Episode 188: Small Business, Degrowth, and Nuance (aka an entire episode about one email)

Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCarty

It's the first episode of Clotheshorse in 2024! And it's another CH first, too: an entire episode about ONE email!
Amanda received this email in mid December. It sparked many, many hours of reading, research, and conversations with other members of the community. In the quest to find a response to this message, a lot of other conversations began:

• Is it greenwashing to say "Small Business Is The Future?"
• Where is the nuance within slow fashion? How does that nuance influence the way we start conversations outside the slow fashion bubble?
• Should we tell people to stop buying goods and services altogether?
• How do the impacts of small businesses compare to those of big businesses?
• Are all small businesses "good?" What should we do if they are "bad?"
• Do small businesses get away with bad behavior because they are small?
• What is degrowth economics? Can it work? Would would it look like IRL?
• How do creativity and art fit into degrowth?
• Should makers and sellers stop what they are doing and shift into public service jobs? Why aren't they doing that already?
• Why are so many Clotheshorse guests also small business owners?
• What are the challenges of trying to be as ethical as possible within late stage capitalism? How do we make the best choices?
• Who really makes money from podcasting?
• How do begin to value art, information, and content as much as we value "stuff?" And what happens if we don't make that change?

Yeah, NBD, just some light topics here.
Thank you to these awesome members of the community for already sharing their thoughts: Dani, Christine, Maria, Selina, Kate S., and Kate K.

After you have listened, share YOUR thoughts on the email and the other conversations we are having in this episode. Feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: [e-mail]
Or call the Clotheshorse hotline: [phone]
You can also join the convo on Instagram, @clotheshorsepodcast.

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

​High Energy Vintage is a fun and funky vintage shop located in Somerville, MA, just a few minutes away from downtown Boston. They offer a highly curated selection of bright and colorful clothing and accessories from the 1940s-1990s for people of all genders. Husband-and-wife duo Wiley & Jessamy handpick each piece for quality and style, with a focus on pieces that transcend trends and will find a home in your closet for many years to come! In addition to clothing, the shop also features a large selection of vintage vinyl and old school video games. Find them on instagram @ highenergyvintage, online at highenergyvintage.com, and at markets in and around Boston.

The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim.

Gabriela Antonas is a visual artist, an upcycler, and a fashion designer, but Gabriela Antonas is also a feminist micro business with radical ideals. She’s the one woman band, trying to help you understand, why slow fashion is what the earth needs. If you find your self in New Orleans, LA, you may buy her ready-to-wear upcycled garments in person at the store “Slow Down” (2855 Magazine St). Slow Down Nola only sells vintage and slow fashion from local designers. Gabriela’s garments are guaranteed to be in stock in person, but they also have a website so you may support this women owned and run business from wherever you are! If you are interested in Gabriela making a one of a kind garment for you DM her on Instagram at @slowfashiongabriela to book a consultation.

Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtown Las Vegas. Not only do we sell in Las Vegas, but we are also located throughout resale markets in San Francisco as well as at a curated boutique called Lux and Ivy located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jessica, the founder & owner of Vagabond Vintage DTLV, recently opened the first IRL location located in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas on August 5th. The shop has a strong emphasis on 60s & 70s garments, single stitch tee shirts & dreamy loungewear. Follow them on instagram, @vagabondvintage.dtlv and keep an eye out for their website coming fall of 2022.

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Do you have used records you want to sell? Country Feedback wants to buy them! Find us on Instagram @countryfeedbackvintageandvinyl or head downeast and visit our brick and mortar. All are welcome at this inclusive and family-friendly record shop in the country!

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