Nov 17, 2020

The Sydlovesfashion Holiday Shop Local Guide

The holidays are upon us and despite the current restrictions in place due to COVID, there are still many ways you can support the small businesses in your community. Stores are currently limited to 25% in-store capacity, but they are still eager to help you find the perfect gift to make the holiday season special. Here's a local guide to some of my favorite independent stores in neighborhoods all over the Greater-Seattle area. Check for current store hours before you go and don't forget to bring your mask!

Queen Anne Shops

Queen Anne Dispatch - Owned locally by sisters Tara and Sabrina, Queen Anne Dispatch is brimming with great holiday gifts including candles, beauty products, bath salts, gourmet chocolates, toys, games, baby gifts, and more. The best part is that they can help wrap and ship to anywhere in the world, making holiday shopping easy and efficient. While they don't offer online shopping at this time, you can call the store and get shopping support over the phone. Find them on Instagram @QueenAnneDispatch.

Stulhbergs - This little shop nestled on the top of Queen Anne is one of my favorite places to shop for holiday gifts. They have an extensive assortment of home goods and decor, plus books, stationery, cards, and baby gifts. On-site gift wrapping is available.

Foundation - Owned by retail veteran Summer David, Foundation has an amazing assortment of apparel, accessories, and jewelry that you can shop in-store or online. When it comes to gift picks, I like their assortment of sustainable totes, the cozy sweater selection, and the F*ck Necklace, which kind of sums up our dumpster fire of a year. Yes, I did in fact buy this exact necklace for myself and it's part of my regular rotation of jewelry. BONUS: They also have a great sustainable fashion section.

Fremont Shops

Les Amis - Opened in 1996, Les Amis is a cozy boutique in Fremont offering a unique selection of women's apparel and accessories. Check out new arrivals before heading into the store on Instagram @LesAmisSeattle or preview online. They don't offer online shopping at the moment, but you can call the store to purchase items you see on their website and social media pages.

Portage Bay Goods - Known as the gift shop for "thoughtful procrastinators", Portage Bay Goods has a dynamic assortment of gifts that you won't find anywhere else. The selection includes greeting cards, home decor, kids books, craft supplies, and even jewelry. I'm a big fan of the La Croix Candles, Taco Rattle, and San Juan Island Bath Salts (locally made!). You can also shop online and pick-up in store to save on shipping.

Pipe & Row - This great boutique, located in the heart of Fremont, has an amazing assortment of wearable women's fashion and accessories from designers around the world. Locally owned by Kayla Gil, Pipe & Row also has a great selection of sustainable brands that are fun and easy to shop. Check out P&R on Instagram for a first-look at new arrivals.

Ballard Shops

Horseshoe - For as long as I can remember, Horseshoe has been a staple in Ballard for those shopping for women's fashion and accessories. They have a great assortment of apparel, accessories, and gifts from brands like BB Dakota, Veronica M, and Prairie Underground (local label!). A few of my faves include the Love Token coats, the Motley Crue sweatshirt, and the Molly Debiak Womxn Amulet.

Prism - If you're out shopping in Ballard this holiday season, don't miss Prism and its colorful assortment of apparel, accessories, home goods, and gifts. They even have a playful assortment of products for kids including face masks, toys, books, and clothing. A few of my favorite gift-able things in stock right now include the Metallic Zip Set, the Pink Leopard Socks, the Golda Pyramid Soaps, and the Bamboo Dinner Plate Set.

Capitol Hill Shops

Sway & Cake - If you have fashion fans on your list, you'll definitely want to stop by Sway & Cake for their impeccable selection of clothing, accessories, and gifts. This season, don't miss the expanded assortment of private label merchandise including kimonos, sweatshirts, and masks, plus the gift section which includes slippers, cards, and rings. Oh, and if you stop by the store, say hi to Ally for me!

Freeman - Located on Capitol Hill in the historic Loveless Building, Freeman makes high-quality goods right here in Seattle including raincoats, sweatshirts, and flannels. If you have guys on your list, this shop is a great place to visit. My favorite gift picks include the Field Notebooks, the Pigment-Dyed Sweatshirts, and the Seattle Tote bag.

