When we stumbled on @HelloHappyPlants, we were psyched to discover a new fun, uber pop culture take on ceramics. Airplanters in the shape of things like Tab soda cans, American Spirit cigarette and Nerd candy boxes! We had to know more about the designer, Kelsey. When we discovered she follows like 5 squirrel Instagram accounts, that was it! We are just among the first of what we predict will be many, to introduce you to this rising star and to what makes her tick. Turns out Kelsey's personality is just as energetic, fun and optimistic as her art! She's a breath of fresh air!
For Valentines day we've decided to feature one of things we find most impressive in life -- couples who do business together. Boss couples. Boss couples building empires! Because love is hard and it's really put to the test with work thrown in the mix. Our hats go off to these power couples who are getting it done, together. Yay love and teamwork! (as I look to my cat #EmiliaPucci and say, 'Go team!')
First up are Ian and Yana of Moth Oddities of Minneapolis! This powerhouse and genuinely loving couple, run a highly curated vintage/recycled clothing and art e-store. We love their quirky selection of ethical fashion and art goods and the fact that they are making ethical fashion cool in the Midwest! Their love story also makes us tear up a bit. So there's that.
How did you and your boss meet?
We met in college during our intro Graphic Design classes. We both attended the University of Minnesota.
What attracted you to each other?
Yana: Ian was (read: is) an incredibly caring, devoted, encouraging, genuine, and understanding guy. During college, I skipped class a lot but sometimes (read: many times) I would just show up to see him and be around him. We were friends and classmates for four years before we started dating and his presence has always had a huge impact on my life. He has made me appreciate things that I would normally grump about or dismiss. Ian inspires me, challenges me, and makes me happy and grateful every day.
Ian: We met in school and I was attracted to Yana because of how mysterious she was to me. I couldn't quite place what it was about her. She was beautiful and quiet, but when she spoke it was always a meaningful thought she had been been considering for a while. We quickly became friends after meeting each other and I realized over time my attraction went much deeper than just a friendship.
What did you build together?
Together we started Moth Oddities, an online shop based in Minneapolis, MN that offers a variety of items from vintage/recycled clothing to local art. We highlight the cultural, style, and creative trends of the Midwest.
How do your working styles compliment each other?
Yana: Ian has TONS of energy and is constantly throwing around new concepts and ideas, sketching, painting and buzzing with creativity I funnel all the information and plan, analyze, and organize so that everything gets completed. It works quite well actually! Creating Moth Oddities together has stretched us creatively in ways we would have never expected. Every step is exciting.
What's the hardest part of working together?
Ian: Yana can be way more focused at singular tasks, where I tend to seek out multiple things to do at once. I cannot sit still and she will remain calm and curled up wherever she is until the task is complete. This can be quite comical when we are working in tandem and get frustrated with one another and then just end of laughing. We realize we have very different approaches to similar problems, but we can usually find a way to make it work.
What's the most rewarding part of working together?
Ian: It is rewarding to meet your match in someone you work with and even more rewarding to also be dating that person. Every day we have the mentality to get up and make something new together. We tend to always be thinking big and we challenge each other to be better people and designers.
If you could dress as twins from our Androgyny section-- what would you wear?
Woah - love the collection! Here's our ideal Androgyny twin outfit:
We had the chance to catch up with Hannah Kristina Metz. Photographer, designer, muse: she's the whole package. But don't get it twisted, she's not just a talented, pretty face with feet adored by Justin Timberlake; Hannah's also got a lot of smart things to say, reflections about the fashion industry, what it's like to be an artist in NYC.
Where are you from and what do you do? Tell us a little bit about yourself. Hi! I was born in Vancouver, raised in Ottawa, returned to Vancouver then onto Los Angeles and now I'm here in New York! I recently shut down a vintage clothing shop I co-owned in Pasadena and am now setting off and launching my own clothing line.
What's your favorite part about being an artist in NYC and what is the toughest part?
