Chevere Means Cool

Today's guest is Diego Purizaga, the creative behind Bendito del Perú. Bendito is a brand that focuses on organic Peruvian cotton basic t-shirts. What started with a simple plain black shirt, and it's counterpart in white, has grown into a beautiful community connecting Perú with Copenhagen, and Barcelona, and many others across the world.

Diego started his journey in PR, and later founded Bendito del Perú as the project that felt naturally more aligned with him and his search for a bigger purpose and home. We chat about how he went from PR to launching this brand, how it's evolved since starting during the pandemic, and how he has always made it about community and being real.

Follow Bendito del Peru for more, and shop their shirts at benditodelperu.com.

Welcome to our first Sobremesa of 2024, co-hosted with @wealldream.world. This episode is a celebration of sisterhood and community, love and femininity. We invited women in our community to come together and welcome spring with us over a delectable farm-to-table meal curated by the talented trio of @piasplate. Our gracious host for the evening was @gather_les, a new spot in the LES which we definitely encourage you to visit. Thank you for having us!

In this episode, the guests of our Sobremesa shared their thoughts and reflections on their own journeys as women across different industries including fashion, tech, music, and more, as well as some reflections on what this new season means to them. So grateful for each and every single one of the people who attended our dinners, and to all of you listening :) Hope you enjoy this episode, and welcome to our dinner party.

__

Thank you to our sponsors, ⁠@fallengrapewineco⁠, @myceremonia, and @saiebeauty, and as always thank you Maren for the artwork and Deb for the photos!

Mariana Vergara is the founder of Merci C'est Vintage, and the creative director and designer of Marlies Grace. Both of these projects combine her love for vintage and timeless design. Whether it's through sourcing archival pieces for Merci, or finding inspiration for the next collection of Marlies, she makes it a point to stay true to her personal style. As a Colombian woman who has made Paris her home, a lot of her inspiration comes from her heritage and her current surroundings, and in the end, for her it's all about building community and connecting with people who will get just as excited about a vintage gem as she does. She's created a beautiful world around Merci and Marlies and we're so excited to welcome her to CMC.

Keep up with ⁠Merci C'est Vintage⁠ for her latest drops, and follow along her design journey with ⁠Marlies Grace⁠.

Danielle Juliao is the founder of Concordia, a creative studio and pop up gallery space in New York City. She focuses on highlighting Latin American emerging artists by giving them the space to show their work in somewhat of an untraditional gallery experience. With Concordia, everyone is encouraged to visit the space and join this community that goes beyond just the physical gallery space. Whether it's through artists chats, dinners, and other events like wine or mezcal tastings, Dani wants you to feel comfortable coming in and asking questions about the art, and move away from the idea that art is only for a certain type of audience.

Concordia brings attention to Latin American talent in a very organic and beautiful way, and I’m so glad we got to talk about this project and more on today's episode. For more on Concordia, follow them @concordia.nyc.

Hope you enjoy this episode!

x

Nathalie Martínez is the creative behind Odissea, an ethical jewelry brand inspired by the details, shapes and colors found in nature. Born in Mexico, it was always important to Nathalie to give back to her community, which led her to partner with artisans in Taxco, Mexico, where her pieces are carefully crafted following old techniques passed on from generation to generation—the importance of craftsmanship is present in everything she does.

We talk about what led her to start this brand, and how it's developed and grown over the last 5 years. You can follow Odissea for more @odissea.ny.

thank you for listening x

Tintorería is a multi-layered project that focuses on showing the importance of natural fibers, natural dyes, and artisanal practices. Maria Romero, founder of Tintorería, shares the story behind this project and the journey it took to get to where the brand is now. Through El Closet, she has created a capsule collection focused on clean lines and silhouettes made with precious and natural materials—in the end, clothing acts like a second skin and the materials we're choosing to wear matter.

You can keep up with Tintorería on Instagram @tintoreriacloset, and you can also find her pieces online at https://www.tintoreriacloset.com/.

Today’s episode is part of our Sobremesa series— which for those of you who might be new to CMC or haven’t listened to a previous Sobremesa episode, we bring together a group of creators from all kinds of backgrounds, we sit down for a delicious dinner, and stay for a meaningful conversation. 

This time I co-hosted the Sobremesa with Unidos, a platform that highlights Latinx creators from all over the world. 

This sobremesa is a celebration of all of the different cultures that make us one, with our differences and similarities, at the end of the day it's all about community.

