The Discovery, Volume I: Dance

I am so excited to introduce to you the first of multiple issues of my new series, The Discovery. Basically since starting graduate school I have decided that one of my personal growth goals is to strengthen my creative and photography skills, utilizing my blog as a way to share and mark my progression. 

Today's issue is the first of the series and features photos from a collaborative effort between dancers and photographers at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York called UB Fusion. For this, I partnered up with photographer Thenappan and models Jessie and Olivia. When I first arrived to the collaboration I had wanted to be a photographer, but then I decided to just direct the photoshoots, since I had already come to the shoot with props and have a clear idea of what I do and do not like when it comes to dance photos. If you don't know already, I danced ballet for 17 years and was on pointe for 6 years. It's been a while since I have formally danced, but I still have an eye for pointing out technique. (What dancer ever forgets the execution of movement? When you dance it becomes part of your soul.)

Back to the photo shoot... I came to the shoot with my ladder because I had envisioned a long-haired ballet dancer in a black leotard in a low panaché derriére on the front of a ladder. To my surprise, the photo actually brought my vision to life! (Thank you Jess!)

It was so nice to be able to step into the dance world again but this time from a new aspect, next to the photographer. As a the self-appointed creative director of this photography session, I was able to direct the what and where of each shot, which was beautiful because these lovely and talented models were able to execute all of the positions with grace and gusto! It was like I was stepping into the dance world again, except I could do so free from the self criticism I always placed on myself. (What dancer isn't super hard on her/himself? That's why dancers are such hard workers!) I decided with Thenappan that I could do the photo editing. I am not a huge fan of editing photos, but I was so in love with this photo shoot that I excitingly edited each photo, and thereafter compiled this online publication! Let me know what you think!

Below are my favorite photos and some behind the scenes pictures as well!

I hope you enjoy this little editorial spread! <3 Thanks for stopping by and see you next week!

Blessings,

Christine

P.S. Don't forget to enter my blog's FALL GIVEAWAY! 

Open to US and Canada addresses.

FALL GIVEAWAY 2015 : Sustainably & Ethically Picked

As we are exiting summer and taking our first steps into fall I decided we needed some type of kick into Autumn. Why? Because my favorite season is summer and to make me a bit more excited about fall, I wanted to celebrate it with you all (also, it's a celebration that I made it through the third week of graduate school and grant writing). Okay, so what beautifully made gifts do we have for this giveaway?

Prize Pack:

1 - Pair of GURUs flip flops // sustainably made from rubber trees // interview here // 15% off with "beyoutifulGURUS" until 10/10/15

1 - Ghandi quote drawstring bag // gift with purchase of flip flops

1 - 100% Cotton Kioko brown scarf from ALL ACROSS AFRICA // working with women's groups providing healthcare, education and training // product review here

1 - Sacred Mark Soap from Trades of Hope // providing employment and support to women survivors of human trafficking in Bangladesh 

1 - handmade beaded bracelet from Mexico // found this at an artisan market in Latin America this past year

Giveaway Runtime:

Ends Thursday, October 1st at 11:59pm. U.S. and Canada addresses only!

How to Enter:
Enter Below using Rafflecopter box!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


God Bless,
Christine 

Gurus: From A Rubber Tree to Your Feet... And They're Biodegradable Too!

Now if there's one thing that I have been saying since youth it is that "I hate my feet." Well, I don't really hate my feet, however, they are extremely unconventional which makes them nearly impossible to fit. You can imagine that shoe shopping is the worst! For this reason, the sandals I wear are either uncomfortable or are men's. Why am I telling you this?

I discovered Gurus on Instagram (discount code below) and at first sight thought... "Maybe I found a sandal/flip flop that will not rub on my ever so wide bony bunion feet(genetics' fault)!"  Then I read on to learn that they are 100% biodegradable, the rubber is sourced from a family farm, and that Gurus plants a tree for every pair sold! I also learned that Gurus are designed after padukas, a 5,000 year old traditional Indian sandal, which in Hindi mean "footprints of the gods." I suppose functionality never dies when it comes to the basics! haha. 

Gurus actually evolved from a Kickstarter Campaign. Since I learned about the startup world, and as an ethical fashion blogger, I was immediately interested in setting up an interview with the person behind the brand. But first I wanted to make sure that Gurus were worth my while, so I had them send me a c/o pair to review. Honest: Gurus are actually the most comfy sandal I've worn because they are so comfily squishy! I wore them all around my college campus this week and was more interested in the texture of the flip flop to my foot than walking as a means of transportation. LOL

And so, I wove through a set of questions that touch upon the production process, sustainability, and the product design. Sandals are not my foutee, and so I was super excited to set up this interview so that I may learn from the responses. I hope you can too! Let's get started with this interview, shall we?

