mindful and intentional consumption: how to be a more conscious consumer
Love and prayers to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Freddie Gray, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless number of Black men, women, and children who’ve been injustly targeted and killed in the past 400 years+ by non-Black individuals and the police in the United States of America. May their souls rest in peace and may we honor their legacies by standing in solidarity with Black communities around the world.
Since the unjust killing of George Floyd, (may his soul rest in peace) on May 25th, we’ve seen a growing number of companies share statements proclaiming their solidarity with Black Lives Matter and anti-racism movements in America. I originally posted this article to share the Black-owned brands and designers I’ve been following and buying things over the past several years. As a non-black Indian Muslim American, I’ve had uncomfortable conversations with friends not only about racism in our communities but Black culture, art, sports, fashion, politics etc. Those important conversations have resulted in some good but also made feel alone in my journey of becoming a better ally to the Black community. I had to get comfortable of going to Black-organized spaces and events by myself because I didn’t always have (Muslim/South Asian) friends to join me. Which is ok! I’m not very good at networking nor introducing myself to new people but I’m working on it. By taking initiative and visiting these spaces I built new friendships and professional relationships. More importantly I attained a large volume of wisdom, support, lessons from the Black community and creatives in my industry. I’m still learning and sincerely grateful for the love, and knowledge I’ve acquired by doing so. I’ve discovered a plethora of Black owned brands, designers, and creatives in the fashion industry that influence my own personal style and professional work.
In many of my personal interactions and conversations with friends and peers in the fashion industry, I’ve addressed the concept of “accessibility.” How can we make design and content accessible? How can we make products and fashion accessible to the marginalized (Black) communities we acquire inspiration from? Are we creating opportunities that are accessible to marginalized communities in the fashion/fashion tech/creative industries? Are these opportunities equitable and sustainable? You can’t ask for diversity and inclusion without creating spaces that are accessible for everyone. The other questions I had to ask myself: Am I making the style and fashion knowledge I have accessible to my own communities? How am I making my platform accessible to everyone? Am I supporting my community in being more socially aware by sharing new stories and perspectives online? What am I sharing and what is the purpose of it?
We’ve seen a growing number of resources shared on Instagram and Twitter. I’m constantly tapping and sharing but had to process what I’m consuming so I can evolve as an ally. Proactive vs Reactive! I’ve been trying to be mindful and intentional with my consumption, especially with shopping. I love style, I love clothes, I love styling, and I love shopping. In the past 2-3 years I’ve been slowly transitioning from buying fast fashion to contemporary and small brands. It’s not easy when big stores are constantly having sales and showcasing new inventory. But it’s not impossible, just as I had to get uncomfortable with addressing my own self-serving bias and harmful habits, the same applies to my consumption. In this past week, news was released about multiple fashion companies covering up toxic work environments for decades. Thank you to all the Black women and men who spoke out and shared their difficult stories. Thank you for challenging those companies and for challenging us. As a non-Black person, I can’t comment or deem an apology acceptable or not because it’s not for me. It’s not about me. I can advise we be critical thinkers and share resources that will support the Black community.
Information is a powerful tool and a fair amount of good can be accomplished if we use it right. Just as we ask major corporations and companies to take ownership and be held accountable. We have to do the same. That being said, I will help anyone who wants to be a more mindful and intentional consumer. I’m on this path too and can say that I’m pretty good with wardrobe curation and styling. This is what I can offer and volunteer:
Build your wardrobe. I can help you find items from Black/POC-owned brands, businesses and designers from the following categories:
Apparel
Jewelry
Shoes
Handbags
Accessories
Home Items
Beauty Products (Makeup)
Curate your style and build a capsule wardrobe (Black/POC-owned brands)
Special Items and Budgets. You’re looking for a specific item? Have a specific budget? I can help you. I religiously check fashion websites and create shopping lists. (Black/POC-owned brands)
Gifts. Want to make a holiday or birthday gift box or package? I got you. (Black/POC-owned brands)
Sustainability. Prefer vintage, secondhand or sustainable brands? Amazing, I can help you. (Black/POC-owned brands)
Questions and Answers. If you’re looking for ideas or have any fashion/style/shopping related questions I can help you! (Black/POC-owned brands)
Stylist. I can recommend a Black wardrobe stylist or creative to work with for PAID opportunities only.
This is just a starting point and something very small that I can do for my friends and community. I don’t want to share resources and not act upon it myself. Lets hold each other accountable and uplift our communities at the same time. Like they say, nothing will change until we change what is within ourselves. Please message me, email me, text me, and/or call me. I am here.
Sending my love and prayers to our Black communities, who continue to give us chances even when we don’t deserve it. X