The favourites shoutout is back and with a new name! The following brands, pieces and products are things I’ve been loving for spring and the quarantine period that were in. I also got the chance to interview quite a few of these amazing people/brands/CEO’s/founders which I will include along with the photos I took and a quick shoutout revolving around why I love the piece or product so damn much.
Hawkly Jewelry:
These 3 pieces have easily become staples in my quarantine looks. Whether I’m grocery shopping, taking pictures, going for a walk, doing my classes or just lounging on tiktok, these are on me.
Vital Mystic:
These products have been a daily use for me the past few weeks. Whether I’m just doing a little self-care or I’m focusing on a meditation, these have been here for me.
Not only does Vital Mystic make kick ass products, but they do amazing readings too! Here’s a little about mine:
Vital Mystic, or Camille, is doing readings by donation from the phone and comfort of your own home at this time. Camille was very helpful. We started off deciding it would be a general reading with me thinking about what I wanted to hear about and keeping that in mind. She lead me through a few breathing exercises, which helped me to find my center and be able to relax and be present. I decided upon keeping my eyes closed the whole time which helped immensely to hear her without distraction. We went over a chakra exercise where she told me about a root that would grow down and then up, having me recognize every piece moving up and back down through. We started the reading after this and I’d like to keep what was pulled private, but she informed me that they were all career related, which is what I had been silently wanting to know about. I got a lot more clarity in myself, my work and my future coming months thanks to Camille and her reading.
Positive Times:
This is another brand that I use for self-care and meditations. It’s very fun when a product can be used for multiple purposes. I love the nail polishes and have done countless styles so far, they are ethically made. I’m still trying to figure out the hair pin they sent me, it’s a metal feature but it’s beautiful and I will be posting pictures when I can do it. I also got affirmation rolling papers and a great cleaning pack with a quartz in it.
Below are some nail designs I’ve put together with the colours:
Royal Ghee:
This brand is a 10/10. They make amazing products in amazing packaging and they have an incredible online presence to show it all off. Plus, come on, who can say no to Ghee?
Loren Made Studio:
What inspires you?
I'm constantly inspired by my surroundings, and nature plays a huge role in influencing my work. My house was in the woods growing up, and I spent a lot of my childhood outside, so I think that's why anything natural and organic is so inspiring to me. I'm also constantly inspired and motivated by my friends, who are always doing incredible things.
What’s your sign and how do you think that plays a part in your life?
I'm a gemini, and honestly, it makes sense. On one hand, I love all things cute and whimsical. But on the other hand, I am obsessed with horror movies and literally anything spooky. I also have wayyy too many hobbies and can never make up my mind on which to pursue, so I guess that could be a part of being a gemini too, haha.
What is the main purpose of your account/brand?
I wanted to start a brand that's unique to me and my passions, but that can also help bring a little magic to other people's lives.
What is something you love deeply about yourself?
I love how confident I am in pursuing my passions. I'm really good at setting my mind to something and figuring out how to make it happen.
What’s some advice you have for other people revolving around confidence?
Confidence can be so tricky. I feel like in some areas of my life I'm super confident, while in others I'm definitely lacking. Being a girl is hard. Body image is hard. I think it's important that you realize you are literally one of a kind and you're amazing just as you are. Even if you want to change and grow as a person, that doesn't mean the person you are right now is any less valuable.
What makes you feel confident?
I love making art. I love laying in the sun and feeling it on my face. I love dressing up with my friends. It's all the little things that make me feel confident.
What have you had to overcome that’s made you who you are?
I have pretty bad anxiety (and also OCD, although I haven't been officially diagnosed with it... I'm like 99% sure), and it can make life a little difficult at times. But I also think that makes me who I am - like, I'm super sensitive and over emotional which is a lot, but also, that's also pretty great sometimes. Sensitivity isn't always the worst thing.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
Oh man. I have so many. I love Frida Kahlo. I think she is literally incredible and overcame so much in her life. But then a lot of my inspirations are people I know like my mom or my friends.
What’s your beauty/fashion go to?
So I am all about that casual chic look. I love anything glossier for makeup, and am a huge fan of pairing heels with a sweatshirt. Also funky accessories always.
What would you say is the best thing about you?
I care so much.
What does equality mean to you?
Equality, to me, means everyone being treated with fairness and respect. It's not looking down or treating someone different because they don't look like you or act like you. It's accepting people for who they are, no matter how different.
What is your mission statement/what does your brand name mean?
I named the brand after my middle name, Loren, which I was named after my grandpa. I like to think my brand is a little quirky and adventurous like he was (and I am!) I want to inspire people, to bring a little whimsy into their lives, and honestly, put a smile on their face.
