For this episode of Sustainably LB, I got to share space with Maria Corpuz Owner of Bel Merch and Design and Host of Riverside Chats. This conversation has been a long time coming and I am so grateful that we finally got to sit and hold space around some many amazing topics. We cover so much in this episode! From taking the opportunity to turn a flawed system into a space for change to experiencing and learning into parts of your story that you might not have known existed.

I hope that you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed our conversation.

Show Notes:

• Turning a flawed system into an opportunity for change
• The connection of what your story means to you
• Finding a job that fits and pays the bill(s)
• The importance, history and art of tradition and culture
• The art of doing nothing

Handles:
Instagram: @belmerch_
@mariaecorpuz

Links:
Bel Merch and Design Website
Sustainably LB Patreon

Music:
Ian Aeillo
Creative:
Lauren Bates
Logo:
Meadow Hearn

For this episode of Sustainably LB, I got to share space with Selina Sanders Slow Fashion Clothing Artist and Creator of her namesake brand, Selina Sanders. The entire time Selina was sharing her story and her experience in the fashion industry, I was spellbound. I mean, I was on the edge of my seat hanging on every word. And it isn’t because she shares things about the industry that I don’t know. But she shared her story in such a way that reminded me that you can always change the narrative and life has a funny way of bringing you right where you need to be. Even if you seemingly lose your way.

I am so honored that I got the chance to sit with Selina and talk about the ins and outs of the industry we hold dear and what really matters in this life.

I hope that you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed our conversation.

Show Notes:

• Change doesn't happen overnight
• Disputing the idea of what fashion and dressing is about
• A clear(er) picture of the result of our choices
• Being an artist, in any capacity, is about sharing your art
• Determining your own measurement of success

Handles:
Instagram:
@selina_sanders

Links:
Selina’s Website
Patterns
YouTube Channel
Domestika Course
Daz-E Thrift Shop
Sustainably LB Patreon
Beth Jones

Music:
Ian Aeillo
Creative:
Lauren Bates
Logo:
Meadow Hearn

For this episode of Sustainably LB, I got to share space with Jamie Smith Artist, Creator of El Crisol Art and Spanish Teacher. Her inspiration for starting El Crisol came from her experience with injury and looking for the beauty in the unloved and overlooked moments in between what most consider the ideal aspects of life. We cover so much in this episode but we keep coming back to connection and curiosity and embracing the ride while trying to do the best with what we have.

Because in truth everything is connected and inspiration is everywhere. I hope you enjoy my interview with Jamie as much as I enjoyed our conversation.

Show Notes:

• Using art to capture emotions through memories
• Necessity breeds creativity
• Traveling through art
• The emotional effect of both clothing and art
• Unconsciously using clothing to speak to those that are looking for you

Instagram: @el.crisol_art.gallery

Links:
El Crisol Art Gallery
Sustainably LB Patreon

Music:
Ian Aeillo
Creative:
Lauren Bates
Logo:
Meadow Hearn

For this episode of Sustainably LB, I got to hold space with Lana Rose, Founder of Conscious Concierge. From being a former TV and Ad Executive stepped in hustle culture, to leading a heart-centered practice and way of life, each step along her path has led her to create Conscious Concierge. Centered on the individual, Lana uses different modalities to explore the mind, body, soul connection that is left out of the narrative of mainstream medicine. Connecting her clients to vetted practitioners in environments they can trust.

As I’ve said before, everything is connected and that couldn't be more true than with our body, mind and soul. I think many of us are just starting to realize that we are a soul in a body and that our mind is a precious tool if we can learn to control it. I hope you enjoy my interview with Lana as much as I enjoyed our conversation.

Show Notes:

• Treating the root cause(s), not the symptom(s)
• Strengthening our own voice and then listening to it
• Having the right tools for the moment and situation
• It isn’t profitable for us to be well
• Don’t quiet the messengers

Instagram: @yourconsciousconcierge

Links:
Conscious Concierge Website
Conscious Concierge YouTube Channel
Sustainably LB Patreon

Music:
Ian Aeillo
Creative:
Lauren Bates
Logo:
Meadow Hearn

This episode of Sustainably LB is a solo episode and a little review about the Brand Melville Documentary on HBO MAX titled Brandy Hellville and the Cult of Fast Fashion. Now, I have read some of the reviews online and, I believe, many of the negative ones completely miss the point. I also believe that people just like to complain into the echo chambers of the internet. So if you do want to watch this documentary, I would encourage you not to read any of those reviews and come to your own conclusion. Now, I do realize that I am sitting here telling you my thoughts about this documentary, but I am going to do my best to remain as neutral as possible as I believe that it is worth the hour and a half of your time.

