The whirlwind of events the past few months have been pushing me beyond my comfort zone. And maybe that’s the silver lining…it’s a wake-up call to learn and grow. There are issues in the world that recently spread like wildfire: (COVID-19) and ones that have been building up for decades (racial injustice).
The common thread between the two is that we are all in this together. Our actions, as a society, will determine whether we can overcome these issues. Things have been heavy. But many cool brands have been lightening the mood and getting creative with sharing ways to give back.
One of these brands doing just that is HarperSage, a Brooklyn-based apparel company by Meghan Herman and Leah Grossart. We actually all went to school at FIT together years ago (small world!) but just met last month over social media. HarperSage launched in 2019 and designs clothing that isn’t limited to one style persona. It focuses on a “Duo” mix of girly girl (Harper) and tomboy (Sage) pieces.
A huge part of HarperSage is their social mission. They aim to partner with non-profits to help reduce the risk of human trafficking. Stats show that the garment industry is the second highest contributor to known cases.
As I brainstormed an idea for this story, the first thing that came to mind was Gemini season. It runs from May 21-June 20 this year. If you’re into astrology, you probably know that the Gemini sun sign represents the twins. It also has dual personalities, and is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication.
It’s funny because although I’m a Gemini, I’ve been soft-spoken since I was a kid. I was the shy girl who took notes in class but rarely felt brave enough to raise my hand to answer a question. Still, I value the importance of communication and have been working on it throughout my life.
With time, I came out of my shell more. I’m still not the best verbal speaker but will always express how I feel on issues that matter.
Where Apparel Meets Activism
As the world continues to spread awareness on the Black Lives Matter movement, it’s more important than ever to speak up, regardless of the form. Social media, real-life one-on-one conversations, texting, whatever it is…our world needs to hear your voice.
HarperSage’s new initiative features two canvas tote bag styles designed with artist Katherine Socha. They are donating 15% of its sales to Campaign Zero, an organization that promotes data-driven policy solutions to end police violence in America.
“We’re not doing the types of things that are easy but we’re doing the types of things that we think really matter.”
—Meghan Herman and Leah Grossart, founders of HarperSage
All of this comes full circle to HarperSage’s social mission. “Research shows that people lacking human rights are most vulnerable to human trafficking, so basic human rights work is anti-trafficking work,” says the founders.
Also, all of the HarperSage’s pieces are made in a factory run by twin sisters in Delhi, India. Not only does this support another women-owned business but it also allows them to design with fabrics native to the region.
Although it’s great that so much information is being put out there lately, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Leah sent over a link to a post on what astrological sign says about your activism style that I found pretty helpful (check it out here). Also, see a post on suggested actions to take according to your personality here.
Like so many of us, I’ve spent so much time contemplating whether or not to post about what’s going on in the world right now, worried about if I’ll say the right thing. Then, I realized:
It actually takes more effort to hold back.
It’s easier just to let go and express what you are thinking without the fear of judgment. We can only learn from our mistakes, right?
I believe in taking the time to research to form your own opinions and do what feels right for you. Maybe you’re an introverted activist, and that’s okay. Maybe you’re an extroverted protester fighting for justice. I think it means so much more when you mean what you say and truly stand by it.
Your message will come out so much more authentic…because it’s coming from your heart.
No matter what your sun sign or whether you’re more of a Harper, Sage, or Duo, I hope you’ll join in on the conversation.
Until next time…stay safe!
For more stories, check out…
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