Loren makes these super abstract and cool earrings and stickers which are happily living on my water bottle as we speak!
Madder Goods:
My name is Savannah Wulfenstein, I'm from Salt Lake City, UT. I grew up in a large family of 10. Thanks again for reaching out! Let me know if there is anything else! I hope you are enjoying the items Sent.
What inspires you?
Nature inspires me. As a child I practically lived outside as much as I could. Collecting rocks to polish, picking wild berries and making bouquets of wild flowers for my mom. I have always been most alive when in the outdoors.
What’s your sign and how do you think that plays a part in your life?
I am a Leo but I don't know if I really give my sign much weight in who I am or how it effects my life.
What is the main purpose of your account/brand?
I believe in holistic sustainable living, coming back to nature and connection with everything good around us. My goal is to connect you back to nature and history with beautiful naturally-dyed items and vintage pieces.
What is something you love deeply about yourself?
My ability to love.
What’s some advice you have for other people revolving around confidence?
I believe in admiring the beauty of others without questioning my own has been a big part of learning confidence.
What makes you feel confident?
Movement makes me feel confident. I connect back to myself.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
Those that have kept the magic of natural dying alive. Maggie Pate, Rebecca Desnos, Liz Spencer
What’s your beauty/fashion go to?
I am very natural when it comes to beauty product. My go to's are curled eyelashes and eyebrow balm to add a little color.
What would you say is the best thing about you?
My ability to make people feel loved and listened to.
What does equality mean to you?
No comparison.
What is your mission statement/what does your brand name mean?
Madder is the name of a root that has been used for generations to dye with. Madder root. I am fascinated with the history of dyeing and how synthetic dyes were introduced. Madder root was one of the first dyes to be synthetically copied and produced.
Madder Goods makes literally stunning dyed items like these. I’ve been using the scrunchie almost every day and the scarf if I want a cute little fashion statement in quarantine.
Her Spunky Spirit:
These cute clay hair clips have served me well whenever I don’t want my hair all the way up and I want to look cute!
Lark & Owl:
These products have helped me up my self-care routine in quarantine by making it just that much easier to simply do that routine. It’s so nice to have a great, dark coloured dry shampoo for those no shower days especially as it gets warmer and to have a mask and a cleaner that you can just combine with water and use at your leisure.
Mab & Stoke:
These little bits of goodness have helped me to feel like me every day I’ve taken them. They’re personally made to fit you after you take a quiz and they’re easy to use. Just pop them in your hot drink of choice, I choose tea, and let them do their thing.
Barbari:
What inspires you? Lately, it's the bees working diligently to pollinate my garden, the spectrum of colors that Spring brings, and the unfamiliar warmth from the sun heating up the ground after a wet Oregon Winter.
What’s your sign and how do you think that plays a part in your life? Cancer on the cusp of Leo. I can't say that it plays a large spiritual role in my life as I've always felt like I don't fully identify with either sign (which is to be expected given my cuspness). I am not the emotional Cancer type and I'm not the social butterfly Leo either. I think the biggest tie to Cancer is that I need to have an established "home" where I can build harmony and establish a safe place to retreat to. When there is harmony here, I have the energy to step out of my comfort zone, think innovatively and take on more of the charismatic Leo traits that like to come out from time to time.
What is the main purpose of your account/brand? To empower people to use cannabis in their daily lives as a tool for productivity, mindfulness, relaxation, etc. It is important that our brand demonstrates how weed and ambition can go hand-in-hand, and to give our customers all the tools/education they need to incorporate it in a way that suits their tolerance and goals.
What is something you love deeply about yourself? My ability to take things at my own pace.
What’s some advice you have for other people revolving around confidence? Confidence is subjective - it's something only you know within yourself. It's also something that can be built over time, like muscle memory, and that is a worthy pursuit. For me, that looks like taking small steps outside of my comfort zone each day. Identifying what my insecurities are and really dwelling on them so that I can rationalize why they are holding me back. I think it's so important to face these things head-on so that you can practice minimizing them over time.
What makes you feel confident? Looking back at the progress I've made towards my goals and the fears that I've overcome to get where I am.
What have you had to overcome that’s made you who you are? I didn't grow up in a traditional nuclear family, shortly after I was born my mother slipped into substance abuse and addiction and my father was never present in my life. As a result, I was raised by my grandparents and grew up watching my mother's health violently decline. My understanding of drugs and intoxicants has been significantly shaped by her illness and I've done a lot of reflection on the impacts of drug criminalization and how that perpetuates the cycle of addiction and substance abuse. In my adulthood, I often draw on the emotional journey that carried me through anger and resentment at my mom, to compassion and forgiveness. Specifically, I came to understand that all things are complex, that nothing is black and white, and that it is important to take a step back and question how society defines what is acceptable or criminal. This most notably plays a role in my professional life as a cannabis entrepreneur but is also seared into my entire worldview.
