ECO STYLE Obakki

As a social ecopreneur, I'm all about discovering companies whose founders share my passion for doing well by doing good. Treana Peake and her revolutionary fashion company, Obakki, definitely qualify. Obakki uses fashion to fundraise for clean water and education in developing communities. The clothes are beautiful, and buying them is a great way to treat yourself while doing something beautiful for others. Treana was kind enough to let me pick her brain about her amazing company and her amazing self.

 xo,

Josie

What motivated you to start Obakki? 

I wanted to use fashion (and other forms of creativity) as a medium for change. I've been doing philanthropy and design for many years, inspired and passionate about both. At a certain point in my life I realized that they didn't have to by mutually exclusive. I could apply creativity to philanthropy and give fashion a purpose at the same time. 

Your business model is amazing. As I understand it, it's part for-profit clothing company, part nonprofit foundation. How'd you come up with that idea? 

Obakki is the creative arm that makes the products we use to fundraise. Obakki absorbs all of the administrative fees, from business cards to travel expenses, so that 100% of all public donations and 100% of net profits generated from Obakki sales can go directly to our humanitarian projects. Whether you buy an Obakki product or make a donation to the Foundation, you know your money is being fully used for projects. 

As a sister-ecopreneur, what can you share about what inspired you, who encouraged you, and any obstacles you encountered or still encounter as a businesswoman?  

We spent a lot of time combing the world for direction and inspiration - looking to see what everyone else is doing. Social media has opened up every corner of our world (with one click of a mouse), removing much of the mystery and wonder that we used to experience. I would encourage people to re-engage with the world - seek out real experiences where you are out exploring, contributing, interacting. All of this leads to 'real' feeling that somehow touches a different part of you. My inspiration comes from standing in the middle of a jungle in Cameroon, from a dusty cattle camp in South Sudan or from a drawing given to me in an overcrowded orphanage. I can't find, or feel this from the Internet.  

I’m wild about your designs. How does your company's mission inspire your aesthetic? 

I am really a conceptual storyteller and I'm always looking for ways to inspire others by using some form of creativity. In fashion, I understand that in order for my collections to be sellable, they need to be wearable. Therefore my stories are told in a subtle way - through colour, patterns, silhouette. Each piece references an important element in some way but instead of being obvious, it becomes a subtle layer to a meaningful story. 

Any tips for women who want to start a company--and/or a nonprofit? Any mistakes you made along the way that others can learn from? Moves you made that you're proudest of?

I can honestly say I get up every morning inspired to do what I am doing. I've let my passion mold my career which I think is such an important piece of my success and happiness. Through fashion I am able to connect with a modern consumer and create real positive change in our world. Last year we drilled 300 water wells for South Sudan. If that doesn't get me out of bed every morning, I'm not sure what will!!

ECO STYLE Awamaki Lab

As the sister project to Awamaki, a Peruvian non-profit that works with Quechua women weavers to improve their quality of life, Awamaki Lab is doing some real good in the world while providing fashion forward types with some serious style.  Awamaki Lab is a four-month fashion residency program that places up-and-coming designers with Quechua weavers. The designers are mentored by fashion leaders, and collaborate with Peruvian artisans to incorporate hand-spun Andean textiles into contemporary designs. The program not only fosters burgeoning design talent, it also revitalizes an endangered weaving tradition and supports its weavers with a reliable source of income. Love that!

Xo,

The Chicological Chicks

JOSIE'S PICKS for a Boho Home

My mom has a great eye for design. In fact, she picked out most of the cool décor at the JMC offices! She even gave us some amazing prayer flags that she made from vintage fabrics she’s collected throughout the years from estate sales and hole-in-the-wall fabric stores. We have them draped from the beams in our lobby. Here are few picks from Etsy and beyond, inspired by the style we both love.

With love,

Josie

Stitchinnetka Prayer Flags

Studio 180 Turkish Kilim Rug

Crate & Barrel Raj Candleholder

Abundancy Middle Eastern Tray

Pillowstore Woven Pillow

ECO STYLE JadeTribe

Burned out by the fast pace of the fashion world, Kimberly Hartman took a sojourn to Southeast Asia to rediscover her passions for travel, fashion, and foreign cultures. While in Laos, Kimberly had a revelation: why not start a clothing line that would be good for struggling artisans, and good for customers who love design. This was the genesis of JADEtribe. With a staggering assortment of handmade bags and jewelry, JADEtribe offers "Luxury With A Conscience" in its own way, with a boho aesthetic and socially and environmentally conscious mission.  JADEtribe's textiles are produced by artisans in Southeast Asia, using fair trade practices and sustainable and repurposed fabrics. They're cute, too! As Kimberly puts it, the style is "a little bit beach-y, a little bit bohemian jet set." We’re sold! 

