We’re finding that more than ever, brands are taking a stance against fast fashion and waste. Frequently, these decisions come from personal experiences- and Citizen T is no different. When their founder was diagnosed with breast cancer, her art became her passion- and with that came a renewed sense of purpose behind how personal creations can do good for all. Not only do the raw materials for her designs rescue landfill-bound clothing, but a percentage of all proceeds go directly to charity. 92 millions tons of waste the fashion industry produces on annual basis 200 years it takes for textiles to decompose in landfills 64 percent of clothes produced each year end up in landfill By sourcing both pre-and-post-consumer clothing for repurposing, they extend the life of these materials that would be tossed or take up space in warehouses. Everything is meticulously cleaned, dried, and moved into the art process, where designers bring in various forms of media to make the clothing their own. Thank you to Citizen T for inspiring us and demonstrating how passion can become your purpose and a brand! To learn more, visit: https://twitter.com/CitizenTProject

Do you know someone dreaming of staring their own business? Or perhaps has started and is working from home or a small shared office space? Maybe even yourself? Whether you’re looking for a holiday gift, or an anytime gift for that small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, here are our favorite tools and items to add convenience, comfort & productivity. Many of these items are small investments, don’t take up a lot of space and are simple things to help that special someone (or yourself) in your entrepreneurial journey. Sticking with fewer, better items is the goal so consider what would benefit the most! The Startup Playbook by Rajat Bhargava and Will Herman Guidance when starting a new company is of utmost importance and The Startup Playbook is here to help. This 2nd Edition guidebook talks about the lessons, advice, experiences, and knowledge that Rajat Bhargava and Will Herman have received while starting over a dozen high-tech software companies. The lessons they share provide guidance for business owners within the first crucial months of starting their business. Business Planner Focusing on business plans and staying organized by writing things down is a great practice. This Smart planner 90-day plannerincludes monthly/weekly/daily sections, ink proof, 40 extra pages for business notes, and can be used as either a calendar, project planner, or appointment book. Moleskine Notebook If your like us, we are constantly taking notes, jotting down quick Ideas and whipping up quick concepts sketches for a new design. We love this climate pledge friendly Moleskine Notebook, and take them with us wherever we go. This classic notebook has deluxe pages, durable covers, and the perfect notebook to capture all your ideas and notes Large Whiteboard Conducting a meeting or brainstorming session is made easy when adding a large whiteboard to the front of the room. We love mind-mapping and “white-boarding” when working through new projects and plans. Being able to visualize ideas and list out plans keeps us on task and aware of the direction we are going. This whiteboardcomes in nine different sizes, easy mounting installation, durable writing surface, and an aluminum frame. Essential Oil Diffuser We can all use a little more “zen” moments these days and adding this small simple tool helps us feel at peace within any space. We like Pure Daily Care’s Aromatherapy Diffuser for its look and quality. This diffuser includes a 400ml capacity, 14 different light combinations, 4 timer settings, and their top ten essential plant oil’s crafted from local farms. Coffee! Whether commuting to your home office or running out the door, a quick and convenient coffee is the way to go. Keep your energy up with Betterbrew! This travel French press coffee maker is perfect for the WFH, hectic on-the-go person or just an all around coffee lover. This coffee maker is easy-to-use, has duel-layer to keep coffee warm, and two elegant designs to choose from. We love saving money too- who needs Starbucks when you can make this quick coffee yourself? Bluetooth Speaker Everyone could use some good music to help set the “vibe” in the office or a shop. Cambridge Soundworks Store has a compact Bluetooth speaker easy to hide within their space and create their perfect sound scape. This speaker includes Bluetooth compatibility, nine different color options, clear audio, and 14 hour battery life. As easy way to set the mood, for working, jamming or relaxing. Picture Frames Picture frames are a great gift that can change the decor and feel of an entire space. Business owners can hang custom art, photos, and collages that exemplify the brand or home office. The Americanflat Store has a 10-piece deal for beautiful wall frames that come in nine different colors, have durable glass, and easy to swap out pictures. Instapot For individuals on the go and little time to cook, an Instapot is the perfect gift. Quick dishes can be made for themselves or their family while having enough time to finish their workday. This stainless steel Instapothas seven different functions including a yogurt maker and is easy to clean, perfect for family functions, and safe to use….and so many recipes to try! Bluetooth Headphones Bluetooth headphones make a great gift for that someone who’s working long hours- for when they’re sitting in the office or relieving stress through exercise or a mindfulness app. These wireless headphones have a 10 hour playtime, touch control censors, wireless charging, secure ear hooks, hi-Fi stereo quality, and are water resistant. Airpods A little splurge, the new Apple Airpods Pro make a special gift for the music-loving entrepreneur. These Airpods have active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, adaptive EQ, sweat and water resistant, and more than 24 hours of total listening time. Even though these are an investment, they make a special gift for small business owners who are on the go and thrive on their playlists. A Happy Light A “Happy Light” helps improve sleep, mood, focus and energy. During the long winter months, light therapy can keep a person feeling productive & revitalized. Collapsable & packable, this can be used in the home office, an office, or while traveling to keep that special someone always feel their best. Rocketbook Reusable Notebook A business owner, entrepreneur or aspiring designer, should always have a good notebook on hand. A nice alternative to disposable notebooks, is this reusable Rocketbook. It the perfect environmentally friendly gift. This notebook connects with an app on your Smartphone, scans the pages you have written storing them within the app and then you can erase and reuse the notebook over and over again. This notebook comes in eleven fun colors, connects with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote, Slack, iCloud, and has upgraded artificial intelligence technology. Kindle Unlimited Membership To help support an ongoing state of learning and expanding knowledge, gifting a Kindle Unlimited subscription allows them access to books, current magazines, and audiobooks from any device. This is an affordable monthly subscription that can be cancelled anytime but is an impactful gift for someone trying to learn all they can about cultivating their small business. Ring Light Creating content for social media and websites can be intimidating. A Ring Light is the perfect solution for small business owner’s content creation. These Ring Lights can set the ideal mood for any media and improve the aesthetic for your brand. Dream Journal A Dream journal is a great gift for any creative thinker and entrepreneur. This handcrafted, Italian dream journal includes ivory pages, seven different hardcover designs, and a lifetime warranty so you can write our your fears, hopes, dreams, achievements, or any thoughts to help clear your mind before conquering the day. This 8″ Amazon Echo has a touch screen, stereo speakers, it allows video calls with a 13 MP camera that uses auto-framing to keep you centered. Use it for calls music, calendars, reminders, timers, update to-do lists and checking in with your co-workers or loved ones. Faux Succulents Faux Succulents are a great way to add extra color and vibrancy within a space without having to worry about plant upkeep. MyGift Store offers a set of four potted mini succulents for less than $20. These life-like plants will help cultivate the aesthetics and “vibes” when you walk into the room. Does your small business owner have a retail space or need hanging space for garments? UDEAR has a rack with a double hanger design and a bottom shelf to hold extra shoes and storage. Reasonably priced, this is a great option to help keep things organized. One more option to create an aesthetically pleasing and nicely displayed space is Tribesigns free-standing organizer . With shelving and hanging compartments, this is perfect for a rustic boutique, showroom or office space. This wall mounted jewelry holder makes for pretty and easy organization. The holder comes in four different colors and includes an earring holder, two necklace hangers, bracelet display, and a top shelf. An easy-to-install display is perfect for any jewelry designer or small boutique. Looking for more gift ideas? Check out our suggestions for the fashion conscious and book lover and DIY crafters. Treat that someone to a gift they will really benefit from and enjoy!

