Advice from a wise and talented friend

Isn’t it funny how you can sit with a million dizzying thoughts swirling through your mind, unsure of what decision to make or which route to take, and suddenly a sweet soul puts everything in perspective with just a few words…

I am a lucky girl with an amazing support system and since the idea for pashen collection first popped in my head, I have known without an ounce of doubt that I want sustainability to be part of my mission. The little ‘grey area’ clouds that pop into my mind from time to time have to do with the definition of sustainability and how this is so different for so many people. In an effort to look beyond this, I have asked myself, “what does sustainability mean to me and how do I want to present this through my work?”

Vegetable Dye Colors

There are organic fibres, plant-based dyes, recycled fabrics and other sustainable materials; there are commitments to ethical labor practices through fair trade certifications; there is work with artisan groups providing a means to self sustain to talented craftsman and their families; there is the use of local materials rich in tradition which is also beneficial to local economies; there is the focus on superior quality and timeless design in a garment or accessory, which in itself provides sustainability in that a piece lasts a lifetime rather than having to be replaced for wear and tear or because it’s simply outdated. All of these things contribute to sustainability in fashion.

Fair Trade Labels

Feeling a tad overwhelmed by all of these options, I asked a friend and colleague for her input. She reminded me of the importance in remaining focused on the integrity behind the designs and my overall mission – “My Story.” She reminded me that it is a process. So, little by little, I decide what sustainability means to me and how I want aspects of it represented in my designs and the development of those designs.

Thank you for your words, BOFA!

First steps

Launching my own fashion label has been a lifelong dream, one that I almost settled on letting go of until a few things kicked into high gear during a summer on the beach in Nicaragua… an irresistible urge to focus and get back to my passions, a relentless desire to pursue those passions, and a clear longing to make sustainability a fundamental part of my initiatives.

Pie de Gigante, Nicaragua

I have been fascinated by fashion since birth, I am convinced; mesmerized by the feel of fabrics and the mixing and matching of different styles and just as intrigued by the methods used in constructing each item, from a simple whip stitch on the inside of a hem to the more intricate stitches used in hand-knit crochet pieces and delicate embroideries.

At age 10, we were given several options for an elective class to take at school; the least popular of the options was the ‘stitchery class’. That was my choice, hands down. I loved every second of it. Sewing and creating things filled me with joy and an incredible sense of peace. I remember how proud I was of my first completed project – a smocked night gown in sky blue colored cotton voile with white grosgrain ribbon ties at the shoulders and white and pink embroidery at the front bodice.

Stitchery Class Project

I’ve also always had a deep interest in charity and helping others.  I believe that providing people in poverty-stricken communities with skill training and jobs, for example, best enables them to become self sufficient, offering long term benefits to them, their families and their communities. This understanding has had an immense influence on my business model.

I have officially been on this journey since April 20, 2010, when the corporation was formed. Endless hours of research, paired with ongoing correspondence with manufacturing companies, suppliers, patternmakers, cooperatives, artisan groups and others, has been taxing but rewarding in so many ways. Anyone who has started their own business knows that sometimes you go in with one idea and things change. There are endless challenges and each time you take 5 steps forward there are situations that ‘pop up’ and take you 2 steps back. I have had numerous people ask me, “have you given up on the whole idea of having a sustainable business because of all of the challenges?” and my response remains a firm,”no.” My first goal is to design beautiful clothing and accessories that people will love, enjoy and even treasure. My second goal is to follow the ethics of sustainability in any way possible for me at this stage of development. If I take sustainability out of the equation, it doesn’t make sense for me anymore. And so, I continue…

Pencil sketch

I started with a series of simple pencil illustrations. A single croquis wearing several different looks. So far, I have communicated with potential partners in the US, Peru, Nicaragua, Cambodia, Thailand, and Turkey. We have discussed fabric options, fair trade practices, pattern details, size ranges, colors, logistics, and more. I have samples in work through 4 different groups in 4 different countries and I can honestly say that through this, if nothing else, my passion for fashion and the sustainability of our planet has grown and I have developed relationships with a few amazing and talented people who I may not have ever come in contact with if I weren”t doing this. For that, I am more than thankful.