Ep 115: The Key to Building an Ethical Capsule Wardrobe with Kristi Soomer

Wanna hear something crazy? The fashion industry is accountable for 8%–10% of overall greenhouse gas emissions. Wow! That’s a big impact our closets and shopping habits are making.

The good news is that we can do something about it.

That’s one of the reasons I am so passionate about capsule wardrobes. They are a total win-win. They help you:

make it easier to get dressed everyday
find your personal style
love what you own
live with less
suffer less decision fatigue and analysis paralysis

And on top of that they are better for the environment because you are buying less and using what you own for longer.

But, there's another way we can cut back on that giant number when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions - and that is to buy ethical and sustainable clothing.

Don’t worry if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the idea. My guest this week is an expert in this field. In fact, she started her own brand and has now become a BCorp which we dive into on this episode.

Kristi Soomer is the founder and CEO of Encircled, a Canadian-made line of versatile sustainably made clothing that helps women streamline their wardrobes.

Inspired by her love of travel and dislike for checking a bag, Kristi started Encircled in 2012 while she was working as a management consultant. At the time she was traveling over 100,000 miles a year and found there was a lack of travel clothes that blended style with function. Kristi’s first multi-way design - the Chrysalis Cardi - was made on the kitchen floor of her condo using a sewing machine she found on Craigslist.

Since Kristi has grown Encircled into a seven-figure business that was named a Certified BCorp in 2018. Kristi is committed to meeting high ethical and sustainable standards in all aspects of her company, from using fabrics that honor the environment to providing good working conditions and fair wages for her sewers.

There are some really insightful moments from today’s show and there’s lots to learn when it comes to finding and sourcing ethical options.

This episode of the Wannabe Minimalist Show will also help you discover:

How Kristi went from an overpacking fashionista to a streamlined capsule wardrobe lover
What to do if your wardrobe needs a refresh
Tips for finding sustainable clothing brands
What to look for when finding ethical clothing options
Kristi’s secrets for creating a capsule wardrobe

Helpful Links:

some of these may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links I may get paid a small amount. I stand by my recommendations. Thank you for supporting this podcast.

Encircled Website

Encircled Instagram Account

Kristi’s Twitter

Encircled Twitter Account

Article about greenhouse gasses and the fashion industry: https://unece.org/forestry/press/un-alliance-aims-put-fashion-path-sustainability