Lately, the DIY and crafting scene is taking off! Working with your hands and immersing yourself in something creative is a great way to relax and relieve stress. Whether looking for a new hobby or to dabble in something you haven’t tried before, these simple kits and basic items are a great way to get started and make great gifts for someone who could you a little me time! Bracelet Box Kit Craft Crush created the perfect DIY bracelet kit for anyone wanting to make their own custom jewelry with sustainable products and their unique taste. This kit includes all the tools to make eight custom bracelets and either a Blush, Earth, or Coral & Gold Tone option. Benote Diamond Painting Pen and Tool Kits The Benote store on Amazon launched a new and improved diamond painting package including their LEF Diamond panting pen, Magic tool pen, Fix tools and more. Create beautiful diamond paintings and designs on your clothing or a blank canvas with either their Small Kits or Style-2 options. Natural Fabric Dye Indigo Dye Kit Honey Oak launched an Indigo Dye kit that is eco-friendly and all natural dyes with the ability to protect you from UV rays in summer. This sustainable kit includes three natural dye powders, two aprons, three clothing dyes, and more. Louise Maelys 4 Pack Embroidery Starter Kit Louise Maelys has four beginner floral embroidery patterns with hoops, embroidery cloth and needles, color threads, and instructions that are easy to follow. The kit itself can be given as a gift or the finished pattern can be put on throw pillows, wall décor, pictures, added to a garment, and more. Crochet Kit with Yarn Set This set created by J MARK is the perfect start for a crocheting beginner. Including an E-Book, 24 Arylic Crochet Yarn Balls, nine crochet hooks, 6 plastic weaving needles, 10 locking stitch markers and more. The kit also comes with reusable bags to store your tools and yarn safely between uses. Portable Sewing Machine This portable, easy to use sewing machine is perfect for beginners wanting to start creating their own clothing. 2-speed, 12 built in stitches, sews zippers & buttons. With a built in LED light, this lightweight machine is perfect for the beginner and casual sewer. Macrame Craft Kit Cozyside Store’s DIY Macrama Craft kit is the perfect gift or kit to make personalized gifts for the upcoming holidays. This kit includes three projects: wall macramé, macrame plant hanger, and keychain with video tutorials and a step by step book to make this a simple and fun craft. Looking for more gift ideas? Check out our suggestions for the aspiring entrepreneur & small business owner, & the fashion conscious and book lover.

“Whatever we do carries on to the next generation". The sustainability mindset for Aysegul began with this conviction and she treats it as if it is her life's purpose. As we change and adapt, our behavior is passed on to future generations. After first navigating the challenge of finding clothing for herself, Aysegul decided to start her contemporary plus-size brand, Shegul. Shegul designs knock down stereotypes and empower women, making them feel confident and look beautiful. She is passionate about empowering women on the journey to sustainability while serving her community. In this Ethical Fashion Fesitval Fireside chat, Rabia Farhang, founder of Bgood collective interviews a former colleague and a long-time friend, Aysegul Ilter of the Shegul brand. Rabia has seen the world as interconnected with all of us having collective responsibility to bring positive change and impact in what we do. Beyond passion, Aysegul is committed to accountability and making future things happen. Together, Aysegul and Rabia are like-minded change-makers driven to create social impact through their work and businesses. Find out more about how they achieve this through sustainable solutions in this session. Looks from Shegul NYC. BGOOD COLLECTIVE & SHEGUL BRAND Rabia Farhang, is the founder of Bgood Collective, a sustainability agency working with small and midsized purpose-driven companies to improve their impact on the environment and society, and Aysegul Ilter, is the founder of Shegul, a brand founded on the principle of thoughtful craftsmanship. Shegul brand designs are created specifically for the curvier woman, with an eye for finer fabrics and materials; with emphasis on longevity, through superior construction techniques and exceptional fit. Being aware of the waste and some of the inefficiencies in the fashion industry, and having a new outlook and mindset on using fashion as a force for good to bring about change, both of them have thriving fashion brands. They both knew the values that fashion should represent- sustainability and social responsibility. Today, her sustainability journey continues as she added a carbon offset project with local villages in Turkey to her impact strategy. Shegul establishes the Carbon Offsetting Program that provides mid-term income to low-income families by planting nut trees. As we sit down with Rabia and Aysegul, we'll hear more of their personal stories, how they started their own businesses, the challenges they faced, their vision of the future of fashion, and the importance of building a strong community around them. Additional Resources: Rabia Farhang on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabiafarhang/ Bgood Collective’s Website https://www.bgoodcollective.com/ Shegul Brand’s Website https://www.shegulny.com/ Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about the Ethical Fashion Festival and stay up-to-date with IFD. Like this article? Please share! We appreciate your support in our outreach and growth to reach more people about ethical, sustainable, and best design practices.

As creatives, is easy to be unsure if your ideas are valid, or how to sell yourself and promote your services. Whether you are a full time employee or a consultant, selling your ideas is a skill required and doesn't come naturally to a lot of us creative types! Below is an article written for Model FA, who has partnered with us to inspire and educate us by sharing their point of view. The same principals apply, whether you a financial advisor or graphic designer- Thank you to Model FA for this helpful article. “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” ― Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People I’ve read recently that Covey adapted this quote from Gandhi. Regardless of who said those words first, the quote holds the key to the kind of outstanding results you admire in high performers. And I think that it’s the best expression of how mindset, behavior patterns, and results are connected. The mind’s power extends beyond our immediate consciousness. Think of an iceberg with 90% of its mass submerged beneath the surface of the water; your subconscious mind is just as vast and powerful. And once something (a belief or a habit, for example) is a part of your subconscious mind, it will drive your daily choices without any surface awareness from you. The continuum looks something like this: Doesn’t working hard trump mindset? If you’ve ever been conscripted into ballet or piano lessons as a child, the idea of routine practice probably came into play. You went to your lessons and followed instructions. You may have enjoyed some practice sessions and hated others. Regardless of how much enjoyment you got out of the process, if you did this long enough then you eventually developed a level of proficiency — perhaps a 5 or a 6 on a 10-point scale. This proficiency came from deliberately repeating certain routines over and over. Enjoyment and fun would have certainly made the experience more pleasant… but they were not required for you to improve, up to a point. And if you didn’t want to take ballet or piano lessons, you were probably sabotaging your level of success subconsciously. Your brain was in effect limiting you at that 5 or 6 and putting an invisible ceiling on your progress. This is mindset at work. Self-limiting beliefs at work As a creative building a business, you are most likely not sabotaging yourself intentionally. However, your self-limiting beliefs could be doing just that below the surface. Here are a few self-limiting beliefs that seem to be quite popular. The internal dialog might sound something like this… You: I really hate sales (or promoting myself). Self-limiting belief: No one has ever taught you to do sales right. You should hate it. You’re right, we suck at sales. You: Since I suck at sales, why should I spend time prospecting? Self-limiting belief: You’re right. Prospecting is just a waste of time. You: The reason I am having trouble finding prospects is because they don’t see me as an expert. Sound familiar? Let’s do some labeling for a minute. This internal dialogue starts from a mindset of “I’m not enough”. The self-limiting belief basically just agrees and acts as a theme for you — unless you are willing to confront it. What can creatives do about this vicious cycle? The fact may well be that you’re not good at sales or promoting yourself yet. But through practice, you can change that. Here are some of the questions you can ask yourself to explore your next steps. Have you had any training from someone who is better than you at this task? If the answer is “No,” consider picking up a great book about selling, or marketing yourself, signing up for a course with an expert, or getting yourself a coach or mentor. Have you employed the strategies/techniques that successful professionals have used? The best ideas in the world are worth nothing without diligent implementation. After you read that book, finish that course, or hire a coach, make a list of specific strategies and exercises you will commit to learning and using. What’s the underlying fear or belief that’s holding you back from committing 100% of your efforts to learning this new skill or trying a new approach? You might discover that you have a self-limiting belief. Perhaps you think you are too old to learn about digital marketing, or that you need just one more designation to truly position yourself as an authority figure. Look at those beliefs closely, because