Interview with Gurus CEO and Cofounder Thomas Prem

Hello, please introduce yourself (when you started working there, why, have you always worked in a social good type business)?  I'm Prem Thomas the CEO and Cofounder of Gurus. I got the idea for Gurus almost 5 years ago and we have been selling for about 2 years. I used to work in finance in NYC and slowly transitioned to social/civic positions. Most recently before starting Gurus I worked as a fellow for Kiva.org to set up a new microfinance partnership in Manila Philippines.

Where are Gurus manufactured? What other products are manufactured there?  Gurus are manufactured in China with some of the rubber being sourced from our family farms in India. Our manufacturer primarily produces casual footwear like sandals and flip-flops.

So your flip flops are produced in a footwear factory in China. Have you visited recently? What are the labor standards of the company and how do you know that their standards are what they claim?  Sure! Yes they are. No we have not visited yet but they produce for large U.S. Brands. I will hopefully be visiting this year though.
When looking for a manufacturer we wanted to make sure that all workers during the process are treated well. Because we were not able to visit the factory initially we went a 3rd party auditor to look into the factory and workers. Everything in our report and follow-up with the auditors looked good. We also send the auditors to the factory before every shipment is sent over so we have been able to periodically check in on manufacturing, labor and machinery. 

These flip-flops are so comfy! What makes them more comfortable than the generic "old navy" type flip-flop?  The natural rubber definitely provides more cushion and mold to your feet over time. Unlike generic flip flops that are usually mostly synthetic materials, gurus are primarily natural rubber. I think our design also makes them much more comfortable.

For every shoe purchased a tree is planted. How many Gurus are made from one tree?  We don't necessarily plant rubber trees. We work with a nonprofit to plant trees that are right for local populations in developing countries. A rubber tree can be tapped for over 30 years without harming it, so really a tree can produce many pairs of Gurus in its lifetime.

What is the process from rubber tree to the finished product?  Trees are tapped daily, the sap/latex is collected and then cured into sheets which are hand-rolled. These are smoked and then shipped to our manufacturer. The rest of the process is more industrial. Rubber is processed into sheets for the sole and molded for the strap and posts.

Why do you consider Gurus sustainable?  We consider Gurus sustainable because the rubber is primarily sourced from the tree and we plant trees when we sell a pair. It really is a sustainable cycle that creates a great product and gives back to local communities.

What is Gurus' edge? (I know for me it's the fit, comfort and biodegradability)  We really think we built a better flip-flop. Most of our customers who put Gurus on don't want to go back to a regular flip-flop because of the comfort and feel.

Gurus sells sandals and yoga gear... what is next?  Our yoga mat is in production now, so we are waiting for that to finish and fulfill kickstarter orders. We have a few ideas for other products, but our first priority is to start shipping mats and reach scale in sandals and yoga.

Something I really want to know is what is the demographic of the Guru wearer?  It is quite diverse. We initially thought our sandal would be mainly for beach wear, but the market seems to be much bigger. When you look at our customer set broadly, 80-90% are women and most of those are between 25-55. We do have some much older customers and younger ones now that we offer Little Gurus. Most of our customers like the outdoors, yoga and are a little alternative.

Any closing statement you would like to share?  Thanks for the opportunity, our product has been selling for about 1.5 years and we have a small but growing following. A lot of people don't really understand our sandals until trying it on and then really believe that its the most comfortable flip-flop/sandal. I challenge your readers to give us a try and know they won't be disappointed!

 15% off with coupon code beyoutifulGURUS

until October 10th, 2015

______________________________

So now it's up to you to decide how you feel about Gurus. I am a fan and know I will be purchasing another pair when these give in. I love how they feel and that they are 100% biodegradable. My only criticism is that I do not trust third party auditors to state that conditions in factories are what they say on paper, even if it's a friend. I will definitely give an update on that note on my blog once Prem visits the factory this upcoming year. It will be our own "steps" into the production process of flip flops! Thanks for reading!

With a Hop in My Step,

Christine

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P.S. Come back next week for an ethical fashion "step into fall" giveaway!!!  

The Born and Made Campaign

What is the Born and Made campaign? Started by the natural hair and beauty company, Carol's Daughter, the Born and Made Campaign aims to empower women to celebrate their self worth! So, maybe you saw this campaign over social media over the past few weeks. If you are like me, and have seen it but not actually participated, here is your chance!

My "made with" says inspiration and joy, however I know that my made with is a looooong list which include a bit less flowery words including hyperness, curiosity, excitement, a chatter box. LOL. We are all different. Don't be ashamed that your personality may be a bit different than your idea of perfection.

Now it's your turn! Head on over to Born and Made to create your own, then share your link below - I'd love to see what you are made of!

