Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCarty
Episode 260: Your beliefs are your superpower, with Malena of The Slow Era
Forget apps, AI, and "miracle" eco fabrics...the solution to the fast fashion and overconsumption crisis is…PEOPLE. The future is human! And one way people come into play as part of all of this is via their small businesses. In this episode, Amanda is joined by Malena of The Slow Era, a vintage store and slow fashion community hub in Ames, Iowa. In this episode, we are going to talk about How Malena uses their own values as a decision making tool for their business Why writing a business manifesto made this a lot easier (and why we should also be writing our own personal manifestos, too) How they reconcile their own anti-capitalist beliefs with being a small business owner How they connect with and educate their customers and community via the business How to avoid compromising your values in business (and why/how it will open doors and bring in more customers) And so much more! Also: How Everlane and SHEIN are the perfect cherry on top of this slow fashion values sundae! Find The Slow Era on Instagram. Like Dylan In The Movies (Belle & Sebastian) "Everlane is Selling out to...SHEIN," Lauren Sherman, Puck. "Everlane’s Promise of ‘Radical Transparency’ Unravels," The New York Times. "The $39 Million Shoe Company Allbirds Turned Into An AI Stock," Jon Markman, Forbes. Thanks for being one of the elite few who read the show notes. Alexis and her four babies say "hi!" The new Clotheshorse PO Box: 69 Main Street, Box 16 New Providence, PA 17560 Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/ For the next month, use promo code THEPRICEISRIGHT to get 50% off all merch! Amanda and Dustin care for a colony of 12 feral cats and they want to get them all fixed this spring. So help them cover that cost by picking up some hot deals on Clotheshorse merch. If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.world Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses: Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy . Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim. Selina Sanders , a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts. Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come. Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon
Mentioned
topics
- fast fashion
- overconsumption
- slow fashion
- vintage clothing
- business ethics
- anti-capitalism
- customer education