Botany Bow Ties

It’s our pleasure to introduce you to Irmantas, the owner of Botany Bow Ties based in Charleston, SC. He and his partner Chad graciously allowed us to ask several questions about the company as well as host a small photoshoot. His story is an amazing one that we’re so excited to share with you.

Irmantas was born in Lithuania where he lived until he was 11 years old. At that time his mother, who was seeking to make a better life for herself and her family, moved them to the United States. That was 16 years ago and now Irmantas calls Charleston home. And as a Charlestonian he is very proud of the fact that he lives in such a wonderful place. Although the idea for Botany Bow Ties wasn’t always in his mind, all it took was a matter of circumstance to see the idea come to fruition.

Style, Ethical FashionThe Judge FamilySeptember 6, 2017Bow tie, bowtie, Botany Bow Ties, Mens Fashion, Fashion, Charleston, Style, Shop Local, Made in America, LithuaniaComment

Trades of Hope: Changing Lives

Fashion that empowers and provides a better future is my heartbeat. Just over a year ago I really started researching how I could more intentionally purchase products and support businesses who are making an impact on our world. With the endless amount of online and department store options for accessory and home items, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, businesses like Trades of Hope are making it really easy to purchase in a way that changes lives.

Ethical Fashion, Beauty, StyleThe Judge FamilyAugust 29, 2017TOH, Trades of Hope, Jewelry, Accessories, Style, Purchase with PurposeComment

Threading Water: Fashion for Good

Enter Threading Water, and you’ll start to understand how easy it is to make a difference with the simple purchase of a shirt. Threading Water’s mission is a simple one. “To provide clean water to as many people as possible”. As you may have guessed, this is easier said than done. However, Threading Water has partnered with an organization called Lifewater. Lifewater is a non-profit organization committed to ending the global water crisis, another monumental task. But, together organizations and companies that partner for the same causes are more likely to make lasting change. These conglomerations can pool resources and bring many more people together for this cause.

Sewn to Restore: Elegantees

Just over a year ago I started to hear more about ethical clothing and the negative impact that the fast fashion industry is having on our world. I had no idea how poor the conditions, wages and treatment of most factory workers really was until I dug deeper. How could this still be going on, and how as a society are we allowing it (even enabling it) to happen? Not only are conditions awful, but many people, (including children) are being forced into situations where they are sexually exploited and enslaved. Even today, slavery is still in existence and and a thriving criminal industry...sadly many of the products that you and I currently buy can be traced back to slavery. So how do we begin to tackle such a large and devastating problem? How do actively fight for the voiceless?

Businesses like Elegantees are taking a firm stand and using ethical fashion to actually restore hope to victims of sexual crimes, create sustainable jobs and empower others.