Show Notes:

• Social media allows teens to tell other teens (and essentially Brandy Melville / the fashion industry) what is trendy
• Fast fashion brands produce around 52 micro-seasons per year
• The (fast) fashion industry needs us to see clothing as disposable
• The fact that it isn’t in your backyard doesn't mean it is not your problem
• The fashion industry is so deplorable and disenfranchises so many that it is kind of hard to narrow the scope

In so many ways it is still mind blowing to me to keep having these conversations about the fashion industry with little being done about it and no one really ever being held accountable and brands just continuing on 'business as usual.' But I also understand that what got us here won’t get us there. Overhauling that fashion industry, and the way we treat women, will be our life’s work. Maybe not yours necessarily, but definitely mine. And I must keep reminding myself that this isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Instagram:
@Sustainably_LB

Subscribe:
Sustainably LB Patreon

Links:
The Or Foundation
Remake
How Are Our Clothes Made?
Protecting Farmworkers Stateside
Microplastics in Our Drinking Water

Music:
Ian Aeillo
Creative:
Lauren Bates
Logo:
Meadow Hearn

For this episode of Sustainably LB, I got to share space with Leah Miles, Community Organizer and Owner of Shipment Vintage. Everything that Leah does embodies her dedication to community and cultivating connection and accessibility. What you see is what you get and there isn’t a facet of Leah that doesn’t shimmer with her authenticity. This ethos of community and accessibility are the foundations from which Leah operates.

While we discuss all the ins and outs that come with owning a vintage store, we explore how community plays an integral role in how we connect with those around us. Because in truth everything is connected and inspiration is everywhere. I hope you enjoy my interview with Leah as much as I enjoyed our conversation.

Show Notes:

• Being paid for your work and your worth
• Building community, not a store
• Making community accessible and safe again
• Support comes from within, but we need our team too
• Speaking other’s names in rooms of opportunity

Instagram:
@shipmentvintage
@floorsfloorsfloors_7052maple

Links:
Sustainably LB Patreon

Music:
Ian Aeillo
Creative:
Lauren Bates
Logo:
Meadow Hearn

For this episode of Sustainably LB, I got to quite literally share space with Rachel Campbell, Owner of Noa Brides. Everything that Rachel does echoes her commitment to ethics and relationships. There isn’t anything that she does that is superficial. These deeply ingrained beliefs are woven into the very fabric of what Noa Brides embodies.

While we discuss all the nuances that come with owning a bridal store focused on ethics, building her own collection and running a small, woman-owned business, we go deep. Because in truth everything is connected and inspiration is everywhere. I hope you enjoy my interview with Rachel as much as I enjoyed our conversation.

Show Notes:

• Centering ethical manufacturing
• Honoring the season that you’re in
• Connecting in relationships to be more than surface-level
• People are surprisingly easy to love when you seek to understand
• Every day we change, allow yourself and others to flow with it

Instagram: @noabrides

Links:
Noa Brides
Benefit Corporations
What Does a Made in Label Actually Mean

Music:
Ian Aeillo
Creative:
Lauren Bates
Logo:
Meadow Hearn

For this episode of Sustainably LB, I got to hold space with Susan Marrufo, Founder of Samarasa Center Student, Retreat Facilitator, Yoga and Meditation Teacher. Now, if you listened to the podcast last week, you might remember that I broke my interview with Susan into two parts, this episode is that second part. While both episodes are lovely as stand alone pieces, the two episodes truly build on each other and the first episode is a nice foundation for this second episode.

I view many of my conversations here on the podcast as medicine. But this one, probably because of the topic, feels deeply healing. I believe this is in part because of who Susan is and what she does through the Samarasa Center and her courses and retreats on Yoga, Sex and Death.

Show Notes:

• The art of noticing
• Healing your relationship to the feminine
• Everyone is a mirror
• Being afraid of your sacred power
• Healing of generational trauma isn’t all yours to carry

Links:
Samarasa Center

Offerings:
Samarasa Membership – Susan meets with with everyone live (online) 2x/week for some group coaching
1-1 Sessions – Work directly with Susan in a one-on-one capacity for deeper support in these trying times
Yoga, Sex and Death – Course and/or retreat designed to open you up to the abundance and mysteries of your inner and outer worlds
*Sign up on the Samarasa website or contact Susan directly on IG.

IG: @samarasacenter

Music:
Ian Aeillo
Creative:
Lauren Bates
Logo:
Meadow Hearn