Meet The Makers: Winter 2022

Fast-fashion retailers like Gap and Guess may be cheap and convenient, but they represent a sobering reality: the textile industry has a significant environmental impact, responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions. Designers like Annabella Sardelis are taking action by centering sustainability in their designs, and producing beautiful pieces in the process.

The totally sweet and adorably quirky Annabella has an Environmental Studies degree and has always been aware of the negative environmental and social implications of fast fashion. In 2013, she founded INDIGO & SNOW, a values-based textile studio dedicated to sustainable design.

“As a designer, for me sustainability means prioritizing low-impact, zero waste, and a circular design approach. That begins with sourcing natural fibers with a minimal carbon footprint,” Annabella says.

One of the hallmarks of sustainability is being intentional when it comes to the materials you use and where they come from, and this awareness can be found in every step of Annabella’s creative process. She mainly uses linen and bamboo as mediums, which can be grown without harmful pesticides and with far less water than cotton. When she does use cotton in her designs, she sources organic cotton that was grown in Texas, woven in North Carolina, and sewn in Michigan. She then hand-paints her textile pieces using homemade paints formulated from plant-based and water-based dyes. Instead of throwing away scraps, she uses them to create smaller pieces like scrunchies or integrates them into upcycled pieces like the quilted patchwork designs seen in INDIGO & SNOW’s 2019 Zero Waste Collection.

“I think this is an exciting time to be a designer because it has never been easier to make informed, innovative decisions that have the power to ripple out and shift how people consume,” Annabella says.

Recently, she has been considering how she can make her ripple effect bigger. In 2021, Annabella began to wonder how she could translate her focus on sustainability into her business itself. She is considering sustainable digital printing methods and outsourcing production by partnering with women’s cooperatives in countries with a long history of working with natural dyes.

To learn more about INDIGO & SNOW and Annabella’s circular economy design journey, you can support her on Patreon, where she will share exclusive behind-the-scenes of her upcoming projects.

Tina Rexing is all about being unapologetic. It’s her mantra, it’s how she lives her life, and it underscores the core values of her company, T-Rex Cookie.

In 2014, Tina was working a corporate job, and spending her weekends the same way she had for 17 years: baking competitively. On her birthday, she decided she had had enough of not pursuing her passion full-time. She quit her job, created a business plan, registered an LLC, and T-Rex Cookie was born.

“Cookies appeal to the masses…plus, I don’t like frosting, so cupcakes were out of the question,” Tina says.

Her “Do What You Love” story (and bigger-than-your-face treats) resonated with customers, and T-Rex Cookie was soon featured on the TODAY Show and in Time Out Magazine, where they were crowned “Best Cookie In America.”

Tina’s brand is about being unapologetic, especially when it comes to what you eat. Life is too short not to eat what you want, or feel guilty when you do. We are huge supporters of the notion of being unapologetic, especially when it comes to eyewear. Tina reminds us of the importance of making something worthwhile that brings joy to everyday life.

“We are all about being unapologetically indulgent,” Tina says. “We aren’t gluten-free, we aren’t low-sugar, we aren’t low-calorie. It’s a cookie … share if that makes you feel better, but at the end of the day, ‘eat your feelings.’”

We asked Tina what advice she would give to those aspiring to be business owners but are experiencing burnout from “the hustle.”

“You have to love what you do. If you go into any business with the intention of making a million dollars, people can tell your passion is not in the product,” Tina says. “Also, take people along the journey. When people know where you came from and where you are today, they feel like they have a sense of ownership and brand loyalty. A lot of my customers still remember buying their first cookie from me at the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market.”

Her emphasis on being bold is something she has in common with us, which may explain why she owns over ten pairs.

“I wanted the glasses to be an extension of my personality. Now people don’t recognize me when I’m not wearing them,” she says.

To learn more about Tina and get your hands on one of her award-winning giant cookies, click below.

If you are one who sees every moment as a chance to make a fashion statement (and because you subscribe to our emails, we're betting you are), you will be over the moon to learn about Nicole Jennings and Queen Anna House of Fashion.

Nicole has made it her life’s mission to celebrate the unique style of every individual that walks into her store. From an early age, Nicole, the owner of Queen Anna, grew up learning from the eccentric members of her community. As her female role model, Nicole’s Granny taught her how to advocate for marginalized individuals, and how to listen to the voices of those typically overlooked. Taking this into consideration, Nicole prioritizes carrying brands that are "minority-owned, gender-inclusive, or have a philanthropic or humanitarian connection." She uses her powerful belief system to ensure her clients always feel understood and excited about clothes that match their distinctive tastes.

Queen Anna House firmly supports the idea that nobody is the same, nor are people’s preferences. This is the sentiment she brings to selecting all the clothing for her store as well as helping style her customers. Nicole leans into the different and imaginative ... and relishes the opportunity to help others have fun with their personal style.

It is crucial to Nicole that she is her authentic self. She understands that there is a special value in not only her own individuality but in the individuality of others, even if they are not accepted by society. With this in mind, and from the wisdom of her Granny, Nicole declares, "I should live as a vintage piece, understanding that not everyone will appreciate the finer things in life, and that will be their loss, not mine."

When asked about how her values shape the customer's experience, Nicole responded, "I want every client that shops at Queen Anna to know that they are valued in all their humanity and truth, regardless of their shape, size, race, or religion; we see them, honor them, and seek to meet their fashion needs no matter what walk of life they may be on." When you visit Queen Anna, your quirks are encouraged, and your bold risk-taking is admired.

Queen Anna House of Fashion offers both in-store and online shopping. Not only will all of your styling needs be met, but when you shop at Queen Anna, you are promised an experience full of "acknowledgment, acceptance, and appreciation."