Robbins: Being intentional about choosing well

Article content

Faster than you can say “little black dress,” fast fashion has become a wardrobe staple. The speed at which most clothing is now produced not only puts immense pressure on the environment but also on those producing the clothing.

Article content

The International Labour Organization estimates 49.6 million people were living in modern slavery in 2021, of which 27.6 million were in forced labour. Sownsmitha Calgary-based fashion brand founded in 2022 by Lisa Kwong, is based on ethical and sustainable principles and is dedicated to committing resources to combat human trafficking.

Article content

We sat down with Kwong to discuss how she integrates her passion for social justice into her fashion brand.

Q: Tell us about the meaning behind your brand name: Sownsmith

A: Sown means to plant, to invest and to steward. Smith means expert, like a goldsmith. A sown-smith is someone who’s intentional about choosing well and living well.

Q: Is there a particular Sownsmith look?

A: I’m a believer in quality, simplicity and minimalism. Sownsmith pieces are timeless and versatile. My tagline is effortless, ethical essentials, and that’s what my collections of elevated staple wardrobe pieces are. They can be easily incorporated into your own wardrobe or stand as a capsule collection.

Q: What inspired you to start an eco-conscious fashion brand?

Article content

Article content

A: Sownsmith was born out of all the things I really cared about. I have a Master’s in Cultural Studies and worked at an immigration agency before having kids. Wherever I worked, it had to be purposeful and involve social justice. We have three girls, and being trafficked is one of the worst things that could ever happen to them.

Because all Sownsmith’s clothing and jewelry are ethically made in North America, I can ensure that no one is trafficked for labour. We allocate seven per cent of our profits to support local and international organizations dedicated to eradicating modern-day slavery, including RESET in Calgary.

Q: How does Sownsmith differ from other ethical clothing companies?

A: In my research, I didn’t see any ethical Canadian fashion that represented my style. I’m low maintenance. I want to look good without putting a lot of effort in. I loved the idea of being able to wash and wear, throw something on and still look elevated.

Because everything is ethically made in North America, the price point is higher than if it were made overseas with slave labour. Our costs are more, so sales will likely remain online.

Article content

Q: Is there anything consumers can do to help combat human trafficking?

A: A very easy thing to do is be mindful about what you’re purchasing. I can’t buy ethically made clothes all the time, but 99 per cent of my clothes are second-hand. Instead of supporting fast fashion brands, I’m supporting small, local businesses. In Calgary, I love shopping at Vespucci.

Q: What should we be asking of fashion brands?

A: Ask who made my clothes and where? Some companies are transparent about where and how their clothes are being made. They might visit their factories often, but it’s hard to do due diligence overseas. There are fake front factories where clothes aren’t actually being made. Factories may tell companies they’re paying their workers a living wage, but in my research, that’s not always the case. This is why I purposely wanted my clothing made in North America.

Q: Can consumers spot industry greenwashing?

A: If a brand has new products out every week and it’s really cheap, you can bet that’s slave labour. There’s no way a shirt should be $10 or $20 if it’s made overseas. There’s a cost to somebody for that.

Article content

Q: How do you manage to juggle your work and personal life?

A: For working women, it’s important you’re taking care of your body, feeding your soul and doing something for your spirit. I make sure I work out five times a week, but nothing too crazy. I try to be mindful about eating healthily, and I’m in bed by 10:30.

For my soul, I have to make sure I’m connecting with the people closest to me and incorporating things I really enjoy into my every day. I have a weekly date night with my husband. I see my parents every week. I connect with my closest friends regularly and spend a lot of time with my daughters. I love to read, so I’ll always have a library book with me. I love music, so I’ll blast music on my AirPods while I clean my house.

For my spirit, my faith is important to me. Prayer is my lifeline, and so is being part of a church community. I have to make sure I’m addressing all three parts of me. If one is being neglected, I feel off balance.

Also foundational for me is having places where you can express, articulate and celebrate all that you’re going through instead of keeping it inside. For me, it’s journalling, prayer, talking to my husband and close friends. It’s very freeing and very healing to be able to share that.

World Day against Trafficking in Persons is on Sunday, July 30, 2023.

Jody Robbins is a Calgary-based lifestyle writer. Follow her wellness adventures on her blog: Travels with Baggage and on Instagram @TravelswBaggage.

Article content