PLAYER 3: SUSTAINABLY CHIC'S NATALIE KAY AND ELLIOT
SUPERPOWER: PASSION WITH PURPOSE
OUTFIT OF CHOICE: THE BYTE SIZE TEE AND SPACE INVADER JOGGERS
LS: Tell us your story...(with all the hiccups)
NK: Well, to keep it short and sweet… I have been blogging about sustainable fashion for 5.5 years, but have been interested in the topic for several years before beginning Sustainably Chic. I studied fashion in college, and couldn’t stand the amount of waste and unethical treatment I would come across in random articles online. I ended up taking a course on sustainability and fashion, and loved merging the two together to make myself feel more excited and hopeful about the industry.
LS:
Was there a defining moment that led to the creation of Sustainably Chic?
NK: I needed an outlet to talk about a topic I felt very passionate for. I wanted to learn more and connect with others online.
"I feel like I am constantly playing this juggling game, and some days, I don’t want to work anymore. I love being a mom, and I’m fortunate enough to stay home with him.. but, I still need to make money. I’m having an easier time asking for help these days!?"
LS: What are some of the toughest challenges in being a full-time blogger and mom? How have you overcome them?
NK: Finding balance! I feel like I am constantly playing this juggling game, and some days, I don’t want to work anymore. I love being a mom, and I’m fortunate enough to stay home with him.. but, I still need to make money. I’m having an easier time asking for help these days!
LS:
What do you think is the most difficult aspect of embracing a sustainable lifestyle, especially as a parent? What would your advice be to parents wanting to make that change or trying to start their own sustainable projects?
NK: You feel stretched thin a lot, and when you are exhausted, it is hard to put in the effort to be more conscious about food, clothes, household products, etc. And I have it easy compared to a lot of moms. My best suggestion is to take it slowly, and look at one eco change a month.
"Honestly, I would like to take more breaks. I feel too connected sometimes"
LS: What would would you like to do more of in the sustainable space?
NK: Honestly, I would like to take more breaks. I feel too connected sometimes. I want to focus on my family, and all the little things I could be doing in my community.
LS:
What would you like to see more of from sustainable children's brands?
NK: I love that some brands are doing ‘pre-loved’ sales, so once you are done with their clothing, you can sell it back for them to resell on their website.
LS:
What do you want the future to be like for your kids?
NK: I don’t want them feeling like they have to clean up everyone else’s mess. I hope things are less complicated, but I feel that is too much to ask for.
LS: What will you do with Elliot's outfit once he outgrows it?
NK: I will save it for the next one ;)
NK: How does it feel to be recognised as a game-changer?
LS: I still feel so small in this online sustainable community, but I have met lots of wonderful people throughout the years who have told me they have learned a lot from my site and I’ve helped their purchasing habits. It makes me feel like all the hours have been worth it, but the fight will continue and we need more people to join in.
Follow: @sustainblychic