Who are your biggest inspirations? My mother and my sisters. They have all shaped my ambitions in different ways.
What’s your beauty/fashion go to? Face oil and a little blush.
What would you say is the best thing about you? My optimism.
What does equality mean to you? As a brand, we believe it's vital to be a truly inclusive company, not just in how we market our product but in who we choose to work with behind the scenes to keep the engine revving. We built Barbari from day one as a company that breaks the mold of how to become a traditional success story. That means hiring talent that lives in the societal margins, WOC, LGBTQI+, able/disable bodied, folks who have been impacted by the war on drugs etc. As we grow, we want to be a company that makes space for everyone to build a resume and expand their qualifications professionally.
What is your mission statement/what does your brand name mean? Our mission is to challenge the accepted and embrace the indecent. Our brand mantra is "Own Your Elevation". It's all about empowerment within and empowering others to do the same.
The 3 types of Barbari that I tried are all so different yet so great in their own ways. I love the scent, all the ways you can use them and just the versatility of them.
Graceful Moon with Libby Zona:
What inspires you?
I am inspired by Love, nature, Art, my Visions, and dreams.
What’s your sign and how do you think that plays a part in your life?
I’m a Cancer sun, Sagittarius moon, Aquarius rising. Which makes life interesting. I have many aspects of Pisces in my chart. Gathering inspiration in my work from the dreamscapes, forward-thinking, and sometimes overthinking. Navigating much of my life through feeling and intuition and I love to learn & research. If I want to do it I will find a way. I am also a seeker, and that heavily influences my work along with a very deep understanding of seeing and holding many views at one time.
What is the main purpose of your account/brand?
I am an Intuitive Massage therapist & also work with people on Energetic Levels. Guiding them to tap into their highest levels of energy to open up pathways that have been perhaps shut down or lacking in vitality. Mostly my main motivation is feeling good and guiding others to tap into that. Teaching people how to relax and giving them tools that can help them accomplish that.
Vortex Spray came about because I could burn anything in my office.
I created it and started using it everywhere giving it to friends & pretty much anyone because I was so excited about it! I could feel the difference it made in people's lives and that’s very important to me.
Graceful Moon is a (Phase-eary)brand it will wax and wane with the every changing phases of the moon.
What is something you love deeply about yourself?
I deeply Love my Creativity and my Amazing imagination. Both have carried me through joyous and heavy times in my life.
What’s some advice you have for other people revolving around confidence?
Confidence takes time to cultivate and it is an inner practice. You can not receive confidence from the outside world it’s is a feeling, a knowing inside of you. I love doing EFT when I am doubting myself and keep that energy flowing.
What makes you feel confident?
Saying and feeling “I AM statements”
Knowing that the Universe always steps up to meet my needs, and a willingness to take responsibility for my life.
What have you had to overcome that’s made you who you are?
I would say the biggest obstacle was living in NYC when September 11th happened and dealing with the trauma of that. Then shortly after that the dissolving of an 11-year relationship.
Learning to listen to me when things aren’t right for me.
Periods of Depression knowing the signs and how to deal with it, daily practice of meditation, and yoga are my musts.
Knowing I am an extremely sensitive human- being and Loving myself for that.
I feel it is a great time right now even though challenging to cultivate and learn self-love, awareness, and self-care practices.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
Right now my biggest inspirations are Donny Epstein his verbal and energetic expression around Epi-energetics and healing is so powerful.
The Artist Denis Sarashin Paintings are rocking my world right now his use of the spaces and shadow are very beautiful and moving to me.
My friends, family, and the inspiring women who show me it’s ok to show vulnerability & power.
What’s your beauty/fashion go to?
I love using Guasha techniques for my face & body and am developing some Online classes around the Sensual Woman and using Guasha & EFT together.
I use a lot of natural products like Devita, Goop, The Ordinary, Organics Pharmacy.
I used to be in fashion, I Love Iris Van Herpin, Alexander McQueen, and Niri Oxman. I also love Indian and Middle Eastern Fashion. Mixing it up is fun. I also feel I can never go wrong with Black.
What would you say is the best thing about you?
My ability to listen, really listen, and hold space for people no matter what their circumstances.
What does equality mean to you?
Equality to me means that every person has an equal opportunity to develop their potential, an equal opportunity to make the most out of their lives.
