Hi Kim! This Slow Fashion Festival is such a fabulous idea. How did it all come together?
When I first started my sustainable journey, I found it hard to find information that was easy to understand and not overwhelming. The idea for The Slow Fashion Festival was created from this struggle along with my love of event planning and preloved fashion.
I wanted to create a one-stop shop where everyone felt safe to learn more about what slow fashion is and how they can incorporate more sustainable practices and products into their lifestyles no matter where they were on their journey. Most importantly I want to show others that being sustainable doesn't need to be boring or restrictive and can be fun which is where the festival comes in, 'coz let's face it, who doesn't have fun at a festival?
Tell us more about what you do. You run 'Find, Love, Share', can you explain it to our readers?
Find Love Share was originally created back in 2020 with the idea to 'find', 'love' and then 'share' my op-shopped and thrifted items with others. It quickly gained traction with followers on Instagram asking if items I found were for sale and from there I knew that Find Love Share would turn into something more than just a personal sharing platform. Now, Find Love Share is a vintage and preloved store selling a curated collection of wears and wares. You can find Find Love Share at local markets around Auckland as well as online on our website and Instagram. I also have a studio space on the North Shore, Auckland where I run bi-monthly Garage Sales with other resellers!
And can you tell us a bit about The Slow Fashion Festival?
The Slow Fashion Festival is a sustainable fashion and lifestyle event for all ages and people at any stage of their sustainability journey. A $10 General Admission ticket will get you access to the marketplace of 60+ sustainable market stalls plus the main stage where we will have amazing speakers including Kate Hall from Ethically Kate. There will also be fun upcycling workshops and a Clothes Swap happening on the day.
Who are your favourite designers or key figures in the fashion industry?
I don't have any favourite designers or figures in the fashion industry as I purchase mostly second hand clothing but I love the bright colours and prints from the 70s and 80s mixed with the comfort of the 'soccer mum' style from the 90s and early 00s.
Is there anyone who inspires you to be sustainable? Any great brands/products you would recommend?
Ethically Kate's tips on her Instagram are super easy to understand as well as inspiring! I'm looking forward to getting my hands on her new book. In regard to products and brands, I may be bias as I work for CaliWoods, however their products are simple and functional. My fave products from the range are the Reusable Baking Mats and Stainless Steel Razor. Most other items I purchase 2nd hand so pop down to your local oppy or if rummaging the racks aren't your thing, support a fellow online reseller - there's so much amazing stuff out there that needs saving from landfill!
How did you get started being sustainable? Have you got any tips for how we can start our own journeys towards becoming sustainable?
My sustainability journey has been a slow but steady one.
As someone who grew up purchasing mindlessly and having no idea the impact I had with my purchasing decisions, I first learnt about ethical fashion in my early 20s from my younger sister who was studying fashion at the time. I remember her sending me a link to an Ethical Fashion Report and from there I became more aware of where I was buying from.
Throughout my 20s I moved house many times, including to Melbourne and back, and from this, I learnt I didn't need alot of 'stuff' and to live with only things I needed and loved (Marie Kondo and a love of organisation and decluttering also helped!). In more recent years, I fell back in love with op shopping and I now buy 90% secondhand. Wherever you are in your sustainability journey, my biggest tip is to not compare yourself to others and to do what you can. It can be overwhelming with so much information out there telling you what to do and what not to do, but even the small changes you make will lead to better habits - there is no such thing as a 'perfect' sustainable life!
Where do you want Find, Love, Share to go in future, do you have any particular visions?
So many ideas and so many visions! I'm extremely ambitious and passionate about what I do and creating a fun and safe space for everyone is always at the core of everything I do whether that's at a big event like the Festival or on my online platforms.
Outside of your business and the Slow Fashion Festival, what do you enjoy doing?
I love teaching my community adult dance classes every Tuesday, hanging out with my Boston Terrier, Saffy, going on road trips with my partner (stopping at every op shop of course!) and going out for dinners with family and friends (I'm a big foodie!).
We are running a giveaway for a double pass to The Slow Fashion Festival over on Instagram, so enter that if you're keen to go, and make sure to check out their Instagram.