Downtown Shops

Flora & Henri - I have a special place in my heart for Flora & Henri and the ladies who run the shop. It truly is a destination for carefully curated brands that are merchandised with love. At the store, you'll find sustainable sneakers by Veja, jewelry by local designer Amy Augustine, soft sweaters by Extreme Cashmere, delightful children's toys, and beautiful gifts for the home. I'm a big fan of the Flora & Henri Essentials Line for babies and frequently gift it to friends who are welcoming new arrivals. Check out Flora & Henri's holiday gift guide here. They also do beautiful gift wrapping!

Clementines - Located in Pioneer Square, you'll find Clementines, a fashion boutique offering women's shoes, apparel, gifts, and more. Owner Linda Walsh also stocks an assortment of local brands. Unique gift items include this fun Banana Flask, Imaginary Animals Hand Soap, and Certain Standard Umbrellas.

Madison Park Shops

Emry - Owned locally by my sweet friend Ryan Walsh, Emry is a beautiful boutique located in Madison Valley that is a one-stop-shop for all things fashion. A few of my favorite gifts include the Sundry Leopard Sweater, the Gisele Pajama Set, and the Sea Pine Ornament Candles. You can shop online and enjoy free shipping with orders of $100, or stop by the store for a shopping appointment. Check out the assortment of gifts and accessories here.

Cura Collective - Ok, so this shop may not technically be in Madison Park, but it's definitely on the way if you're headed in that direction. Cura specializes in ethical fashion and thoughtfully curated products. In fact, they're on a mission to create a more equitable, beautiful world where the business of fashion is a force for justice. They have so many amazing products in-stock right now, but a few of my favorites include the Brain Blend by Peak and Valley (local brand!), the Infinity Bracelet by Boma (local brand!), and the navy blue striped waist apron by Meema, which is incredibly stylish, durable, and sustainably made.

Bellevue Shops

La Ree - Located just off of Old Main Street in Bellevue, La Ree has a gorgeous assortment of apparel and accessories for women. Shop during COVID in a safe 1:1 environment, by appointment only. Book your in-store shopping experience here.

Jujubeet - Although not technically a boutique, you can still give the gift of good health at Jujubeet on Main Street in Bellevue. Owned locally by Bianca Szyperski, Jujubeet stocks a variety of local brands including Kari Gran Skincare, Two Cranes Botanicals CBD oils, local cookbooks, and artisanal chocolates. Jujubeet gift cards also make great stocking stuffers! And if you stop by the store, don't miss their new Vegan Snickers bars.

Kirkland Shops

Purpose Boutique - This adorable boutique in Kirkland has been on my radar for a long time now. I love that when you shop at their store, you literally shop with a purpose. A portion of the proceeds from every sale is donated to Rescue: Freedom, an organization committed to fighting human trafficking. The store also stocks over 20 brands that were created by survivors of trafficking and social injustice. In addition to the Kirkland store, Purpose also has boutiques in Tacoma and Silverdale. You can also shop online here.

Beet World - You won't find a brick-and-mortar store for this adorable childrenswear brand, but they are based in Kirkland and you can absolutely shop online for girls dresses, tops, hair accessories, and masks.

The linen headbands make a great stocking stuffer for kids!

University Village Shops

K Banana - For all things K-Beauty, don't miss K Banana at University Village. The shop carries coveted Korean skincare brands including Dr. Jart, Knours, Huangjisoo, and more. Plus sheet masks, nail polish, and make-up. You can shop in-store or check out the assortment online. Vika Nail Stickers make a great stocking stuffer and I'm also a big fan of the Knours Skincare Starter Set.

Mr. West - You might not think of Mr. West as THE PLACE to shop for great gifts, but I'm telling you, it's worth a visit. They have great coffee table books, design magazines, plants, coffee cups, wine, candles, and more. My favorite gift picks include the air plants, Spiced Cypress Candles, and the Adventure coffee mugs.

Thanks for shopping locally this holiday season! Every dollar counts. Please tag @Sydlovesfashion on Instagram if you visit any of these amazing local shops and decide to take a selfie. I love hearing from readers!