ECO TIPS Shopping

Even though I'm huge on reusing and recycling and going easy on consumption, I'll admit it: every once in a while, I love going shopping with my girlfriends, too. Apparently it's not just me. I just read an interesting article that says the female love of bargain buys comes from caveman/cavewoman days, when women were the family's gatherers and foragers, searching through forests to find the best-looking berries, and climbing into trees to snatch up the plumpest plums. That gives us a great excuse to throw our hands up in the air and say "Shopping's natural! We can't help ourselves!",  but showing love to Mother Earth means being aware of consequences. My solutions? Read on.

1. Buy Used

Instead of heading to the department store when something new strikes your fancy, first try to find it in a more eco-friendly way—from a thrift store, a vintage boutique, or on websites like Craigslist and Ebay. Most of my favorite clothes are vintage or used treasures. Buying that way makes it easier to create a style that's all your own, and keeps you from looking like you just stepped out of a store window. 

2. Sell Used

If you're over that pair of brown clogs or that purse you paid too much for, consider re-selling them to a consignment shop or on Ebay. If selling’s not your style, you can always donate your cast-offs to a worthy charity like Dress for Success, which provides professional attire to women for job interviews. Or have a clothing swap with a bunch of friends. Your rejects might be someone else's fave.

3. Share It

On the rare occasion when I rev up to cook a big meal for my family and friends, I often have the annoying experience of discovering, mid-soufflé or mid-marinade, that I don't have the right tool for the job. I finally figured out that instead of going out and buying something I wouldn't use for another year, I could check with a friend (or my mom, who lives down the street) to see if she has one. When we pool our resources, we usually find we have everything we need. 

4. Cast Your Vote

As I always say, when we buy we vote for what we believe in. So take a through look at who and what you're supporting. Look for companies that use eco-friendly materials and ingredients, and give back to charities. When you shop with your conscience, you're doing good for others by giving yourself a treat.   

With love,

Josie

Images Via: Lovely Clusters Forever Cottage Sadite

PINTERESTING FINDS Al Fresco Oasis

We've been having lots of candlelit outdoor family dinners on the farm, and Pinterest is loaded with inspiring ideas for livening up our outdoor decor. Check out my picks for a fun, boho supper al fresco.

With love and lanterns,

Josie

Images via:

House of Design & Style

Recreated

Kristi Bryan

Nonsense & Sensibility

SF Girl by Bay

ECO STYLE Jonäno

When you’re “chicological” and you care as much as we do about being chic and ecological, it can be tough to find outfits that fit the profile. That's why Jonäno's line of fashion-forward clothing for mom and baby caught our eye. Cut from luxurious, organic fibers like bamboo and hemp, Jonäno's simple silhouettes are cool and comfy.

No wonder we love Jonäno; its founder and chief designer, Pittsburgh native Bonnie Siefers, sounds a lot like a certain beauty brand founder who we happen to love. "I began the Jonäno brands at a point in my personal life," Bonnie says, "when I took pause to reevaluate what is really important to me in life. True happiness does not come from without but instead from within." Jonäno's mission: "Removing the guess work out of what is good for your family, saving you both time and headaches. Whether shopping for yourself, your family, or choosing baby gift, we want you to know that the natural products you are choosing are also items we are using in our home." Now that's a credo we can get down with.  

xo, The Chicological Chicks

Images via Jonäno

ECO STYLE Edun

From floral silk dresses to weightlessly cool mesh tanks, eco-brand Edun has captured our attention--and you might want to give them yours. We love their easy-to-wear styling, but what hits us where we live is the brand’s commitment to improving life for people in developing countries. Edun partners with small businesses like ‘Made’ jewelry in Nairobi, ‘Sawa Shoes’ in Cameroon, and ‘Wildlife Works’ in Kenya. Also, the brand was founded by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson—so we feel a bit like rockstars when we wear their wares. 

xo, The Chicological Chicks

PINTERESTING FINDS summer style

With summer coming quickly upon us, we’ve been scouring Pinterest for our favorite summer fashion finds. Check out some of our picks. Beach days, here we come. 

 

JOSIE'S PICKS gifts for mom

I hope you’ve all remembered to do your Mother’s Day shopping, but if not here are a few of my picks from Etsy. My choices were inspired by my favorite color: turquoise. Enjoy!

French Country Birdhouse

Mint Julep Owls

Aqua Accent Pillow

Aqua High Gloss Wooden Tray

Vintage Distressed Garden Crate

Moroccan Gold Earrings