without pushing against them your progress will be modest at best. Once you answer these questions, you can begin to address your deficiency so you can begin to close the skill gap. Here’s a piece of good news. Every successful creative has walked this path before. You must face the fact that you are responsible for expanding your skills, and the only way to get better is to practice. Here are 3 steps to help you overcome self-limiting beliefs. Record a prospecting call and/or your elevator pitch and have an objective 3rd party give you feedback on your technique and performance. Choose someone who you know is very good at this and ask them to identify specific ways you can improve. Incorporate that feedback into a “modified” framework. You might write a script that you can reference in future conversations, or simple prompts that will help you have a more productive conversation. Rinse and repeat while monitoring your close ratio for improvements. If your prospecting results leave you in a cycle of despair and hopelessness, begin by examining your behavior patterns and underlying beliefs. If you want a real-life example of what that might look like, Patrick Brewer has had two coaching sessions with an advisor in our program using this same framework recently (Note: The link will take you to the private Facebook group for the Model FA, so you’ll have to join the group before you can watch the videos.) This video is a conversation between two financial advisors, but the advice and examples given can apply to anyone selling an idea, a service or going after new clients. As you will see in this real-life example, an objective 3rd party with more experience than the advisor can help identify blind spots and brainstorm tactical solutions. The ultimate goal of a feedback session like this is to break out of the loop of a low conversion rate with prospects. This takes work and the willingness to make a change — but it’s within your reach. As your mindset shifts from “I’m not enough” to “I’m enough” or “I can be enough”, you will begin to see stronger results, better-fit clients, and a brighter future for your firm. This article was originally published on ModelFA.com Author Bio: Dominique Henderson is the founder of DJH Capital Management and director of Client Experience at Brewer Consulting. He’s spent over two decades in financial services helping clients do more with their life and money — and helping advisors grow their businesses. Thank you to Dominique Henderson and MA Financial for sharing advice with IFD! Peace. Love and Blessings! Britta

With over five years in the modeling industry under her belt, Portland-based model Nicole Nance is in the perfect position to look back on exactly how she got started. A signed model with Ryan Artists Management, she dove into the local fashion industry upon moving to Portland, OR, from Pittsburg, PA, and never looked back. Nance previously worked as a wedding planner, and has twelve years of theater experience, and puts the skills from both to work on professional fashion shows. She assists with talent coordination and creative direction for shows by fashion photographer Tom Lupton, in addition to modeling and performing. She was also the model director for the 2018 Fringe Fashion Show. Nicole shares some behind the scenes! IFD: How did you first get in modeling? I have 11 years of dance and theater training and have always loved performing. I grew up dreaming of becoming a model but got my creativity out through theater. When I moved to Portland I had amazing coworkers who happened to model for a local designer, and I started pursuing it more. IFD: How did you feel on your first few jobs? I was totally nervous. Theater prepared me for things that are very similar to modeling, like taking direction, giving different emotions, letting go of your inhibitions, and body awareness. No matter how nervous I was, as soon as we started I just melt into the role. I love the thrill of it. IFD: What do you find most challenging about modeling? One thing that is challenging about modeling is staying “fresh” in your poses and keeping inspired. After enough back-to-back jobs, it is easy to lose inspiration and fall into comfortable, easy work. But your style and posing is what makes you unique, so you have to keep improving. IFD: Can you explain how you keep your poses "fresh"? Yes! So I definitely look up to other models. I study poses in photos I see. What shapes are they making? How are they holding their hands? Little things like that and I try and practice those on sets. I love Cocoa Rocha, she is an inspiration for me as a model. She is the queen of posing! I have 12 years of ballet training so that is really helpful for posing and movement so I like to stay flexible. I bring a lot of my training in that to set. I practice! I just stand in the mirror and do as many poses as I can in a row as if it's a shoot and I just keep going until I run dry. It's fun! I try to figure out a flow that I can roll through.... so many poses arms down, so many hands on face, so many extended. It's like managing your time on a shoot to deliver as much variety as possible quickly. Also- Mimes!! I did a shoot with David Bowie as the inspo and he studied mimes and their movements! I also practice my runway walking while I'm on the treadmill. I practice at different speeds. It's very helpful! I don't put heels on for that though haha IFD: What’s your favorite job so far? I have been working on a photo series for a small winery. We are creating art for their wine labels! This has been really fun because of the wardrobe and creative freedom. IFD: What has been your least favorite job so far? There is a runway I participated in a few times that I wish I could take back. The producer decided the mission of the show didn’t drive her morals or design passion anymore, and I do not agree with the direction she has taken her work. It’s harmful and I wish I could not have ever been associated. Beyond that I have enjoyed most of my opportunities! IFD: what does a typical modeling job/day look like? It starts the night before. I’ll “prep” by washing my hair, skin care, moisturizing mask for makeup prep and (hopefully) a good night’s sleep. I usually roll out of bed and wash my face, do my skin care routine, brush teeth, and brush hair. Then I throw my model kit together and head off to the shoot. My kit includes dress tape, breast petals (to cover the nips), a variety of nude underwear, deodorant, nude and black strapless bras, personal items like headphones, an extra phone charger and Advil. I usually have an extra pair of heels just in case. I also like to bring snacks. Hair and makeup can take anywhere from one hour to three. Sometimes more depending on the shoot. That’s the calm before the storm! Once you’re ready to go it’s a lot of trying on different pieces, trying different accessories, and shoes. Testing it on film with the lighting. Expect changes and adjustments before starting. Then it’s kind of a whirlwind! It’s a fun adrenaline rush. IFD: What do you wish or think other people should know about modeling? I wish people would stop thinking that it is “easy”. If it were so easy then everyone would love how they look in photos. It’s a lot of practice learning how to make your look translate to film. It’s learning how to emote feelings that can be caught and frozen in a split second. There’s a lot of thinking that has to go into creating even the most natural of pose. I also wish people realized that it isn’t just “show up and shoot.” Models have to maintain their physique and stay healthy. There is a lot of networking involved and promoting yourself. It’s a daily routine of “maintenance” with skin care, working out, eating well, and practicing. IFD: What advice do you have for someone who wants to get into modeling? Do your homework. Learn about the industry and the market you want to be in Look up local artists you want to work with. Show up and support people and events. Don’t expect to be discovered on the street—you have to put in the work. Take classes if you can. Go for it with everything you have! IFD: What would you say are some characteristics needed for this type of work? Patience — modeling is a learned craft and you will improve over time. Have a healthy mindset on rejection and criticism. Be respectful. You aren’t going to get anywhere if you’re rude, gossip, complain, or act unprofessionally. Have a real thrill for modeling itself. IFD: If you weren't modeling, what would you be doing instead? I run my own website design business, which allows me to be available for jobs and networking. It’s also a different creative outlet. And if I weren’t modeling I’d be acting. IFD: What was your experience working with the recent Fringe Fashion Show like? This year we had about 85 models. Our line-up of models is insane. Anyone can look at them as a group and find themselves in there. I mean it when I say anyone. Photo by Tom Boehme. Make up by Mikki Willis. Hair by Angela Foster. Design by Tulle on Lace So many of them have never walked a runway in their life. Most of our models have been told they “could never model” or made to feel like they’re not good enough. Which is just not true. I feel a sense of responsibility to make Fringe as enjoyable and exciting as possible. I helped prepare them for each event: what to bring to their fittings, what questions to ask. Same for rehearsal and the show — a detailed list of what to bring and what to expect. I believe being as transparent and honest as possible is effective in making something huge feel more tangible. I want to be real and honest. I have a lot of experience in being on stage, whether it’s dance, acting or modeling. I know how to prep. I know what feelings to expect. And I know how hard it is to do. So I am happy to be able to offer real empathy to any models who are scared or unsure of themselves. IFD: You also have some very exciting news! You recently launched a podcast called Model Talk with Nicole and Devon! Congratulations!!! Model Talk: About The Show "We are Devon Blackerby and Nicole Nance. We are both models in the Portland, Oregon