If you like this post, please consider checking out these other local gift guides:

Holiday Gift Guide for Moms

Holiday Gift Guide for Girls

Made in Washington Holiday Gift Guide

Boma Jewelry Holiday Gift Guide

Sydlovesfashion Holiday Gift Guide for Moms

The holidays are upon us and if anyone deserves a special gift this holiday season, it's moms. They've been tasked with homeschooling, keeping up with housework, cooking meals, and keeping their families sane. Many moms have also had to figure out a way to balance it all while also attempting to work from home, which means, now is the time to splurge on the perfect holiday gift.

One Imaginary Girl Silk Face Mask

This season's must-have accessory is a stylish face mask. If anyone deserves to have a mask that suits their personal style, it's moms. After all, they make the world go round. These adorable masks from Portland brand One Imaginary Girl feature bold fashion illustrations by designer Sarah Donofrio. Masks are made from upcycled fabric from the One Imaginary Girl apparel collection.

Agolde Thora Sweatshirt

Most moms, myself included, have been living in cozy sweatshirts this season. I love this Thora sweatshirt from Agolde, available at Pipe & Row in Fremont. The sleeve detail makes it anything but basic and this beautiful color is so much fun to wear. Pipe & Row is locally owned by fellow fashion mama, Kayla Gil.

Sway & Cake Kimono Robe

Sway & Cake's private label collection of Kimonos are perfect for the gift-giving season. As a mom of two small kids, I can tell you that one of the easiest ways I pull myself together in the morning is by throwing on a stylish kimono that can instantly dress up a t-shirt. These kimonos are designed in Seattle and produced in L.A. Sway & Cake is independently owned by local mom Tamara Kilburn. Shop in-store or online.

Isla Fan Necklace

The Isla Fan Necklace by Boma Jewelry is a great gift pick for moms because it's delicate enough for everyday wear and can be paired with other pieces to create a layered look. Featuring a white topaz center stone and an adjustable chain, this necklace will be in regular rotation for years to come. Boma Jewelry CEO Suzanne Vetillart is a 2nd generation owner and mother of 4 very sweet little kids.

Rains Coral Curve Jacket

Seattle's rainy season has arrived and a colorful raincoat is a perfect way to brighten up mom's day.

This coat features a waist belt, snap buttons, and adjustable cuffs. A stylish raincoat is a must-have piece if you live in Seattle so it might as well be one of the things in your wardrobe that brings joy. Available locally at Prism in Ballard.

Moonlit Skincare Ultimate Sleep Kit

The Moonlit Skincare Ultimate Sleep Kit is a great holiday gift for sleep-deprived moms! The set includes a full-size bottle of Midnight Shift Overnight Facial Oil, a 100% Silk Sleeping Eye Mask to help block out light and increase melatonin production, a silk pillowcase, and a clear Constellation travel pouch. I use the Midnight Shift Overnight Facial Oil to help hydrate my skin while I sleep and it helps me feel like I'm multi-tasking.

Veja Esplar Leather Sneakers

Stylish moms will love these eco-friendly sneakers by Veja that are made from organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles. The insole is made from Amazonian rubber, sugar cane, and recycled E.V.A. plastic. Named as "The Most Ethical Sneaker Brand in the World", Veja sneakers are versatile and great for sustainably-minded moms who have a classic sense of style. Available in Pioneer Square at Flora & Henri, owned by local mom Jane Hedreen.

Two Cranes Botanicals Attune CBD Oil

CBD is a great way to help moms relax and take the edge off a stressful day. Whenever I take CBD oils, I always ensure they're from a single-source origin and 3rd party tested for purity and potency. Two Cranes Botanicals is an excellent line that uses organically grown hemp and USDA certified organic MCT oil. These formulas are non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive, containing less than 0.3% THC. I also love that they are available in a variety of potencies so that you can dose depending on your specific needs. Co-founder Hanna Yi is also a local mom! Shop for Two Cranes locally at K Banana at University Village or in Bellevue at Jujubeet on Main Street, both stores are also owned by local moms.

French Girl Organics Rose Sea Polish

French Girl Organics Rose Sea Polish is a great gift pick for moms in need of an at-home spa day. This hydrating body scrub is made from nourishing butters, Himalayan salts, and fruit oils to help gently exfoliate and moisturize skin. This gift makes a great stocking stuffer! French Girl Organics is based in Seattle, crafted in small batches, and locally-owned.