Big thanks to our chef,Luis Eduardo, and to Casalú and Yola Mezcal for sponsoring the night. Also, thank you to La Obra for hosting us in their beautiful space, and to Sofi and Dan for being the absolute best collaborators.

Last but not least, GRACIAS to our guests who each inspire me to dream big and reach for the stars. Hope you enjoy this conversation between new and old amigos 🌀

Welcome back to our regularly scheduled programing :) This time we have Emma Larimer joining us. She's the creative mind behind Everyone's Mother, a beautiful brand I came across here in NY thanks to my friend Lau, who introduced me to Emma's belts and bags that immediately had me wanting to learn all about the story behind the brand. Everyone's Mother is a true labor of love, which you can see from all the details that go into creating these pieces—from sourcing pre-existing fibers, to making everything by hand which in turn makes each piece unique and one-of-a-kind, to being intentional about not wasting anything (she literally makes pillow fillings out of any scraps that can't be used for other designs!), and more. Talking to Emma was amazing and truly insightful...isn't it great when we hear from people who take the time to do their research?

In this episode we chat about why she chose to be so intentional with her creations, her journey leaving the corporate world to start her own business, and how she's adjusting to match the growth that she's seeing with Everyone's Mother. It's a special story for sure! I hope you enjoy listening x

Follow emma's work @everyones_mother_ for more!

As we wrap up summer here in NY, we got together for another Chevere means Cool Sobremesa —this time celebrating all those beautiful and refreshing summer nights. We co-hosted this dinner with @Sel.Aerat their showroom, showcasing incredible emerging designers from across the globe. This Sobremesa was an ode to another epic nyc summer full of late night meals, sitting outside, watching the sunset turn everything pink, and aperitif (or two), train rides to the beach, and new friendships. In the middle of NYFW, we decided to host a different kind of dinner, one without so much fuss and instead focused on sharing a home-cooked meal, meeting new friends (really hearing them out and getting to know each other), sharing a little bit of what our Chevere Means Cool community stands for, and it was truly amazing. We invited creators from different industries— from fashion to photography, textile artists to consultants and writers, and it was such an incredible mix of minds and perspectives that brought to life a truly unique dinner and conversation. Eduardo, fromArroces NYC, cooked the most glorious paella that transported us to the mediterranean, Casalú provided the refreshing drinks, and Sebas from Sastre curated the perfect playlist to go along with this meal. I'm forever grateful for the CMC community that comes together to make these dinners happen, and who I continue to feel inspired by time and time again. Wherever your summer took you, we hope this conversation brings you right back to that summer feeling of freedom and joy. Hope you enjoy it! Massive thanks to Sabrina and Gabi, couldn't have done this without you. And gracias gracias to our guests: Deb Leal Nia Thomas Peter Staples Monica Santos Geno Pedrero Rolly Robinson Delfina Balda Cassandra Mayela

Carla Flores Dan Victoria Jess Tran Tas Tobey xx hope you enjoy this episode! More Sobremesas to come...

We hosted a live podcast in collaboration with Haus Label where we sat down with stylists Alexis Badiyi and Dione Davis, and with Haus Label and Haus Agency founder, Karina Trofimova. The conversation was all about their creative journeys, diving deep into what it really means to be a stylist and everything that goes on behind the scenes. We tap into Karina's entrepreneurial path to building Haus Label and also share some advice for those thinking about a career in fashion. We talk a lot about the concept of outfit repeating, which lives at the core of Haus Label— what does this look like in practice? How do Dione and Alexis embrace this practice in their own personal styles?

It was really insightful to hear from each of these talented women who are driving change in the fashion industry with their unique perspectives and hard work. To keep up with their work be sure to follow Dione, Karina, and Alexis and for more episodes and events follow @cheveremeanscool;)

Thank you for listening and hope you enjoy the episode!

We're joined by Sabrina Reales, founder of Sel•Aer, on today's episode. Sel•Aer is all about helping emerging designers grow and reach their full potential—whether thats through brand development or wholesale support, Sabrina and her team work hand-in-hand with them to make sure that they have a long lasting footprint in the fashion industry.

We chat about her journey starting in retail, moving on to wholesale, and eventually becoming an entrepreneur, and how each stage of her life added to where she is today. The impact that an agency like Sel•Aer can have on these designers is quite significant, and having someone who genuinely cares so much about the brands and their success makes an even bigger difference (which is one of the many reasons why Sel•Aer is so unique!) It was incredibly inspiring to hear from Sabrina and get a glimpse into how her creative mind works.