and the west coast market. We are using this podcast to make the modeling industry more transparent and approachable for models. We will share stories about our experiences and advice on how to be a professional model and get hired. Our experience combined is over 20 years experience in the modeling, fashion, and art world." Model Talk Podcast available at: https://anchor.fm/model-talk-podcast-pdx/support. IFD: You're very complimentary about some of the people you've meet in the industry. Are there some photographers, make up artists, fellow models, artists you'd like to highlight that you believe more people should know about? Hell yes!! I hesitate to point out specific people in case I forget people but here are some phenomenal talents... Tom Lupton – I mean we really grew up together getting into shooting fashion. He didn't ever consider fashion, we met, somehow our theatrical style worked with fashion and boom. I'm grateful for him as a friend in this industry! I also have to acknowledge Angela Foster, a MUAH. She is just insanely talented and such a hard worker. She's also such an incredible friend. As well as Cherrity Patt – Her creativity never ends. In fact, I'd like to point out that makeup and hair artists are some of the hardest working people I know and they don't get the credit they deserve. They give me the confidence to do what I do. Cobalt Studios is another amazing space in this industry. They have welcomed me in and given me a place to go and be creative and have fun! Bill and Tammy Linn, the owners, do sooo much to support this community it is unbelievable. Tulle On Lace used to be a local designer but recently moved to Atlanta. She is a great friend and incredibly talented and gave me the opportunity to walk for her in New York Fashion Week one year. ! I'd love to just give you a long list as there are so many others! My husband is insanely supportive of me pursuing this as well. He's the reason that I am able to go out and do this as hard as I have been. So, I'd love to give him a huge thanks! IFD: Nicole, it has been a pleasure to hear your journey. Thank you for sharing with us and we wish you continued success! Interested in learning more about Cobalt Studios? Here is a sneak peek!

January 3rd, 2020 As we close the chapter on 2019, we reflect on our biggest moments for Inside Fashion Design. To send the year off in style we looked back at our most popular posts, biggest events, and fan favorites. Plus we'll talk about what's ahead for IFD in 2020! Our Biggest Moments & Top Favorites Our Biggest Honor: IFD Nomination for Portland Fashion & Style award Can I just say how honored we are to be nominated as Best Fashion Publisher/Blogger of 2019?!!! IFD is not yet 3 years old and sharing stories, providing resources and hosting educational & fun events is our passion- To be considered a top publisher in under 3 years is so exciting and my hope is to continue to grow and offer more of what this community is looking for. Thank you to PFSA for the nomination and we cant wait until the event! Biggest Event: Our biggest event of the year was Future Frontiers; Crossing the Boundaries of Innovation, Technology & Design. What a privilege to have special guests Asher Levine, Francis Bitonti & Billie Whitehouse fly in to spend an evening sharing their design knowledge and journey with us! Here our guest panelists share what they're most looking forward to at the event Missed the event? A full live video & audio recording is available on our YouTube channel here Nicole Nance gives us a sneak peek of the event- We so loved working with her and all the other local talents to make this event such a success! Watch here! Nicole Nance To read more about Nicole and her personal journey, visit our blog post: Dreaming of Becoming a Fashion Model? Most Popular Blog Post: What Sets You Apart In The Design Industry? The Man Behind Bleu by Rod Beattie Shares His Insights: Read here! We had so much fun visiting Rod in his studio in Pasadena where he showed us behind the scenes of the design studio, introduced us to his team, gave us a sneak peek of the new collection in the works and shared his history of working in the design industry. Sold Out Workshop: Wine & Dye, Portland Textile Month This year, IFD participated for the first time in Portland Textile Month, that takes place in October. We wanted to do something fun and hands on, so hosted a Wine and Dye event, lead by Kerry Cotter of Belmont Blankets. It was a sold out event and we had a blast sipping wine and making fabric dyes from native plants, which Kerry uses in his own products! To learn more about Kerry and Belmont Blankets, visit www.belmontblanket.com. Kerry also gave us access to his travel journal as he exhibited at The Outdoor Show in Denver, Colorado. Learn what its like to be a small business, exhibiting at one of the largest trade shows in the US. You may find the full story here Our Favorite Conference: New Yorks Fashion Tech Forum IFD was on the ground at Fashion Tech Forum in NYC- an incredible line up of speakers and was both inspirational and educational for us as well as the large audience. You may find the full story here. Runway Moments We Loved: Fringe, Fade To Light and FashioNXT Since IFD is a advocate for local & independant designers, we attend as many fashion events as possible to looking for great talent. We love Fringe, Fade To Light and of course supporting Emerging Designers at the UpNxt FashioNXT competition. Each offers their own unique format and opportunities for designers to show their collections. Stay tuned for upcoming stories about some of the featured designers we discovered! Fringe FashionPhoto by Tom LuptonVeil & Valor showing in Fade To Light What's In Store for 2020 & beyond? What are we looking forward to next?? We have some surprises up our sleeve that you will have to stay tuned for! What I can tell you is that we have teamed up with the United Nations Ethical Fashion Initiative as well as Fashion Revolution for our next event. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting event and opportunity to make positive change in the fashion industry. For a current listing of IFD events, check out our event calendar here We have so much to be grateful for & optimistic of what the future for IFD and our community will do together. We would love to hear what you are grateful for- shoot us a note at design@insidefashiondesign.net Cheers! Britta

Greetings and Happy New Year! As we head into 2022, our focus will continue to be on Ethical and Sustainable fashion- follow along as we learn about brands and designers working in this space, striving to improve our personal health, the fashion industry and make better decisions for our planet. Our first article of the year is all about shoes! Need new shoes? Your next purchase needn’t be wracked with guilt. Despite its reputation, the shoe industry is changing for the better in terms of sustainability and ethics. Vegan leather has gone from niche to popular, and with innovations like the fungal-fantastic Mycelium Leather entering the industry, the trend is set to continue. Some brands are paying more attention to ethics and ecology than others, though. Here are five notable examples. TOMS This is one brand that already does more than most, but isn’t ready to stop there. The shoes and flip flops from TOMS’ recent Earthwise collection use materials like recycled plastic bottles, plant-based foam, and natural dye. As part of its medium term plans, the LA-based brand aims further to shift to only sustainable cotton by 2025, as well as use several other means to reduce their carbon footprint every year. Veja A favorite of actor-activist Emma Watson, Veja focuses on ethical practices throughout their whole supply chain. They source organic cotton from a Brazilian cooperative, pay decently for wild Amazonian rubber to reduce land clearance, and use a chrome-free vegetable tanning process. With high factory unionisation and socially responsible logistics, they’ve cemented their spot as a sustainable shoe brand. Veja’s popularity also continues to boom thanks to collaborations and great design. The Rick Owens x Veja sustainable runner line proves that sustainability is an option even for running shoes. These elegant, breathable sneakers even use laces entirely made from recycled bottles. BANGS Named after the Mandarin word for ‘help,’ founder Hannah Davis partnered with a family-owned factory to produce simple work boots from ethically sourced and 100% vegan material. The workers receive fair wages and have lunch breaks long enough for a nap! Not that anyone is jealous. An interesting part of the BANGS business model is that they invest a fifth of net profits in hand-selected businesses — through the non-profit microfinancier Kiva — to help them get started. Once repaid, the same investment is made in another business. Giesswein If you love the naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties of wool, Giesswein has you covered. They ensure all their high-quality merino wool is cruelty-free by avoiding the grisly practice of mulesing. The brand’s sheep logo shows its commitment to the animal, and is quite fetching to boot. Giesswein has a range of shoes that it makes with zero waste principles, from warm snow shoes and slippers to sneakers and flats. Nisolo The gorgeous line work of Nisolo shoes are proof that style needn’t be sacrificed for sustainability. Run out of Nashville, the brand works with Peruvian artisans who receive a living wage to hand-make a stunning range of climate-neutral certified products. Like Veja, Nisolo uses vegetable tanning in its production of boots, heels and much more. They even have an Ethical Marketplace with products from other ethical brands. Sustainable Kicks There’s no doubt about it: for anyone who wants to break in a new pair of shoes without breaking the planet or the backs of workers, the choices are expanding. And not only does buying ethical fashion support workers and the environment, but it can also slowly encourage the entire industry to move in that direction— which is what we’re all about at Inside Fashion Design.