What is your mission statement/what does your brand name mean?
My Mission Statement is Be Always Grateful to be always Graceful.
My Brand Name originates from a tattoo I got on a trip to San Fransisco I saw the words Graceful Moon in Japenese and then it was on my body. I feel very connected to the Grace of the Moon and what she offers the world the rhythm she creates and how we move with the tides. She assists the earth in its journey and we could not sustain life without her.
I am so very grateful for every person who supports me and my Vision for Graceful Moon, we are making the world a better place by learning to be fully present in this world. I am so blessed to be able to do this.
Graceful Moon is another brilliant and incredibly thoughtful brand. It’s been helping me with self-care and better knowing myself through this crazy time. Between the packaging, thoughtful wording and understanding Libby has for her customers, this brand is a home run and is definitely one-of-a-kind.
Ophelia By Design:
What inspires you?
Art and design. I studied photography and graphic design in my undergrad, so I’ve always been drawn to art. I love going to art museums and finding exciting new artists on social media to fill my feed with different kinds of art. I specifically draw a lot of shape and color inspiration from looking at trending illustrations online. Not big, famous illustration artists, but people like me who are doing what they love and selling their illustrations online. There’s a huge “boho” trend in the illustration / graphic design markets on Esty and Instagram, and since that’s what is trending (and coincidentally the aesthetic I love), I take a lot of inspiration from them for what I am going to physically create.
I also find a lot of inspiration in the community of small business artists and creators that I am a part of. I find a lot of inspiration in this community because of how supportive everyone is; in person and on social media, everyone just wants each other to succeed and create awesome pieces – even if they’re creating similar items. I definitely get a lot of inspiration (and motivation) from seeing the supportiveness of this community as well as how happy everyone is doing what they love and getting to share their art with people who love it equally. This would be more inspiration to continue doing what I love and also to create things that might be a little more “out there” because there is bound to be someone else who loves it too.
What’s your sign and how do you think that plays a part in your life?
Honestly, I know that my sign is Aries, but I don’t really follow my horoscope or know much about the meaning of it. I’m the type of person that believes “everything happens for a reason” so I’ve never been drawn to looking in to my horoscope to know why things are happening or what things mean. I really just go with the flow and create my own path for myself, and I’ve felt that if I looked at my horoscope everyday or really in to my what my sign means, it would stop me from feeling like I’m making my own decisions because I want to (rather than because it’s what an Aries would do). Now, this totally might be a stereotypically Aries response, so take that with what you will. I’m definitely not against it, but I haven’t looked in to it much.
What is the main purpose of your account/brand?
I started Ophelia by Design when I was craving a new hobby, something to do when I got home from work that felt productive but still relaxing and enjoyable. I picked up clay and fell in love with it and never put it down! At first, it started as something I was doing to pass the time in a productive way, but then I realized that people might actually enjoy what I was creating.
Where the business stands now, I’d say the purpose is to create jewelry and accessories for those that want to support small, ethical, sustainable businesses and not break the bank at the same time. My goal is to create stylish, unique, and fun jewelry with my customers and the environment in mind!
It is also definitely an outlet for me to continue making art, trying new things, and getting excited about creating something totally new on my own. I love getting to share my art with people and seeing them wearing my pieces gives me so much joy and excitement!
What is something you love deeply about yourself?
I’d say I’m very open to trying new things, meeting new people, and going to new places. I think this is something that works really well with starting a new business, as I’m willing to connect to people (in a safe way of course) to grow my business, especially if it would benefit both of us. I’ve been thinking of different markets I might be able to have a booth at, or different shops I could reach out to in order to have my products in their stores, and I think it really helps that I’m so willing to get out there and meet these shop owners and go to these new places.
What’s some advice you have for other people revolving around confidence?
Everyone has something they like about themselves, it’s just hard to sit back and remember these things by yourself sometimes. If you’re feeling like you need a confidence boost, ask others what traits they admire in you, and write them down. When you take the time to reflect on those things, think about how much you admire those traits in yourself as well.
What makes you feel confident?
Definitely the support I have from those I love. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the encouraging words of my boyfriend, friends, and family.
What have you had to overcome that’s made you who you are?
About a year ago I was in a car accident, and that ended up with me not being able to continue with grad school. Luckily, I was still able to get a job in graphic design and continue on a path towards where I want to be in my career, even though it wasn’t exactly the path I had planned on. I’ve learned that nothing is completely guaranteed and definitely how to go with the flow when plans change. I definitely think it’s made me more easygoing when it comes with my future, and helped me realize that I’m only 23 and have plenty of time to do new things and get to where I want to be!
Who are your biggest inspirations?