Follow along @sel.aer or visit their website to learn more.

We're joined by DJ and model Gilly Chan on today's episode of Chevere Means Cool! Gilly is hard to describe because she's one of the most multifaceted creators I know, which makes this episode a really special one. We dive into her journey as a model and becoming a DJ, and how it was a challenge to stay true to herself while navigating quite complex industries. Both music and fashion can be quite tough so Gilly really makes a case for being unapologetically yourself, being confident in your personality and who you are inside because at the end of the day, people want to work with people. Our conversation was really inspiring and I hope it leaves you with some insightful thoughts and eagerness to be kind to yourself :) Thank you for listening!

To keep up with Gilly, be sure to follow her @gilly.inc

Super excited to have Nia Thomas as our guest today. Nia is the founder and creative mind behind Nia Thomas, an ethically made, Black woman-owned independent fashion label that celebrates the female form.

Her pieces are so beautiful, not only based on their construction and design but also because of the materials she uses. Everything is sustainably produced in NYC, Mexico, and Peru from cellulose-based fibers and plant-based dyes as a zero-waste alternative to an often frivolous industry. Nia created her brand with very intentional values that revolve around responsible production —she’s really set the bar for what it means to be a young designer that is making meaningful work and is also revolutionary. After talking to her I also have such a better understanding and appreciation for everything that goes on behind the scenes for designers, and truly appreciate her candid reflections and transparency when talking about some of the challenges she’s faced.

In this episode we talk about these challenges, the role that her community has played in the growth of the brand, the importance of staying true to her ethics and values, and she also shared some solid advice for people who might be thinking of starting out in this industry.

Keep up with Nia on Instagram @niathomas.co and if you enjoy this episode don't forget to follow for more!

Today we’re shifting gears a little bit away from fashion and towards the beauty industry. My good friend Arjan is joining me for this episode to talk about Jolie— a beauty wellness company that purifies the quality of your water for better skin, hair, and overall wellbeing. Because it all starts with water! Jolie has designed a beautiful filtered shower head as their first product, and after learning more about it I had to share the full story.

In this episode we talk about Arjan's upbringing and how he was always inspired by hospitality, and we also get into what it’s like being someone who is both left brain and right brain and how this influenced his career and way of viewing life. We chat about the element of water as their big inspiration when it comes to marketing and partnerships. Regardless of what you’re working on, this was such an insightful episode and I think all creators will find at least one thing that they can relate to — personally for me it was also a great reminder to stay focused.

Hope you learn as much as I did and of course, be ready to write down some words of wisdom by Arjan who I think I can now confidently say gives the best advice—enjoy!

Keep up with Jolie @jolieskinco

Welcome to our Spring Sobremesa. Take a sit and get comfortable as you join this dinner party between new and old friends. Chevere means cool is all about meaningful conversations, and I grew up having the most amazing conversations at the sobremesa—that time after a meal where you're just enjoying the company of others at the table, chatting, drinking an espresso or aperitif, and just having moving conversations. So this dinner series is inspired by that, and serves as a way for our community to connect in a more intimate way! Hope you enjoy this little bonus episode.

Gracias to everyone who had a hand in making this night possible:

ETI, for the most amazing meal.

Alexa, for the decadent desserts to end the night on the best note.

Maren, for the incredible graphics.

Deb Leal, for capturing the night in the most beautiful way.

ApartmentX, for hosting us.

And our wonderful guests, who each inspire me different ways—Gilly, Ricardo, Arjan, Tessa, Michelle, Mona, Lauren, Koa, Laura, Camila, Valentina, Alexa, and Benjamin.

We’re back with another episode and this week we have one of my favorite Latina-owned brands, Santos by Monica. The brand has been on my radar for a while because of their sleek designs, but especially for their innovative materials and mindful approach to production, resulting in really beautifully crafted bags and ready to wear. Everything is made-to-order and produced locally in the US, Monica doesn’t believe in seasons and instead wants to challenge the fashion industry by producing timeless designs at a slower pace. Santos also plants a tree for every item sold, and you’ll hear more from Monica in this episode, but the mission of the brand spans across everything they do—from production, packaging, how they handle waste, labor, and their giving partners.

We chat about her leaving her full time job to launch her own brand, the alternative materials she uses, her commitment to slow production, and more. Enjoy!

Follow Santos @santosbymonica. 