There is no question that the fashion industry has been undergoing major changes in recent years, particularly in terms of business operations, sustainability goals, and navigating a modern world buoyed by technology and the internet. But that doesn’t mean that the industry still isn’t as strong as ever, particularly within local communities around the country. In Fashion Mingle’s “Mingle Mastermind Session, “Building a Stronger Fashion Community,” the panelists discuss the challenges and rewards of organizing the fashion industry, and how to create win-win situations for everyone involved. In cities like Austin, Columbus, Portland, and New York City, our panelists have been instrumental in creating thriving local fashion communities, and are eager to share how to build a stronger fashion community community in your city. Volunteer. Take Thomas McClure and the Columbus Fashion Council: “With the volunteers we have, it becomes a win-win situation. I tell all of them, ‘I want you to come on board, and I want to know what your expectations are of the organization. How can we help you, and how can you help us?’” Not only are you giving back to your community, but volunteer opportunities provide the chance to learn about your local fashion industry and connect with other professionals. Participate in Events. Participate in them and create them! Britta Cabanos began creating workshop events through her business, and they were so successful, they led to larger events like the Ethical Fashion Festival. Just like volunteering, attending and creating events provide learning and networking opportunities. Focus on Social Issues. It can be uncomfortable to bring up social issues, but they have a major impact on the fashion industry and communities in general. Our panelists have been heavily involved in issues regarding inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability, just to name a few. If we can’t unite to make the world a better place, we can’t build a strong fashion community. Just Reach Out. Networking can be incredibly intimidating. As Dale Noelle said, “I think people can be hesitant to step out of their comfort zone or ask for help, but just getting involved is the most important first step.” If you want to connect with someone, you have to be the first one to reach out, because chances are, they aren’t going to reach out first. Get Involved at the Government Level. Public policy plays a huge role in the fashion industry. In order to create organizations or events, or really just make some great connections, you’re probably going to have to get some politicians involved. As Samuel Alexander suggests, start by doing work within your local education system and government. Then start approaching larger government offices. Don’t Give Up. There really are so many opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. “If one opportunity doesn’t work out, look for another. Find the right fight for you,” said Melissa Shea. How to Build a Strong Fashion Community: A Look at Austin SAMUEL ALEXANDER, FOUNDER AND CEO OF FASHION AND TECHNOLOGY. Austin, Texas has experienced a major fashion boom in recent years, with brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton building manufacturing plants in the city.Samuel Alexander, founder and CEO of C2C (Concept 2 Conception) Fashion and Technology LLC, has been at the forefront of this boom, and has been instrumental in growing a technologically advanced fashion industry in Austin. Samuel’s company and his expertise work to bring together the fashion and technology industries with product design and development, sourcing and production, and strategic branding and marketing. Samuel got his start in the industry nearly 40 years ago when he was asked to help a local high school build a fashion incubator. His work in education has continued, and he was recently involved in establishing the Fashion Incubator program at Austin Community College. Samuel is also working on building a separate two-year school that offers a degree in Fashion Technology Engineering. In the meantime, Samuel understands that the changes the fashion industry has had to face in recent years have not all been positive. “We’re going to have to really change as an industry. If you really look at our industry, we lost 42,000 retailers within the last two and a half years,” said Samuel. But that certainly does not mean that all hope is lost for local, national, and international fashion communities. “Our focus right now is collaboration and rebuilding an industry from the ground up. But we have the tools to rebuild,” said Samuel. Using the tools available to him, Samuel’s major focuses right now (in addition to working with education) including reshoring production, creating a circle economy, and implementing sustainability. He is also undertaking a major venture in developing a small business banking system that would serve ONLY small businesses. “If we don’t have a local economy, we don’t have a national economy,” said Samuel. So, in terms of how to build a strong fashion community, Samuel advocates for focusing on education and economic support, as well as embracing technological advancements. Interested in learning more about the Austin fashion community? Check out these groups and events that Samuel has proudly participated in: Austin Trash Makeover Challenge, McCallum Fashion Show, and Austin Fashion Initiative. How to Build A Strong Fashion Community: A Look at Columbus THOMAS MCCLURE, FOUNDER OF COLUMBUS FASHION COUNCIL Meanwhile, major things have also been happening in the Columbus, Ohio fashion community in recent years. One of the main people to thank for that isThomas McClure, who learned how to build a strong fashion community after founding the Columbus Fashion Council, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide scholarships to fashion design students and provide a platform for emerging and local fashion designers. Thomas and Columbus Fashion Council are largely responsible for developing Fashion Week Columbus, which WWD ranks as the number 3 fashion week for fashion designers. It may seem surprising that this Midwest city has created such a name for itself, but Columbus actually has a pretty established corporate fashion industry, with companies like Express, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lane Bryant, and DSW all having major hubs in the city. And just like these larger companies, smaller independent companies have had to largely pivot their business by implementing online sales and producing products like masks and scrubs. Despite the trials and tribulations these smaller companies have faced, Thomas and his organization just recently worked tirelessly to pull off 2020 Fashion Week Columbus. The event included five fashion shows and two virtual panel discussions. Three of the shows were fully virtual, while the other two, including the finale show, were in person. While over 1,000 people attended the finale show in 2019, this year less than 100 were allowed in, and they were all under strict COVID guidelines. Still, when given the opportunity, Thomas couldn’t turn down a chance to give back to his local fashion community. “These designers, who are also small businesses, depend on our platform to launch their brands, to get their name out there, to get clients, to get connected to buyers, and whatnot. There’s no other platform in Ohio like that,” said Thomas. “So, we just said, ‘we’ve got to do this, and we’ll just pivot as we go along.’ It was a lot of work, but it was worth it.” The event, and other Columbus Fashion Council events from previous years, have been possible thanks to the army of volunteers Thomas and the organization work with. In fact, Columbus Fashion Council is based almost entirely on volunteers, with Thomas citing over 2,000 volunteers participating with the organization since its founding 10 years ago. Thomas and the council have built such a solid community and are responsible for so many successful events, other fashion weeks, including Baltimore Fashion Week and Denver Fashion Week, have reached out for collaboration and promotion opportunities. “I think that is one of the best ways to succeed: to just really lift each other up within your local community and within other smaller fashion communities around the country,” said Thomas. And that right there is how to build a strong fashion community. How to Build a Strong Fashion Community: A Look at Portland BRITTA CABANOS, FOUNDER INSIDE FASHION DESIGN & CO-FOUNDER OF CREATIVE CAPITAL DESIGN Out west, Britta Cabanos has spent many years establishing herself in and growing the Portland fashion community. Britta, who studied Fashion Design at F.I.T. in New York City, and has over 25 years of experience as a Leading Design Director in athletic and active apparel. She is also the Co-Founder and Chief Design Director of Creative Capital Design, a woman-owned consulting studio working with small to midsize clients. Creative Capital Design very quickly found success, and Britta and her business partner found themselves constantly being bombarded with questions from designers and other industry professionals regarding production, merchandising, development, and much more. This led to the development of Inside Fashion Design, which