Homegoing Book by Yaa Gyasi

For moms who love to read, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi is both a haunting and essential read. The story follows two half-sisters born in Ghana, each from a different village. One marries an Englishman and leads a life of comfort while the other is sold into slavery, eventually departing from the Cape Coast Castle through the 'Door of No Return'. Yaa Gyasi's novel illuminates the complicated legacy of slavery for those that were taken and those who remained.

Apple Watch

Before COVID, having an Apple watch wasn't that important to me, but now that I'm a multi-tasking mom who is homeschooling and attempting to work from home, having an Apple watch is essential. It helps me keep track of my day, monitor my fitness goals, and send voice text messages on-the-go. I also love how easy it is to swap out the bands.

Le Labo Rose 31

Every mom needs a signature scent. Delicate florals remind me of my travels to London, so naturally, Le Labo Rose 31 is my favorite fragrance. This unisex scent isn't overpowering and features subtle notes of rose absolute, cumin, vetiver, cedar, and amber. Available locally at Nordstrom.

Veuve Clicquot Rosé

My mama friend Lisa of West Fulton Street recently turned me on to Rosé Veuve. I'm a big fan of the original version, but the rosé is on a whole new level. If the moms in your life love rosé they will absolutely love this rośe champagne. Add a pair of gorgeous champagne glasses and you've got the perfect gift.

Claws Out Nail Polish

I first stumbled upon this female-founded line of nail polish at a Sustainable Fashion Forum event in Portland. It's pigment-rich and long-wearing, two very important things for busy moms. This gold color is called 'Matriarchy' and 20% of the proceeds from every bottle sold go toward Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement fighting for public safety measures that protect people from gun violence. Shop locally for this line at Queen Anne Dispatch. They have a full assortment of colors available, making them perfect for stocking stuffers or secret Santa gifts.

Set The Table Napkins

While we may not be able to gather in large groups this year due to the ongoing pandemic, we can still enjoy small moments of togetherness by sharing a meal together. Seattle fashion writer and local mom of two, Lisa Cole recently launched Set the Table to share her love of entertaining with others. Her mother was a talented quilter and seamstress who taught her how to sew cloth napkins, ultimately showing her that each meal shared together is truly a special occasion. Napkins are hand-sewn in Seattle and available in limited quantities. View available styles here.

Yuan Spa Day

I have yet to meet a mom who isn't long overdue for a relaxing spa day. If you're looking for the ultimate gift for the moms in your life who deserve a little R&R, a spa day at Yuan Spa in Bellevue is perfect. Founded by local mom Zhiqin Zhang, also known as "Z", Yuan Spa blends the traditional practices of Chinese medicine and self-care with Eastern philosophies of wellness. The spa menu includes facials, massages (including CBD massages!), body treatments, and even an ASMR "Power Nap", which uses the body's autonomous sensory meridian response to induce a state of deep relaxation. View other Yuan Spa therapeutic body treatments here.

Vanishing Half Book by Brit Bennett

I read this book as part of a summer book club and it instantly blew my mind. Brit Bennett is a genius and this book proved to be incredibly thought-provoking and fun to read. The novel is about twin sisters who are inseparable as kids but later go on to live two very different lives. The plot twist comes later when they are reunited after many years through an extraordinary set of circumstances.

Spoil the moms in your life this season. Tell them how much you love them. And if you're out shopping this season, I encourage you to shop local!

Lead photo credit: Jenna Lynn Fernandez

Footer Photo: Demri Rayanne Photography

Sydlovesfashion Holiday Gift Guide for Girls

The holiday shopping season is here and there are endless options from local stores that will enchant and delight the little ones in your life. From jewelry to candy, cooking classes and books, my six-year-old daughter London helped me compile these gift ideas for all the sweet little girls on your list.

Rainbow Studs, Boma Jewelry

My daughter LOVES these delicate rainbow earrings. I love that they are non-toxic, nickel-free, safe for sensitive ears. These earrings also give back: A portion of the proceeds from every Boma Jewelry purchase benefits the Boma Girl Fund. Boma Jewelry is a Seattle-based brand led by a loving mother of four very sweet little humans.