Today’s guest is Marcelo Gaia, founder of Mirror Palais—a sustainable pre-order brand that celebrates women who inspire him. Since starting out in 2019, Mirror Palais quickly became an internet favorite and has been spotted on Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa, and Emily Ratajkowski, to name a few! But Marcelo is just getting started.

I’ve been eager to have Marcelo on CMC because his story is one that I really admire. His ability to dream big and stay true to his vision is a true testament to the success that surrounds the brand. And what I love the most is the community that he’s built and the loyal support that this community continues to show. In this episode, we chat about how he dreamed and built Mirror Palais, why it has always been important to produce in NYC and support the local garment district, where his inspiration comes from, and all about his New York Fashion Week debut. We also get into the brand’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, as well as what’s in store for Mirror Palais this year.

This was a fun one, hope you enjoy it!

@mirrorpalais

@marcelogaia

Today’s guest is Karina Trofimova, founder of Haus Agency and Haus Label. On the agency side, she works with emerging brands of all shapes and sizes, to help them reach their fullest potential—whether that’s through brand development, as a consultant, or as an in-house wholesale representative, her goal is to be that trusted partner to help elevate brands she believes in. And with all these learnings from years with the agency, she decided to take the leap and launch her own brand: Haus Label. A brand made up of timeless pieces for an active, outfit-repeating individual. each product is ethically produced in Latvia using fabrics created from recycled ocean materials. We talk about this and much more in todays episode, including her advice to others who might be thinking of venturing into this space.

Karina is an incredible, fearless woman who I'm lucky to call a friend, so it was really special to sit down at her beautiful studio and record this episode, hope you love it!

Follow Karina and Haus:

@karina__trofimova
@haus_label
@hausagency 

Happy 2023 and welcome back to more CMC! I’m so excited to share todays episode with Genoveva Pedrero, co-founder and Head of Design at de María—an accessories line that is rooted in tradition and collaboration with artisans in Mexico, where Geno is from. de María is a celebration of years of craftsmanship and techniques passed on from generation to generation. On this episode we chat about her journey starting the brand, and why it was so important to create something that celebrates her culture. 

Thank you for listening and for your support—hope you love this episode! 

x

Follow Geno and de María :)

(VIDEO PODCAST) We're back! During our NYC Pop Up we were joined by Laura Reilly, Mona Esser Pennock, and Anna Gray for a conversation around responsible consumption. We chat about what this means to them, how they've integrated it into their brands (and lifestyles), and how they continuously find inspiration in vintage, in NY's vibrant community and in not choosing the easy way out when it comes to navigating personal style—because that would be, you know, boring... In this episode we also take some audience questions from what advice they would give to other women looking to start their own businesses, to their secret tool to finding the best vintage (hint: an app you'll want to download ASAP). Enjoy!

Follow Club Vintage, Gemsun, and Magasin to keep up with our star guests :)

Today's episode is all about art, heritage, culture, and fashion. Ana joins us to talk about her brand, Gala Octuvre—known for its unique interpretation of the traditional linen Guayabera. This made-to-order concept is the result of viewing Cuban roots through the eyes of our modern world. Ana celebrates everyone involved in the process of making these happen and shares her story and how Gala came to be.

If you enjoy this episode, subscribe and share :) You can also follow us @cheveremeanscool. And to keep up with Ana you can find her @galaoctuvre or visit their site https://www.galaoctuvre.com/. 

On today's episode we have Claudia Frolova, a ceramicist with an eye for colorful, unique designs that have made us fall in love with her work. From olive bowls to checkered jars, and even a flower-shaped crudités platter, she creates playful objects that are sure to lighten up our homes. She's quickly grown a loyal community in NYC, where she's based, so we wanted to sit down and learn all about how this journey started, what inspired her, and where it's going next. 

You can check out Claudia's ceramics at @claudiafrolova.studio, enjoy!

We have Houman Farahmand, founder of Ending Soon, on today's episode of CMC. Houman curates the most beautiful collections with pieces from all over the world, whether that's Paris, Milan, or the wonderful world of eBay, he's bound to have something you'll love. His ability to anticipate trends really makes Ending Soon stand out and gives us yet another reason to support independent brands like his when it comes to shopping for contemporary classics. 

You can check out his online collection here, and follow them at @endingsoon.worldfor updates on pop-ups and more! 

