Most of us can agree that we live in a society where fast-paced is better. When we know what we want, and we want it yesterday, and this fast-paced mindset often relays into our decision making. We make quick, convenient, easy choices that don’t require too much effort so we’re ready to move on to the next decision. But what would happen if we started slowing down and considered the longer lasting impacts our decisions have? What if we redefined what “better” meant to us?
We’re excited to talk with you about the intentionality in our business and our goal to shift fast-paced mindsets to be intentional mindsets.
What You Purchase and Why
In previous blog posts, we’ve touched on living in such a culture where “more” is thought of as “better”—how the quantity of our things is more desired than the quality of our things. Somewhere along the way, “less” began taking on a negative connotation. We started purchasing things we didn’t need because we needed to own more things. Our fast-paced mentalities joined forces with our more-is-better mentalities to create a society that is continually buying products without thinking about what went into it or who made it. We lost sight of what our purchases represent and what our dollars support.
Though some may have lost sight, we have yet to lose hope.
We believe in being a fashion brand that stands for something more than beauty. We believe that saying no to fast fashion can create a shift in consumer habits that lead to slower consumption, are less expensive for you in the long run, and keep bulk out of landfills. It’s being intentional to shift your perspective to what you purchase and why.
Each product we offer is handmade using natural, recycled, and/or upcycled materials. When you say yes to our Fair Trade and eco-friendly goods, you’re saying no to sweatshops, unfair wages, and child labor. Think of supporting sustainability as an investment—you invest in yourself, in the maker, and in our world as a whole. Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want to see. This is intentionality in action.
Ripple Effects
Our artisans live in communities that live with less, and what they do own has purpose. The value they place on their possessions comes from a place of intentionality. They consider the true worth before purchasing anything and they consider its impact beyond themselves. It’s second nature to them. Their societies practice a mindfulness in making decisions and showing us how to redefine “better.”
The message our artisans’ actions send is that “better” is about the meaning behind each item you own. That your purpose for buying something is because you support how it was made, who made it, and the good it brings. That you buy only what you need, not because you just need more.
What if we applied that same mindset before making a purchase? Making small changes around ideas that are important to you can slowly and steadily shift our communities to be more connected and compassionate. We live in a world where our actions have ripple effects, so let’s have our actions affect positive change.
Intentional Design: Intentionality in What You Wear
Considering the meaning before purchasing something doesn’t mean you have to justify a need for a product before buying it. Instead, consider what message a piece of clothing sends. If that top supports independent makers who are paid a fair wage, that’s a meaning worth supporting. If that necklace was created by using materials that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill, that’s intentional design you can be proud of. If you opt to pay a little more for a well-made product that will last for years instead of a cheap product that will only last a few months, that shows a care for our planet.
The more we practice intentionality, the more it will become our second nature, too. Let’s also remember that this isn’t an overnight transformation. And practice doesn’t necessarily mean perfect. Practice takes time and with time we can transform our habits. Whether you decide to start small or choose to dive right in, headfirst, the act of simply deciding to change your ways for the better is a step in the right direction.
Less can be more. Slow-paced can be favorable. And you can bring good to this world.