Beet World Dress

Over the year's my daughter has worn and loved many dresses from Beet World. Based in Kirkland, Beet World makes timeless childrenswear and accessories with a fresh, modern twist. In addition to skirts, dresses, and tops, they've also recently added face masks to the assortment for kids. Beet World is based in Kirkland and is owned by a local mom of two darling little boys.

Cat Studs, Boma Jewelry

My husband is allergic to cats, so for now, my daughter celebrates her love of kittens with these adorable cat earrings from Boma Jewelry. Non-toxic, nickel-free, and safe for everyday wear. View more animal-inspired jewelry here.

FrogLegs Kids Cooking Classes

Give the gift of a kid-friendly culinary experience at FrogLegs Cooking School. All classes are engaging and interactive, plus, they help kids develop a positive attitude toward all types of food. My daughter has done several cooking classes and workshops at FrogLegs and has loved her experience learning how to make new foods each time. The best part of this gift is that the mess happens in someone else's kitchen. :) FrogLegs founder Laura Vida is a local mom who loves teaching kids how to cook.

Andieanderin Women's Suffrage Necktie

The Women's Suffrage Necktie by Andieanderin is inspired by the centennial of the 19th amendment and the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These neckties are produced in the USA in a female-run production house and each tie comes packaged in a keepsake box with an illustrated storyboard featuring voting facts. Andieanderin is local company run by two super cool Seattle moms.

Bunnies by The Bay

Little ones will be enchanted with the Bunnies By The Bay Little Star Gift Set from Made in Washington featuring a soft, plush bunny and a bedtime board book. The theme of the book is "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Do You Know How Loved You Are?" and is the perfect gift for new arrivals this holiday season.

Paint The Town

Kids who love art will absolutely love Pottery-To-Go Kits from Paint The Town. The kits come with everything kids need to paint a beautiful work of art from home including your choice of ceramics, paint and brushes. Once dry, you simply bring your pottery back to the store for a finishing glaze, and you have a lasting piece of art to cherish for years to come.

The Confectionery

The running joke in our family is that my husband won me over by leaving candy on my desk each time I would leave for meetings. It's safe to say that I've passed my love of candy on to my kids and there's nothing they savor more than a trip to The Confectionery at University Village. At the shop you'll find everything from traditional candy to artisanal chocolates, cards and gifts. The chocolate covered gummy bears are high on our list of favorites, but we can also be easily swayed by the bags of sour gummies and candy fruits. The Confectionery is independently owned by local mom Kristi Holmes.

DIY Doll Kit

Prism in Ballard has adorable DIY Doll Kits that are perfect for mini fashionistas who have their own sense of style. The 100% cotton doll comes with watercolor paint but you can be as creative as you want to be with markers, fabric, glitter, yarn, beads, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Leopard Coat

London loves leopard print, so this Tucker & Tate Jacket from Nordstrom is perfect for her! This faux fur jacket with cute ears is fully lined so it will keep your little ones warm and is machine washable making it easy to care for, too.

Gold Converse

Both of my kids have lived in Converse for many years. I'm a big fan of the brand and love that they offer velcro and lace-free options. London was immediately drawn to these metallic gold shoes and we managed to snag a pair before they moved over to The Rack. The good news for you is that they are now a fraction of the price and there are still quite a few size options available. London also has this leopard pair that you may like.

Sally Hanson Nail Polish

If you have little ones in your life that love nail polish, I highly recommend getting one that dries quickly. We like using Sally Hanson's Insta Dri nail polish at my house because it dries before my daughter has a chance to smudge it on herself or on our furniture. These polishes are available in a rainbow of colors and make great stocking stuffers!

Barbie Camping Set

The Barbies at our house have taken on a whole new life thanks to COVID. They get to live out all the adventures we can't due to the current travel restrictions. This Barbie Camping Set came home with us after a recent trip to Target and my daughter has been playing daily with it ever since. It comes with a small Barbie, mini car, camper, and accessories.

We hope you enjoyed our holiday gift picks! If you need even more gift ideas, or want to visit some local shops for EVEN MORE gift inspiration, we invite you to check out these local boutiques that stock an amazing assortment for kids.