On today's episode, we caught up with Cami, founder of Banzo—a Mexico City-based brand that creates pieces by deconstructing pre-existing garments to give them a new life. Cami will share what inspired her concept and how she built it, as well as why she chose to use upcycled materials and pay homage to her roots. Each piece is carefully handmade and one-of-a-kind. There's really nothing like it—hope you enjoy it! 

You can follow her creations @banzo__, and shop IRL in the following cities: 

CDMX @hibye.world
LA @totem_tienda
NYC @tumbao.popup

On today's episode, Dani chats with Mona, one of the three founders of GEMSUN. This brand is the ultimate homage to the beauty in our planet—everything they do is inspired by nature, by the hidden gems that can be found all around us. GEMSUN ethically produces and sources clothing with the health of our planet in mind. These three lifelong friends joined forces to put together their skills and passions and create something beautiful, and it's only the beginning for GEMSUN. 

Their latest collection, WANDERUNG, just went live and features incredible vintage, hats, and bags made out of deadstock fabrics and 100% recycled yarn, amongst other things—or as they like to call them, gems! Check out GEMSUN hereand follow them for more @gemsun_now <3

We're back! And we're so excited to have Paz on today's episode to tell us all about her brand, NIM. This project is really special to us because it's a Peruvian brand that is really redefining what new brands look like, especially those based in Peru. NIM is all about working with what we already have, rather than creating from scratch. It's about finding beauty in giving pieces another chance—whether that's by swapping out a pocket or printing on existing materials, Paz and her sister, Maria Fe, have created something truly unique and we're thrilled to share their story on today's episode. 

You can check out NIM @_nimoficial on Instagram and browse their creations on their website, www.nim.pe/, and yes they do ship worldwide! For those of you in NYC, you can also find some of their pieces at Jill Lindsey. 

Hello! Today's episode features Sebas, the founder of SASTRE. This Peruvian brand is redefining the way we shop by offering tailor-made pieces that tell a story. SASTRE is all about the conversation between the producer and the user of these beautifully crafted garments. We'll learn more about the tight-knit community that has formed around the SASTRE ethos, and how this has truly made all the difference while launching during a pandemic. Sebas will share more about how he came up with the idea, how it evolved to what it is today, and what's next! Ultimately, SASTRE is an experience unlike any when it comes to shopping, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that you'll love. Check out their work @sastre.pe and keep an eye out for upcoming episodes @cheveremeanscool, thank you for listening :)

The thought of Memorial Day literally makes me smile so just imagine me with the biggest smile on my face while recording this episode! Beyond happy to have Delsy, founder of Memorial Day, on the podcast today to talk all about her incredible hand crochet brand that has truly changed the meaning of entertainment. Her energy is as bright as her work so it's not surprising to see so many people loving what she creates (including Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner...) We'll go over how this pandemic project grew and turned into her full-time job, what the process looks like, and all the fun things that are coming up for Memorial Day. Keep up with her incredible work @its_memorialday, enjoy!

If you enjoy this episode, follow @cheveremeanscool for more!

Loti has created the dreamiest pieces all from upcycled cotton shirts in their newly launched collection, Primera Primavera. In today's episode, we'll be chatting with Lottie, the founder of this incredible upcycling design studio. As a fellow Peruvian, I'm so happy and proud to see what she's built, keeping sustainability in mind and working with people in Peru throughout the entire production process. Her pieces are the perfect example of giving clothes a second life, helping us #rethinkupcycling. Listen to her story and follow @shoploti_ for more on how to pre-order!

As always, thank you for listening and if you enjoy the episode subscribe and follow us @cheveremeanscool for more!

We're thrilled to feature ACK in today's episode of CMC! We'll be talking to Axel, one of the founders of this contemporary swimwear brand that is doing so much to have a positive impact on today's world. ACK is 100% made in Italy with ethical work values, and the mission to convey what it means to be a woman today: freedom of expression focussing on different bodies, different cultures, and no boundaries. Their bathing suits are meant to fit every body type and are made with very low impact, made to last you a lifetime. I've been a fan of theirs for a while so I was extremely excited to hear more about how it all started, more about their mission, and why it's so important to support independent brands. Listen to the episode and let us know what you think @cheveremeanscool. You can follow ACK @ack_work for more, enjoy! 👙

This is a bit of a different episode than the ones you’ve heard before because we won’t be talking about fashion but instead, I'm excited to introduce you to Playhouse! We'll chat with Sofia and Ilaria, who have worked to build a holistic creative, design, and technology studio for the next generation of artists. They help others build unique digital identities to stay competitive in today's world, especially when it comes to entertainment. Their global vision sets them apart, and in this episode, we'll get to take a look at how this all came to be! For more of their incredible work, be sure to follow them @playhouse___, and you can also take a look at their site here. 

