I've been self employed and running my own business for well over a decade now and I can tell you as rewarding as it is to be your own boss, it's a path less chosen for reason. Being a self employed designer (or self employed anything really) presents a a slough of daily challenges.
I think the biggest of those challenges is consistently educating the mainstream on the differences between handmade, slow culture which at it's heart is about quality over quantity versus mass produced, cheaply made products found at big box chain stores.
Fortunately I have had many opportunities to be in both local & national media speaking about our handmade eco friendly process and how much more interesting and better quality buying from a local artist or designer actually is...
Adhesif Clothing can be found in at least a dozen artisan markets annually which is a great way to show our work in the public and to discuss these topics ones to one.
Vancouver Eco Fashion Week 2012
Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Show 2015
The Nifty for Fifty Sale 2016
What I hear from a lot of people is that they would like to support sustainable and locally made more but have a difficult time knowing where to start and to this I do sympathize. The little guy doesn't often get over shadowed by all the H&M's and Wallmarts of the world so even tough it seems like we don't exist we really do...
We're fortunate
that in Vancouver, BC we actually have a slough of local events that cater to the
indie-handmade scene. All you need to do is look at your local newspapers like The West Ender or the Georgia Straight newspaper and you can find loads of advertisements for art markets and craft fairs, Especially this time of year.
Alternatively if you find a local boutique or artisan you like all you have to do is go to their website. Many of them do participate at local art and design fairs and will have a list of the events they can be found at. Once you go to one fair you will be opened to another world of indie talent. Have a look at our website to see some of the events we were just involved in and new ones coming in 2017
There's also a lot of great publications that specifically highlight the work of indie
designers and artists like Belle Armoire Magazine based out of the U.S which we've been published in multiple times...
Another amazing resource is LOCO BC
LOCO BC is a non-profit local business alliance working to strengthen communities, grow the local economy and build strong, sustainable businesses by encouraging a shift in local purchasing by consumers, businesses and institutions/government.
Their work is predicated on the belief that economic sustainability, along with social and environmental sustainability forms the bedrock of healthy and resilient communities.
LOCO BC encourages purchasers to buy from B.C.-based companies, and to buy B.C. goods and services based on a shared commitment to strong communities, a healthy environment, meaningful employment and fair trade practices.
Back in 2011 we had the pleasure of having a joint interview with the West Ender Newspaper and the founder of LOCO BC, Amy Robinson for Vancouver Eco Fashion Week.
Now that Christmas is fast approaching and we are all in GO Mode I would encourage you to consider supporting locally made products and services this holiday season. The reasons why supporting local is so much better than the run of the mill are really endless.
Whether it's the originality & quality or the impeccable customer service provided by having a personalized experience with an artist or merchant, you decide. What ever the reason, I guarantee you it's the gift that keeps on giving!
The Adhesif Clothing shop will be open for another 5 more days before we take our annual holiday break. Be sure to stop by and check out all of our amazing local offerings for your last minute Christmas gifts this season.
Adhesif Clothing
2202 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
Shop:604.568.4905
Hours~
Tues-Sat 11-7
Sun 12-5
Monday Closed
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a great start in 2017!
Adhesif
xo