Queen Anne

Fremont

Ballard

Bellevue

Downtown

Edmonds

Issaquah

University Village

Kids Club

Village Maternity

Holiday Gift Guide: Boma Jewelry Gift Picks

Jewelry is one of my favorite gifts to give and receive during the holiday season. It's deeply personal and most importantly, it always fits. I like to think of jewelry as one of life's little luxuries, which have become even more important over the past year as we deal with a global pandemic. This year I've been living in delicate jewelry that can be worn every day, with every outfit, but I definitely have people on my shopping list who love making style statements with bold accessories. Gifts for kids? I've got that too. Here are my top jewelry picks for the gift-giving season.

For Anyone On Your List

There are very few pieces of jewelry I would describe as "perfect for everyone", but this bracelet from Boma Jewelry is truly one of those versatile pieces that everyone loves. This Lucia bracelet is light-weight and great for everyday wear. I love the double chain that gives the illusion of layering. Available in sterling silver or gold vermeil.

For Your Best Friend

When I was a kid, I loved making my friends "best friend" necklaces and bracelets. Honestly, it's something I've never quite outgrown. These days I don't have the time to make jewelry by hand, but I've definitely been known to buy my friends the exact same jewelry that I buy myself so that we can all match. There's something special about having the same piece of jewelry that can stay with you throughout the day to keep the good vibes flowing. I love the Boma Jewelry Isla Necklace for this very reason because it's delicate enough for everyday wear and can also be layered with other pieces. Available in sterling silver or gold vermeil to match the metal preferences of everyone in your squad.

For Your Sister Who Loves Sustainable Style

My little sister has always believed in the power of sustainable style and its impact on the planet. Whether she's treasure hunting at thrift shops or scouring vintage markets for coveted pieces, she truly embraces the idea of circular fashion. Earlier this year, Boma released a mini collection of vintage pieces on its website that were originally produced back in the 90s. It's true what they say, what goes around comes around, and these Vintage Liberty Earrings are no exception. They feel timeless and yet perfectly on trend.

For Moms Who Love Little Luxuries

The Parel Hoops by Boma Jewelry are perfect for moms who don't have a lot of time to get ready in the morning but still want to look polished and complete their look. Available in 925 sterling silver or 14k gold, these hoops are made with recycled precious metals as part of the Boma Limited Run Collection designed to reduce waste and upcycle materials.

For Kids Who Love Fashion

We pierced my daughter's ears when she was just a baby and she's been obsessed with wearing jewelry ever since. Boma Jewelry is great for kids because it's non-toxic, nickel-free and safe for sensitive ears. They have a great selection of earrings for girls and teens including the Belle Heart Studs which are available with a variety of genuine stones. Check out the full gallery for kids here.

For The Minimalist

This delicate moon and star set from Boma Jewelry is great for those on your list who prefer to be suble with their style. The Lune & Etoile earrings feature genuine white topaz stones which are durable, versatile, and ideal for every day wear.

For Hoop Fans

Boma Jewelry recently put out an awesome Hoop Guide to help jewelry fans shop for their next pair of earrings. So what makes a good hoop earring? Well, in our opinion, it's one that is high-quality, ethically-made, and designed to be worn for years to come. Boma Jewlery has hoops for everyone on your list, but these Huggie Hoops with genuine white topaz stones are a classic in my book. Small enough to be practical for everyday wear and versatile enough to dress up or down depending on your mood and the occasion.

Good to Know

One cool thing to note about shopping with Boma Jewelry this holiday season is that you have the option to offset your carbon at check-out. Boma has partnered with CarbonClick to help neurtalize the carbon emissions from your purchase. For $2 at check-out, you can contribute to a fund that helps restore forests, plant trees, and fund renewable energy projects that fight climate change. I encourage you to take advantage of this at check-out to help make the planet a better place for generations to come.

View more Boma Jewelry Holiday Gift Guides here.