serves as an on and offline resource, offering workshops and events for those in the fashion industry. These small workshops led to big things for the fashion community. “We found that after those workshops, those dozen or so people just wanted to hang out and connect further and network,” said Britta. “So, it just started naturally and organically forming this little community.” Britta has worked to continue to build this community, and is now producting the annual Ethical Fashion Festival, which is held in the fall. The festival features fireside chats with industry professionals, virtual presentations from artisans, designers, and educators, and popup shops from ethical, sustainable, and social enterprise artisans, brands and designers. While the event was originally meant to be in person, hosting it virtually has actually allowed for more speakers and events. “Our vision for this event is really to support artisans and makers and marginalized groups wherever they are in the world.” For more information about the Ethical Fashion Festival, click here. How to Build a Strong Fashion Community: A Look at NYC New York City has long been one of the most significant fashion hubs in the world. But within the city, smaller fashion brands and businesses have banded together to form a tight knit community. One notable fashion figure is Catherine Schuller, who started her career as a plus-sized model in New York in the 70s. Cat, who has a passion for inclusivity and sustainability, and has been instrumental in the growth and success of many of New York’s most creative designers, models, event producers, and more. After finding success as an early plus-sized model, Cat founded Runway the Real Way, which became known for hosting diverse and inclusive fashion events. She has also recently began doing sustainable fashion work for the United Nations. “I want to do for mother nature what I did for plus-sized women,” said Cat. This has included working to implement the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and raise awareness about sustainable practices within the fashion industry. Fellow New Yorker Dale Noelle, owner and founder of TRUE Model Management, is instrumental in creating opportunities for New York’s freshest faces and working with many of the world’s most famous brands. Same as Cat, Dale began her career as a model, and is now passionate about creating connections and opportunities for women-owned businesses through events and partnerships. She is a committee member of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, and works to bring some of the most successful women in New York City together. “I suggest to anyone in the industry, put yourself out there,” said Dale. “Networking is scary, but if you make the effort, it will help both you and the people you connect with.” Queen of connections herself, Dee Rivera, supports this idea of putting yourself out there. With a career in PR working with major brands and publications, Dee is known for creative strategies that build emerging brands through DCG Public Relations. As a serial entrepreneur, Dee is the founder of Latinista.com, Hampton’s Fashion Week, and Times Square Fashion Week, three platforms that create promotional opportunities for emerging designers, beauty, and wellness brands. “If you want to make those connections, you have to reach out,” said Dee. “I suggest LinkedIn or email. Either way, don’t be afraid to make a move.” The more connections you are able to make, the more you understand about your industry. Branding and fashion lawyer Shirin Movahed has made a career of guiding her clients through the legal challenges of starting and protecting their businesses. She has also served on the Fashion Group International boards for New York City and Toronto. “Making connections and building my resources has been invaluable to me on a personal level, and also for my business as a fashion and branding lawyer,” said Shirin. “Now when my clients come to me looking for a resource within the community, I know exactly how to address those needs.” Besides hard work and an entrepreneurial mindset, what do all of these wonderful New York City women have in common? They are all a part of the same community, established by Fashion Mingle and its cofounder and CEO, Melissa Shea. Inspired by the Austin fashion industry, Melissa used her 20 years of experience in the tech industry to create a platform that connects fashion professionals with the resources they need locally, or anywhere in the world. It is this kind of community building that has united incredible groups of people, including our panelists. As Shirin said, “I don’t think any of us would be here if it wasn’t for Fashion Mingle. That is the ultimate online fashion community and it has brought us all together and I’m really thankful for that because so much has spawned from that. So, hats off to Melissa and Fashion Mingle.”

By Courtney Rosenfeld, Contributing Author, founder of Gigspark.biz Ecopreneurship is not brand new, but it has definitely gained momentum in recent years. Along with rising awareness of climate change, pollution, and other environmental issues, there are more resources than ever before available to eco-conscious entrepreneurs. If you’re interested in becoming an ecopreneur, check out these 12 tips and resources from Inside Fashion Design. The Basics of Ecopreneurship You’re interested in ecopreneurship, but if you’re still not 100 percent sure what it is or if it’s right for you, consider these essential elements of what it means to be an ecopreneur so that you can better determine if it coincides with your passions and skill set: Ecopreneurship is a type of entrepreneurship, meaning that you must maintain a profit in order to keep promoting initiatives and practices that are healthy for the planet. Check out the links included with each of the below: Ecopreneurs maintain a focus on prevalent environmental issues, including climate change, pollution, and waste. There are many well-known green businesses that have stayed true to their focus on sustainability, including Seventh Generation, IKEA, and Unilever for example. Running an earth-friendly business means that you consider the environment in every aspect of your operations—from the products or services you provide to the marketing materials you use. Preparing to Launch After identifying a viable idea, put it into a business plan and explore your funding options. Brainstorm business ideas that can both benefit the planet and bring a profit. "We are firm believers of the idea that addressing the climate crisis and pursuing other sustainable initiatives is a win-win situation for businesses. Aside from the increased brand loyalty that accrues from aligning with activist values, climate change is poised to cost businesses an estimated €85 billion in the next five years.": 21 SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS IDEAS FOR 2021 Get connected with groups and organizations that can help you build a strong foundation for success, such as the Green Business Network. If you don’t have enough space in your home for a workspace, look into office sharing, or working with a friend. If you are in the market for a new house, see how much you can afford (online tools can help), and work with a real estate agent to help you find what you need. Working from home is a viable option these days and you can claim tax deductions for running your business from a home office. Promoting your business Even if you have a great product or service that benefits the environment, your company can’t thrive unless people know about it. Here are a few marketing tips: Make sure you have a top-notch website that engages users and clearly represents your brand. "As early as 2016, the IT sector was responsible for approximately 7 percent of global electricity use. This is due to the technology used to power and access the web as well as the sheer and growing number of people who do so." 6 Ways to Create a More Eco-Friendly Website (Design, Hosting & More) Throw a lot of energy into social media marketing, as it’s currently the biggest overall platform for nonprofits and small businesses. Check out Top 10 Social Media Tactics for Promoting Your Brand for Free at www.zenmedia.com "Local SEO, also known as Map SEO, is a relatively new form of SEO that has gained momentum over the past few years. It uses links and keywords to optimize your Google My Business (GMB) profile." Learn more here Make sure all of your print marketing is made from sustainable materials like recycled paper. "In a world where everything is digital, receiving something at home in the paper can make a big impact. It’s a cost-effective way to drive action and reach family members, who often are the ones making the benefits decisions. But a lot of organizations believe that mailing paper materials is inconsistent with their efforts to go green. Can you be green and still get the benefits of direct mail and other paper channels? We think so." The Environmentally Friendly Way to Do Print, from segalbenz.com Now is as good a time as any to launch an earth-friendly business. If you feel the nudge to become an ecopreneur, consider the tips and resources above as you prepare your path. And keep researching how you can position your company for long-term success! Thank you Courtney for contributing! Check out her website at: www.gigspark.biz Have a feature you would like to recommend? RECOMMEND A FEATURE STORY Want to be a featured maker or brand? SEND AN INQUIRY HERE Curious about advertising with us? SUBMIT AN INQUIRY HERE Curious about Design and Development services? REACH OUT TO US HERE Want to learn about our annual Ethical Fashion Festival and how you can get involved? EFF INQUIRES