Definitely women who run their own small businesses. These ladies are so strong, encouraging, and supportive – I find it so inspiring how they take something they love and turn it in to something that can support themselves and their families. Everyone I’ve met through doing this has been so supportive for those doing similar things, rather than being competitive, and I find that really inspiring and eye-opening in how I run my own business as well. I especially find a lot of inspiration in those who run their business in a sustainably conscious way. This is something I really strive to do, but I’m not perfect, so I find it really inspirational how dedicated some people are to doing what they love in as environmentally friendly way as possible. These people inspire me to do better in how sustainable I make my business.
What’s your beauty/fashion go to?
I’m definitely in to the whole vintage trend that’s going on right now; “mom jeans”, faded t-shirts, boho-inspired accessories, etc. I also love shoes. I could wear a plain t shirt with a boring pair of jeans, but the shoes that go with the outfit have to be fun and stylish and I always put thought in to what I wear on my feet. My favorite shoes right now are definitely chunky Doc Martens, I got a pair of yellow docs recently and I love how much they make a boring outfit really come together. I also love vans for a more comfortable option.
Accessory wise, I’m definitely in to big earrings (as you could probably tell from my shop) and funky glasses / sunglasses. I love a good pop of stylish, funky color!
What would you say is the best thing about you?
I’m a good listener and love to help others feel better about situations or figure out a way to make a bad situation better. Whether that is helping my friends, family, or bigger environmental issues, I always want to help those that need it. I’ve always said, once my business really takes off and I’m covering the costs of running my business, I’d love to donate money from each purchase to different charities. I was able to donate some money through this business to helping the World Wildlife Fund in Australia after their terrible wildfires, and I’m really hoping my business takes off even more so I can continue to do this kind of charitable work with every purchase.
What does equality mean to you?
I think equality is so important in every aspect of life (race, gender, size, sexuality, etc.). Equality means that everyone is treated in the same way, with no judgement placed upon them. I definitely believe that if everyone treated all others equally, there would be a lot more peace in the world. However, the world is unfortunately complicated and very political so I’ll just do my part to treat everyone in a kind and equal manner, doing my best to place no judgement on those I come across.
What is your mission statement/what does your brand name mean?
My mission statement is pretty simple “made for you, by me”. I strive to create good quality, ethically made, and sustainable jewelry and accessories for all of my customers. I always make sure each piece has no blemishes and I’m always willing to work with customers if they request special colors or are in need of different backs (such as hooks or clip on rather than posts). My business exists to bring fun and trendy accessories at an affordable price for anyone that wants them, and I want to be able to create things that work for any type of person.
The name of my brand, Ophelia by Design, was simply named after my kitty Ophelia! I wanted a name that would be unique and memorable, and hint a little bit at what I do, so I landed on Ophelia by Design. I thought it has a nice ring to it and mentions design, which leads people to know I create some sort of product or art.
The products sent to me from this brand are all so well made and intentional. They’re loving and easy to wear with many different styles.
Masami:
What inspires you? The creative process with creative people.
What’s your sign and how do you think that plays a part in your life? I'm a Cancer and by default I'm the mother bear of the team.
What is the main purpose of your account/brand? MASAMI is about making better choices for your health without sacrificing luxury.
What is something you love deeply about yourself? My connections with "family" which takes many forms (old friends, blood relatives, close colleagues)
What’s some advice you have for other people revolving around confidence? Don't be afraid to say no, it can be very liberating.
What makes you feel confident? A strong team.
What have you had to overcome that’s made you who you are? Introversion -- I've become a learned extrovert which is a process.
Who are your biggest inspirations? I've always admired Shelly Lazarus, the ex-Chairman of Ogilvy & Mather. When I started in the ad agency world, she was one of very few female role models.
What’s your beauty/fashion go to? I never go wrong with Trina Turk, she's got an ageless yet sassy sense of style.
What would you say is the best thing about you? I love building high performing teams.
What does equality mean to you? Making products that work for virtually everyone.
What is your mission statement/what does your brand name mean? MASAMI means truly beautiful. Life as we know it, came from the ocean -- and we're just beginning to unlock the health benefits of ocean botanicals.
This brand creates beautiful hair and body products that nourish, compliment and give you confidence after your wash.
Kelsen:
These hair products have been used by my boyfriend and I and we both love them. They’re easy to use, leave you feeling soft and sleek and smell great!
Merkari:
These are great for adding some extra comfort and peacefulness to your already peaceful practice.
Payaru:
This brand makes these fantastic face scrubs out of super minimal ingredients. My skin can get super dry and these scrubs helped it so so much, especially in the colder months.