Photo credit: Demri Rayanne Photography

5 Takeaways from the Boma Jewelry x Marie Claire IG LIVE

Suzanne Vetillart, CEO of Boma Jewelry, recently went LIVE on Instagram with Marie Claire Accessories Director Julia Gall to talk in-depth about sustainability in the jewelry industry and explore the future of ethical production. The conversation was part of the Sustainable Fashion Forum’s latest series, “Fashion Horror Stories” which looks at the dark side of the fashion industry and examines the impact on both people and the planet. In case you missed it, here are 5 takeaways from the IG LIVE conversation:

#1 - THE PANDEMIC HAS GIVEN BOMA JEWELRY AN UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT

The pandemic has forced many brands to press pause and think critically about how they are conducting business and question whether or not it aligns with their core values. For Boma, the pandemic has offered a chance to step away from the usual pace of business and be more intentional about strategic planning for the future. It has also given Boma a chance to streamline internal processes to ensure a higher level of operational efficiency. “At the end of the day, our goal is to bring joy to customers. We feel confident that we can achieve that by having a strong mission and doing business in a way that leaves the world a better place for generations to come,” says Suzanne.

#2 - SUSTAINABILITY IS THE VALUE SYSTEM FOR WHY BOMA EXISTS

While there are many definitions of sustainability, at its very core, sustainability is the value system for why Boma exists. “My job as a leader is to think about what Boma is going to look like in 20-30 years from now,” says Suzanne. Sustainability should be part of a long-term vision for your brand and be done so in a way that consumers can connect with. “We realized that although we’ve done many things over the years in an effort to have a positive impact on the planet, we weren’t necessarily bringing our customers into the conversation,” says Suzanne. Communication about sustainability should be accessible and what brands are doing to address sustainability in their business should be transparent. "At the end of the day, I want to be able to tell my kids that I did everything I could. We stepped up and wanted to go even further,” she adds.

#3 -BOMA JEWELRY CONTINUES TO BUILD ON VALUE AND EXPAND AS A COMPANY

Boma Jewelry is turning 40 years old next year and current CEO Suzanne Vetillart is a second-generation owner. Her parents founded the company in 1981 and grew the business year over year in a way that was thoughtful, sustainable, and built to last. In 1986, the company opened its own factory in Bangkok, Thailand to streamline production and ensure transparency within the supply chain. As a family, they have always been invested in taking care of their employees by offering living wages, long-term employment opportunities, and community support. In 2016, Suzanne officially launched the Boma Girl Fund, which sets funds aside for things like education scholarships, book drives, and community programming. “There are people behind everything you consume,” says Suzanne, “We want to ensure they are happy and have recognition for their hard work.”

Fact: Every piece of Boma Jewelry touches the hands of 21 skilled workers, artisans, and silversmiths from start to finish. Learn more about Boma’s factory here.

#4 - THE DEMAND FOR SILVER, GOLD, AND PRECIOUS METALS OUTPACES OUR ABILITY TO SUSTAINABILITY RECYCLE THEM

Part of the reason there’s a lack of truly sustainable jewelry brands is because the recycling process is inefficient and expensive. The system is fragmented which means it’s harder to find recycling solutions that can be properly maintained. Boma Jewelry has worked to recycle its precious metals back into the supply chain for decades and has made it a priority to reduce its environmental impact whenever possible. For this season, they use recycled silver instead of mined silver in their jewelry pieces.

In addition, Boma works with recycling centers that have environmental controls to manage their precious metal recycling process. This involves a controlled facility that monitors air-pollution control and air-handling systems to effectively manage emissions. Last but not least, Boma has developed a recycled stone process that reuses the leftover pieces of genuine stones to be reset and used in new pieces of jewelry.

#5 - GREENWASHING IS ALIVE AND WELL IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY.

“There’s a big difference between brands that are inspired by sustainability and brands that are actually doing something about it,” says Marie Claire Accessories Director Julia Gall. If brands are vague about what they are doing when it comes to sustainability, that’s usually a big red flag. Transparency is important to consumers and companies should be able to showcase the work they’ve done to move toward their sustainability goals. Boma Jewelry publishes its Environmental Management System which provides consumers with data on how Boma is managing its operational environmental impact. In the future, consumers will demand this type of information to be readily available. Brands that are moving in the direction of staying accountable to their sustainability goals will be in a better position to stand out in a crowded marketplace.