica Wang of Picklé  for contributing to Botanica World! Jess is offering a series of fermentation related webinars at very affordable prices- get to know her and learn how to make kimchi in a video chat classroom!

Hello everyone! 

We would like to thank and celebrate all the essential workers who are holding our society together by a thread during these strange and trying times.  We applaud their efforts and we're pleased to help them in a small way by donating one Zero Waste Mask for every mask purchased at full price.

Please see below for a list of some essential workers who have received mask donations.  This blog post will be updated periodically to reflect the most current information.

 Total donations as of December 23, 2020: 2000+ masks

Recipients include:

 

- Nurses at a community hospital in San Bernadino County, CA

- Medical staff in San Francisco, CA

- Nurse in Tuscon, AZ

- County of LA employees

- USPS local post office workers

- UPS Driver in Florida

- Emergency room staff in San Francisco, CA

- Whole Foods employee in Southern California

- Cooks in a commercial kitchen, Los Angeles

- Navajo Nation essential employees

- Farmers in Southern California

- Farmers Market staff in Los Angeles

- CSA distribution staff in Los Angeles

- White Memorial Community Health Center, Los Angeles

- Life Care Center of Gwinnett Nursing Home, Lawrenceville, GA

- Jicarilla Child and Family Education Center, Jicarilla Apache Nation

- Pueblo Action Alliance, Albuquerque, NM

- Kadima of Palmyra Nursing Home, Palmyra, PA

- Shuman Detention Center, Pittsburgh, PA

- 1736 Family Crisis Center, Torrance, CA

- LA Herbalist Collective, Los Angeles, CA

- Rescue Mission of Orange County, Tustin, CA

- Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless, Pawtucket, RI

- Mission Inc., Plymouth, MN

 

To request a mask donation, please fill out this form and we will get back to you as soon as we have supplies available.