Arizona Sustainable Apparel Association Growing Together

Episode 12- Label by Three (Rue Vincent)

I had so much fun meeting Rue Vincent and chatting about her brand Label by Three, a collaboration with her two sisters. Label By Three is based on a belief in three pillars that guide their design decisions- minimalism, sustainability, and versatility. In this episode, we chat with Rue about the meaning behind the brand philosophy and how to bring mindfulness into our clothing choices. Rue and her sisters were not designers before starting the brand, so they had to learn everything from scratch. What they did have is a love for vintage, which inspires their collections today. All of their clothes are handmade by women in a local factory right here in Arizona. To shop vintage-inspired clothing made ethically, visit their website at https://www.labelbythree.com [https://www.labelbythree.com/]or follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/labelbythree/ [https://www.instagram.com/labelbythree/]

Episode 11- Akua's Boutique (Theresa Akua Fenn)

In this episode, I had the joy of speaking with Theresa Akua Fenn, the designer and founder behind Akua's Boutique which sells colorful handmade bags made out of raffia, a sustainable fiber made from palm leaves. We had so much fun discussing the entire process of creating one of her handbags from the hand-drawn design to sourcing the palm leaves, natural dying, weaving, and more. Theresa works closely with incredible women artisans in Madagascar, Africa and the bags sold in America help to support their livelihoods. This is an amazing episode to learn more about artisan crafts, sustainable fibers, and the value of handmade. To learn more about Akua's boutique and shop colorful, sustainable bags, check out the website at https://akuasboutique.com/ [//] and give them a follow on Instagram at @akuasboutique [https://www.instagram.com/akuasboutique/] or Facebook @AkuasBoutique [https://www.facebook.com/AkuasBoutique].

Episode 10- Dorothy Jonus (Salty Girlz Closet)

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dorothy Jonus, the reseller and stylist behind Salty Girlz Closet. Dorothy shares her incredible journey from working in luxury fashion and self-identifying as a "shopaholic" to discovering the freedoms and joy of secondhand fashion. Now she "eats, lives, and breathes" sustainable fashion. She finds thrill in the hunt for new products, the low prices for high-end luxury brands, and the opportunities to style others. In addition to her personal story, we dive into how consumer's rising interest in secondhand fashion is changing the market. Finally, Dorothy lets us in on some secrets and shares some awesome tips about the reselling business for those who may be looking to get started! A love of shopping is what led her into the business, but it's the experience of serving others and providing a curated collection of clothing that her future customer will love is what keeps her going! Dorothy clearly has found her passion. I had so much fun learning about her journey into reselling and I hope you will too. Connect with Dorothy and shop her closets on Poshmark@dottied860 [https://poshmark.com/closet/dottied860] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/saltygirlz_closet/]@saltygirlz_closet [https://www.instagram.com/saltygirlz_closet/]

Episode 9- Jessica Zaneis (SoulCare in Surplus)

In this episode, we talk to Jessica Zaneis from SoulCare in Surplus about a really unique area of fashion - military uniforms! Inspired by her own family's military history and the retired uniforms hanging in her father's closet, Jes began repurposing military uniforms into messenger bags, shrapnels, and vests. Jes is fiercely protective of the environment and passionate about sustainability. We learn more from Jes about the ins-and-outs of creating an original upcycled design and the trajectory of materials used in military uniforms over the years. We get really deep into some thought-provoking questions about the role of fashion and the sentimental value that a meaningful garment can bring. As we discuss, fashion is so much more than just a product- it's a form of utility, expression, and storytelling. Jes also shares about some cool military initiatives such as Common Threads [https://www.defense.gov/Experience/Common-Threads/Common-Threads-Army/] which tells the history of military uniforms and sustainable innovations that the military has been implementing including sustainable military housing [https://www.militaryhousingassociation.org/blog/creating-more-sustainable-military-housing-communities/]. We're feeling so inspired after this conversation with Jes from SoulCare in Surplus and we hope you will too! If you enjoyed this episode, give Jess a follow on Instagram @soulcareinsurplus [https://www.instagram.com/soulcareinsurplus/] to learn more about military life and see her creative upcycled designs! Know anyone who is a veteran? Messenger bags provide a meaningful, sentimental gift so contact Jess on her website at https://www.soulcareinsurplus.com/ [https://www.soulcareinsurplus.com/]to explore creating a custom design.

Episode 8- Adriana Bachmann (Earth Momma Trainee)

What a pleasure to interview AZSAA's own VP of Marketing and eco-wellness blogger Adriana Bachmann. In this episode, we explore the connection between sustainability and spirituality as Adriana shares about her personal journey of healing, mental health, and green self-care practices like eco-therapy! Adriana is such a compassionate spiritual soul and it comes through in both her blog entries and the wisdom she shares during the interview. We discuss some of her individual blog posts such as the powerhouse female leaders both locally and globally addressing climate change as well as explore the importance of shopping for sustainable products. Adriana also throws in a few awesome tips for anyone looking to get more followers on their blog! You won't want to miss these tips! Adriana is such an inspiration to all of us here at AZSAA and we are excited to continue to be a part of her eco-wellness journey and learn more about sustainability through her blog.  Read more from Adriana by subscribing to her blog at earthmomma.co and connect with her on Instagram @earthmommatrainee.