Meet the Makers of Bega Kwa Bega, a self-help group for single women providing social empowerment, skills training, and an opportunity to showcase their craft through ethical fashion brands In the bustling city of Nairobi, Kenya, a group of determined women faced immense challenges as single parents struggling to provide for their children. In their desperate search for a better future, they turned to prostitution to make ends meet. However, their lives transformed when they joined Bega Kwa Bega. This self-help group gave them social empowerment through ethical fashion by getting skills training, and an opportunity to showcase their craft. Today we highlight the inspiring journey of Karen Achien'g Anyango and the incredible work of Bega Kwa Bega, a valid symbol of sustainable and ethical fashion. Empowerment Through Skill Development Karen Achien'g Anyango, a resilient member of Bega Kwa Bega, shares her powerful story of transformation. This self-help group empowered her with batik, tie-dye, weaving, and beadwork skills. The group became a platform for these women to regain control over their lives, fostering a sense of pride and independence. Through training and mentorship, they honed their craftsmanship, transforming their creativity into tangible art forms. Craftsmanship Showcased Abroad One of the most empowering aspects of Bega Kwa Bega is the opportunity for these talented artisans to have their work showcased and sold abroad. Their unique creations reach global audiences through partnerships and collaborations, allowing the world to appreciate the beauty and skill invested in each piece. By purchasing these ethically crafted items, individuals become part of a powerful movement, supporting the livelihoods of these women and contributing to sustainable fashion practices. The Value of Knowing the Makers Karen Achien'g Anyango emphasizes the significance of knowing the stories behind the products we own. She believes that when we understand the journey and resilience of the artisans who create these pieces, we find far more value in the items themselves. The connection between the maker and the wearer becomes a meaningful bond, transcending material possessions and celebrating the human spirit. Bega Kwa Bega: A Beacon of Hope The Bega Kwa Bega Self-Help Group represents a shining example of how ethical fashion can change lives and uplift communities. By empowering women with skills and providing them with a platform to showcase their craftsmanship, Bega Kwa Bega promotes economic independence, self-esteem, and social empowerment. Their work challenges the prevailing narrative and proves that beauty and strength can arise from the most challenging circumstances. Karen Achien'g Anyango's journey and the inspiring work of Bega Kwa Bega exemplify the power of sustainable and ethical fashion. These women have transformed their lives, transcending adversity and embracing their creative potential. By supporting Bega Kwa Bega and other similar initiatives, we contribute to a world where fashion catalyzes positive change, empowering individuals and uplifting communities. About Artisan Fashion: Transparent Artisanal Partnerships: Innovation, Collaboration & Shared Inspiration "We emphasize the potential and importance of capacity-building frameworks for trade opportunities on behalf of marginalized communities. Through the enhancement of artisanal creativity and production capacity, we create employment opportunities and economic development" from Artisanfashion.com About Ethical Fashion Initiative: Explore the Ethical Fashion Initiative's partners around the world: "The Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) is a flagship program of the International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. EFI reduces global poverty by linking micro-producers and artisans to the international supply chain of fashion, facilitating dignified work at a fair wage. EFI supports local creativity, female employment and empowerment, and gender equality. EFI collaborates with creative social enterprises such as GIE CABES in Burkina Faso and Mali, Artisan.Fashion in Kenya, D.O.T in Haiti, Kangaroo in Ethiopia... EFI partner brands include Vivienne Westwood, EDUN, MIMCO, Stella Mc Cartney, Brother Vellies, United Arrows among others." from Ethicalfashioninititative.com To hear from the founder of Ethical Fashion Initiative, watch and listen in on IFD's conversation with Simone Cipriani from our Ethical Fashion Festival To learn about brands working with Artisan Fashion, check out a few of Ethical Fashion Initiatives' partner brands. By shopping and other ethical brands, you are supporting the makers behind the products and their livelihoods. Brother Vellies MIMCO Vivienne Westwood Thanks for reading today! Have other suggestions or questions? Reach out to let us know design@insidefashiondesign.net Know someone who would like this article? Please share! Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know and see all our featured makers, along with industry insights & inspirations!

As the new year rolls around, many embark on the tradition of setting resolutions, crafting a list of goals that often fade away as the months progress. However, an alternative approach that has gained momentum revolutionizes how we approach personal growth and change: choosing one word to guide us through the year. Read on to learn One word: How to Use The Power to Change Your Life! Rather than burdening ourselves with a laundry list of resolutions that can become overwhelming and eventually forgotten, selecting a single word to encapsulate our intentions, aspirations, and focus for the year ahead can be our power tool for personal development. Why Choose One Word? Choosing one word for the year offers several advantages over traditional New Year's resolutions: Focus and Clarity: A single word acts as a guiding principle, providing clarity amidst life's complexities and serving as a touchstone for decision-making throughout the year. Simplicity and Manageability: Unlike resolutions, which can be overly specific or ambitious, a word of the year is broad enough to apply to various aspects of life, making it more adaptable and accessible to integrate into daily routines. Continuous Motivation: It constantly reminds you of your overarching goals, keeping you motivated and aligned with your intentions, even when faced with challenges. Instead of feeling down for not achieving your list of resolutions, you can refocus at any time, on your one word and apply it to your aspirations. How to Choose Your Word of the Year Selecting your word of the year is a personal and introspective process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you identify the word that resonates most with your aspirations: Reflect on Your Values: Consider the values that matter most to you. Are you seeking more balance, growth, courage, or gratitude? Your words should align with these core values. Assess Your Goals: What are your overarching goals for the upcoming year? Whether related to personal development, relationships, career, health, or lifestyle changes, look for a word that encapsulates these aspirations. Listen to Your Intuition: Trust your instincts. Pay attention to words that evoke a strong emotional response or resonate deeply with you. These intuitive responses often hold the key to your true intentions. I chose my word after listening to a podcast that hit the nail on the head- I knew instantly what my word for 2024 would be, but don't worry if yours doesn't come that easily- its good to take the time, listen to your heart and narrow down to the one that feels best. Do you know your Top 10 Values? Get a free download to create your Values List! I found this book helpful and enjoyable to read. If you need some inspiration and advice on how to make the most of choosing a word of the year, give this quick read a go! The guide to creating simplicity in your world and developing a discipline for life, Discover how to create simplicity in your world and develop a discipline for life through the power of One Word One Word explains how to simplify your life and business by focusing on just ONE WORD for the entire year. The simplicity of choosing one word makes it a catalyst for life change. Clutter and complexity lead to procrastination and paralysis, while simplicity and focus lead to success and clarity. By celebrated authors Dan Britton, Jimmy Page, and Jon Gordon, One Word That Will Change Your Life shows you how to cut through to the core of your intention for the next year. It offers an action plan and a simple process to discover your word for the year. It also explains how your one word will impact the six dimensions of your life—mental, physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, and financial. This beautifully