If you enjoy the episode please subscribe so you don't miss the next! You can now keep up with all things chevere by following us @cheveremeanscool :) 

Today's episode features Liv and her brand, By Liv—a sustainable clothing brand based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Liv's approach is unique in that every material she uses is recycled, with the goal of giving textiles the chance to continue to live full lives as new handmade garments. In this episode, an arts educator turned fashion designer, Liv inspires us with her ability to completely reimagine pieces like kitchen linens, blankets, bedsheets, and other fabrics, turning them into the most beautiful jackets, dresses, masks, and more! With sustainability at the forefront of her process, she's created magical clothes with an even more beautiful mission. Check out her work by following her @bylivhandmade. Enjoy the episode!

For updates on new episodes, you can follow me @dani.bao :) Thank you for listening!

Janelle Abbott is the founder of JRAT—a brand that focuses on creating Zero Waste garments. Her work goes beyond zero waste and is truly an example of what it's like to live with intention. In this episode, we’ll talk about how she got involved with sustainability from a very young age, why this is so important in the fashion industry, the problems that currently exist in the industry, and what we can all do to make this better. Janelle also has "Wardrobe Therapy" as another project where she helps clients reimagine clothes that they haven't worn in a while (for different reasons!). Her insights and commitment to making this a better place for us and future generations is incredibly inspiring so I truly hope you enjoy this episode! You can learn more about her work by following her on Instagram @janellerabbott. 

For updates on new episodes, you can follow me @dani.bao :) Thank you for listening!

Planet Nusa is changing the game when it comes to sportswear. In today's episode, we'll be catching up with Mille, co-founder of Planet Nusa, about all things sustainability and becoming an entrepreneur. When starting the Copenhagen-based brand, Mille and Kristine, her co-founder, had the goal of building a community for anyone and everyone who wanted to feel great. Being active is for everyone, and that's what their brand is all about. We talk about building and growing this community and how their focus on sustainable materials and ethical production processes have allowed them to stand out. You can follow Planet Nusa at @planetnusa on Instagram, and you can follow me @dani.bao for updates on new episodes of CMC—enjoy!

Today's episode features my dear friend, Jenny Drew, co-founder of all the babies. All the babies is a baby clothing brand born from the idea of giving back to babies in need. Jenny Drew and her co-founder, who happens to be her mom, are on a mission to change the way we shop for babies—and more recently have added adult sweatsuits that you'll want to check out. From the sourcing and production of their pieces to their mom to mom model, the mother-daughter duo is really changing the game with sustainability in mind across the board. I couldn't be more proud of Drew, and can't wait to see where this takes her. Enjoy the episode and for more be sure to follow them at @allthebabiesco. 

In this episode, we catch up withAnna Gray, co-founder of Object Limited—an app that makes buying and selling vintage fun! With hundreds of amazing vendors to choose from, all in one place, @object.limited is redefining the traditional vintage experience. We learn more about how the project started and we also discuss Anna's styling tips, how she learned to fully embrace vintage, and how you can apply some of these tips to your own efforts of being a more mindful consumer. Happy (vintage) shopping, and enjoy the episode!

Today we’re catching up with Alex, founder of the aNYbag. The aNYbag project is an initiative to clean New York City one plastic bag at a time. This reusable tote is made up of different types of upcycled plastic bags that are turned into a durable and unique textile. Each aNYbag saves 95 plastic bags from NYC's landfills and waterways. We’ll talk to Alex about how this project started, the production process behind an aNYbag, and what recycling is really all about.  Learn more about the aNYbag project by following them @anybagproject. Enjoy this episode!

Natasha, the founder of The Consistency Project, joins us for this episode to go over all things secondhand and the importance of having conversations around sustainability in fashion. The Consistency Project's mission revolves around breaking the stigma of secondhand and celebrating unique style and mindful consumption—all while having fun! Follow them @theconsistencyproject on Instagram for the best selection of secondhand and reworked clothes. Enjoy :) 

In this episode, you get to know a bit more about myself and this new podcast—why I’m doing this and what’s to come! My friend, Bianca Valle, joins us for this one—we'll talk about her own journey and why it’s important to form real connections. Follow her @vbiancav and you can follow me for updates on more episodes @dani.bao :)