Lovely Made,

Christine

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Click below to check out some of my friends' blog posts too!

 

#ChicFriday with Chureca Chic

How to Casually Style a Maxi Dress 

Rose Maxi Dress and Bodycon // Free People

not ethically made

Beige Shawl // Urban Outfitters

not ethically made

Recycled Paper Arena Earrings // c/o Chureca Chic x Earth Education Project

Handmade recycled paper earrings, providing skill training and basic education to women in Nicaragua

So a few months ago, before Peru, I was contacted by the not profit organization Earth Education Project(EEP) which creates Chureca Chic, beautiful jewelry created from recycled paper and silver plated metals. They asked me if I would be interested in joining their #ChicFriday campaign. After I received more information, I really loved what I learned about the work EEP does. They approach the problems that surround poverty with a solution that not only provides wages and community growth, but also empowerment. Looking at the issues of unemployment, waste and the challenges for women to obtain an education in Nicaragua, EPP created an integrated work-learn program through the jewelry label Chureca Chic. 

EEP was founded by Andrea Paltzer on La Chureca, the largest dump site in Central America. In this underdeveloped area employment is low and poverty and unemployment (or solely employment in the informal sector) is high. EEP offers more than job opportunities but weekly health and social workshops (empowering women to take a stand against domestic abuse), school courses (literacy) and healthcare support (covering 50% of medical costs). Something that I specifically was drawn to is their commitment to women and education. By working with women, EPP empowers the community and helps fill in the educational gaps to the women in their program. Also, through the literacy courses, the women become better equipped to find employment after graduating from the program. 50% of EEP participants begin illiterate and 100% graduate literate. 90 cents of every dollar earned by these women is committed to their own health, nutrition, and their children's education. Moreover, 100% of the profits made from these colorful jewelry sales go back into funding the EEP program! 

"The CHURECA CHIC label is part of the Earth Education Project (EEP), a UK charity working in Nicaragua since 2009. The charity aims to empower Nicaraguan women living in impoverished and isolated communities with education and social skills so that they acquire the necessary abilities to enter the labour market in Nicaragua. 100% of CHURECA CHIC sales go to EEP (EEP 2015). "

"Women are catalysts for positive change. We see this every day in our work. Empowering women to participate fully in economic life across all sectors is essential to build stronger economies and achieve internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability (EEP 2015)." 

Hope you have a smiley Chic Friday,

Christine

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A Summer Romance at LACMA

End of Summer Maxi Look

Grey Organic Cotton and Recycled Blend Grey Maxi Dress // Threads 4 Thought (similar here)

Ethically and sustainably made in one of the world's most advanced water recycling programs in the world.

Nude leather heels // Hand me Downs from my Mom (Clarks)

Recycled Brass Eco cuff and bangle // Hovey Lee (similar here)

Handmade in Los Angeles, sourced and made in the USA, all of the metals used in Hovey Lee jewelry are from recycled metals

Torquoise and Brass Earrings // Hovey Lee (similar here)

Love that this is handmade and reclaimed so I actually bought these for my BFF, but borrowed them for the day... without her knowing. hehe.

I'm going to take a wee break from my Latin American adventures to this throwback photoshoot from last year (thanks to my friend Jackie who snapped the shots)! You know those times when you draft a blog post and then forget that it existed? Well, this archive was one of them. hehehe. 

When I first moved out to Los Angles, I made it one of my goals to visit the light poles. I had no idea where they were or what they were, but after a bit searching, I emerged victorious in my hunt! And so, where was this taken? At the most awesome art museum in Los Angeles.  To be honest, this was actually the only one I went to and I didn't have a chance to actually enter, so I can't give you an actual opinion on which is the best or even what this one is like inside. Here is a list of actual museums to visit in Los Angles.  Anyhow, if you are wondering why this post is titled the way it is, it is because LACMA is known for couple photoshoots. Since I am one of those "all you single ladies," I decided that my romance was with summer. ;D

Aside from my romance with summer and all of the lovely things that come along with it, something I have actually been struggling with recently is competition. I don't know what it is, perhaps starting graduate school is solidifying the idea of me actually stepping into the "adult world" which kinda FREAKS ME OUT, or that I am realizing that my gifts and talents are so varied that I don't know what to choose and really focus on. My point is that I am now reevaluating myself and reminding myself that I need to know that my wonderful, beautiful talents were given to me by God for a reason. I need to take pride in them and use them to further His kingdom and support my brothers and sisters instead of comparing myself to them. Easier said than done. I hope this passage from Romans below helps you too, like it helped me!

Romans 12:3-8 (NIV)

"3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: 

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, 

but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance 

with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 

4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these

 members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we,

 though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. 

If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 

7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 

8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; 

if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; 

if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

Warm Hugs,

Christine

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