illustrated full-color Second Edition includes even more stories demonstrating the impact of embracing the One Word call to action. It explores the legacy of taking a focused approach to your life and outlines six new dimensions to the Action Plan. Includes additional material on developing the One Word for teams and families, specifically how a group of people can also have a One Word. Demonstrates how to establish a simple, disciplined, and focused approach to the next year of your life Examples and Fun Ideas Need some inspiration? Here are a few examples of powerful words and how they might manifest throughout the year: "Balance": Striving for equilibrium between work and personal life, health and indulgence, or mental and emotional well-being. "Courage": Embracing new opportunities, facing fears, and taking bold steps toward personal growth. "Gratitude": Cultivating a daily practice of appreciation and thankfulness for life's blessings, no matter how small. Embrace Your Word Once you've chosen your word of the year, find creative ways to integrate it into your life: Visual Reminders: Create artwork or use sticky notes with your word displayed prominently in places you frequent daily. for 2023, I participated in Colorsnack Watercolor workshop Check out Color Snacks water color lesson- this is how I did my word last year- quick, easy and feeds your artisict spirit- (but you dont need to be a painter!) Treat yourself to an afternoon of creativity, (anyone can do!!)- some recommended supplies to get you moving! Journaling: Write about how your word shows up in your life, reflecting on experiences and tracking your progress. I really love the quality of this Journal by Offgift. 3. Accountability Partners: Share your word with friends or family and encourage each other throughout the year. As we welcome the new year, consider leaving behind the pressure of resolutions and embracing the simplicity and power of choosing one word to guide your journey. Whether it's courage, balance, gratitude, or any other word that speaks to you, allow it to be your guide, keeping you on the path toward personal growth, fulfillment, and purpose throughout the year. By focusing on a single word, you invite a profound shift in perspective, allowing for deeper introspection, consistent mindfulness, and a more holistic approach to achieving your aspirations. So, take a moment, reflect on your intentions, and let your word of the year lead you toward a fulfilling and transformative journey ahead. Looking back, here are some additional past Words of the Year: Authentic; I was striving to be authentic in my communication, with my family, socially, spiritually- to let myself be more "real". Luminous; I like this word as it reminded me that I could radiate light and energy, warmth, and joy to myself and others around me. Present; To live in the present, to BE present for others around me & to enjoy the moment, spending less time thinking about the past or the future. So what's my word of the year for 2024? EXPAND! Using Expand as an example, here are some ideas to "expand" upon (pun intended): "Expand" is a powerful and captivating word to guide one's journey through the upcoming year. Here's how I elaborate on the word "expand" and its significance as my chosen word of the year: Embracing "Expand" as the Word of the Year "Expand" encapsulates many possibilities and opportunities, representing growth, exploration, and stretching beyond comfort zones. This word holds the promise of reaching new personal and professional horizons, which I am aiming for in 2024. Embracing Growth and Possibilities (my word last year was GROWTH!). For 2024, "expand" invites me to push boundaries, explore new avenues, and embrace the unfamiliar. It encourages a mindset of continual learning, fostering an openness to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives. Professional Development and Ambitions In your career or professional aspirations, "expanding" could mean broadening your skill set, taking on new challenges, seeking leadership roles, or venturing into uncharted territories. It's about nurturing a mindset of innovation, progress, and advancement. Personal Growth and Exploration On a personal level, "expand" urges exploring passions, hobbies, and relationships. It could involve stepping out of your comfort zone, meeting new people, or diving into activities that nurture your soul and broaden your experiences. Expanding Perspectives and Awareness "Expand" also signifies broadening perspectives and fostering inclusivity. It encourages seeking diverse viewpoints, engaging in conversations that challenge assumptions, and embracing empathy and understanding. Integrating "Expand" into Daily Life To fully embrace "expand" as a word of the year, consider implementing these practices: Setting Intentional Goals: Frame your goals around expansion – learning a new language, exploring a different culture, or developing a new skill set. Exploration and Adventure: Seek out new experiences, travel to unfamiliar places, or engage in activities that expand your horizons and comfort zones. Continuous Learning: Commit to lifelong learning by reading diverse books, attending workshops, or taking courses that broaden your knowledge base. Cultivating Relationships: Foster relationships that encourage growth, challenge you positively and introduce you to new perspectives. Check out our own online design courses here, including Learning Conscious Fashion Design launching in February. A Masterclass on Navigating the Fashion Design Process and achieving Work with Purpose and Positive Change. "Expand" is an empowering and transformative word that will undoubtedly shape my journey in 2024. By embracing this word, I hope to open up to a year filled with opportunities, growth, and personal evolution. Harnessing the Power of One Word: Science-Backed Approach to Personal Growth The Science Behind Choosing One Word Scientific research in psychology and neuroscience provides compelling evidence supporting the efficacy of focusing on a single word for personal development: Neuroplasticity: Studies indicate that intentional focus and repetition, such as concentrating on a single word, can rewire neural pathways, leading to behavioral changes and enhanced cognitive functions. Goal Setting and Motivation: Psychologists suggest that setting broad themes or guiding words allows for more flexibility and adaptability in goal pursuit, increasing motivation and sustained behavior change. Practical Ways to Embrace Your Word Daily Integrating your chosen word into daily routines fosters consistent growth and development. Here are practical examples to incorporate this concept into everyday life: Mindful Reflection: Begin or end each day with a few moments of reflection centered around your word. Consider how it can influence your actions and decisions that day. Daily Affirmations: Create affirmations related to your word and repeat them throughout the day. This practice reinforces your intentions and keeps your focus aligned. Journaling (mentioned again!): Dedicate time for journaling, exploring how your chosen word manifests in different aspects of your life. Documenting experiences helps reinforce its significance. Visual Reminders as mentioned above: Use cues like sticky notes, wallpapers, or accessories to keep your words visible. Surround yourself with reminders to strengthen its influence. Why One Word Works Better than Resolutions Unlike traditional resolutions that can feel restrictive and quickly abandoned, choosing one word offers a more fluid and adaptable approach to personal growth: Flexibility: A single word allows for interpretation across various life domains, fostering a more holistic approach to development. Consistency: It consistently reminds you of your intentions. Adaptability: The flexibility of a word allows for adjustments and evolution as circumstances change, promoting sustainable progress. A Path to Holistic Growth Scientifically backed and embraced by psychology experts, choosing one word for the year provides a versatile and practical framework for personal growth. It transcends the limitations of traditional resolutions, fostering adaptability, consistency, and a holistic approach to development. As you travel on your journey in 2024, guided by a single word, may it serve as a compass, shining a light on the path toward personal transformation and fulfillment. Embrace the power of your word, and let it shape and enrich every facet of your life throughout the year. Here's to a year of growth, exploration, and endless possibilities as you embody the essence of "expand" in 2024! Tell us, what is your word for 2024? Post it on our IG and tag #wordoftheyear!! Thanks for reading today! Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all our latest features, events & opportunities! Like this article? Please share! Have an event or story to share? send us a note to: design@insidefashiondesign.net.  We will be happy to learn more and share! This post may contain affiliate links.  I’m careful to link to products and retailers that I use myself and recommend. Money earned keeps Inside Fashion Design running and allows me to do what I love for a living and keep providing valuable content for you. Thank you for your support.