I appreciate how attainable everything feels here, anything you desire is available to you (from supplies to the abundance of inspiration that swirls around you daily). The toughest part for me is feeling like this is a valuable contribution to society, I mean, it isn't, the world doesn't need another fashion designer and I know that but I love it so, so I'm gonna do it for awhile, I'll do it until it doesn't feel good anymore and maybe my next heart's calling will be something more noble but right now I just can't help myself. That sounds awful typed out but there it is.
How would you describe your style?
My own! I don't look to trends or other people *intentionally* for inspiration (it would be ridiculous to claim I am uninfluenced and purely myself cos that's just not possible)! I love the construction, quality and beauty of vintage clothing and I suppose my personal style favors a 60s look but I'm not opposed to wearing contemporary designers too! I love colour and pattern and textures!
Do you have any specific charities that are close to your heart?
Planned Parenthood will always be near and dear to me, for all the work they have done and continue to do for women's health nationwide and for all their helpfulness in my own life. For a period of time the only doctor I went to was my PP gynecologist because it was the only service I could afford, so while the rest of me may have been shabby my nether region was always cared for and no premature parenthood for me.
Who is your biggest female style icon?
Well, I have saved a lot of photos of Sylvie Vartan so I'd say she would be the biggest for me! All those adorable hairstyles!
What do you look forward to most in the coming year?
Finally working on my own project!
What is one thing you hope changes in the US or in world in the next 10 years (something that seems feasible)?
Oh man, this question! Does it have to be just one? I want so many things! More environmental awareness, better and cheaper education, better and cheaper healthcare, less consumerism, less screen time, clean foods, I could go on forever baby. These things don't seem that hard to achieve either, baby steps for all of us!
Kristin Gallegos, a makeup artist, photographer, and cool girl about town, is widely known on the New York scene for her spot on sense of style and confident presence. She's intriguing and I had to catch up with her to find out where she comes from, what causes are closest to her heart, and everything that makes her such an 'it' girl.
"When my husband and I first started dating, he got me this weird dorky tiny reading light that you wear around your neck in bed so you can read without waking up your partner." -- Molly Guy, Co-founder of Stone Fox Bride
By Daniela Tijerina & Rachel Kibbe
We caught up with Molly Guy, co-founder and Creative Director of the world's first anti-bridal bridal boutique. Her company's motto, Fuck Weddings, really resonates with us fans of all nontraditional traditions. Naturally, we wanted to know what makes a rebellious bridal store owner tick around the holidays.
What is your earliest Holiday memory?
Every Hanukkah when I was growing up, my family would sit around around the dining room table, light candles and listen to my dad read a short story called "A Parakeet Named Dreidel."
What was the best gift you ever received?
When my husband and I first started dating, he got me this weird dorky tiny reading light that you wear around your neck in bed so you can read without waking up your partner.
Growing up what was your favorite thing about the holiday season? Has this changed as an adult?
I love a good Hanukkah party — what could be better than donuts, potato pancakes and a good game of dreidel?
As a mother what are some traditions from your childhood that you have kept alive in your own family?
Chinese Food and a movie on Christmas Day of course!
In your opinion what's the reason for the season?
As we enter the dark, unforgiving doldrums of winter, it's important to have an occasion to gather with friends, look into the light and eat to your hearts' content.
Molly Guy's holiday shopping guide from HELPSY:
A HELPSY Pink skull Piggy Bank would make a great gift for my nieces and nephews — so much more chic than your standard piggy.
Dirty Girl Lego Soap , my two year old daughter would love this — anything i can do to make the whole bathtime experience more enticing!
Lady Parts Justice Elixery Lipstick for my girlfriends..... who doesn't want to toss a fresh lady parts justice red lipstick into the clutch and go?
"I immediately go to the HELPSY Adrogyny category, because in my opinion, every shopping site should have this; it’s brilliant and the way I like to dress." Kristin Lane
