meet 2 of my roomies

New KKi product coming 7-11-11: 'the Lincoln'

3 weeks of my internship with KKi have already gone by.. I can't believe it!  I feel like we've been so busy and having so much fun that the time has flown by.  A lot of exciting things have been happening since I got here a few weeks ago.  We launched our "We Are the Future of Change" campaign with the Active stores here in California.  We also released our partnership with Volcom and the new products that will be coming from that.  I've gone to three events reppin all the KKi products at Make Music Pasadena, Fish Fest in Irvine, and the Vans Warped Tour in Pomona.  The best part is sharing the KKi story with people who don't know about it.  The minute I flip their hat inside out and show them the lady who made their hat.. their eyes become wide and genuine excitement shows on their faces.  SO GREAT.  

I've been having a blast working on the Events team.  Within our team, we each have unique roles to fulfill.  I'm so thrilled to be posting on the intern blog for KKi!  I love taking pictures and capturing moments that I can share with all the KKi supporters who read the blog.  

I also had some great visitors this past week!  My mom, best friend Jordan, and bf joined me in Newport!  My mom and Jordan were able to attend one of our benefit concerts for our next project in Lima, Peru!  I was thrilled to have them there and Jordan bought some great merch.

One of the events I've gone to was "Fish Fest" in Irvine.  It was great because our booth was super busy and we got to neighbor with 31 Bits!

While I've been here I've heard a lot of great bands play live!  The New Limb and Hotels and Highways were both amazingly talented!  It was fun hearing them play live and even talking to some of them before the shows started.  

Here's The New Limb performing at our benefit PERU concert.

This weekend I hiked to the Hollywood sign!  We all started screaming the minute it came into view.. so great.

I feel so blessed to be working for a nonprofit that I believe wholeheartedly in, as well as exploring around California with such incredible people.  Thanks again to everyone who helped support me so that I could live here for 3 months!  You're the best :).

I've been loving Cali--but I still have my fair share of missing Seattle.  It's so green AND clean!  I miss my family and friends (although, I've been really fortunate to have a lot of visitors!) and I've also been missing my church in Greenlake.  I started reading my pastor's new book called, "The Colors of Hope."  On page 13 I was pleasantly surprised by a paragraph written about the guys I work for!  I couldn't believe it.  The chapter was talking about those who hope and wish things will happen versus those who do it and take action.  It talked briefly about how the guys who started the organization are are doing something instead of just sitting and hoping it will happen.  I was so excited to see that! I had no idea when choosing to read the book that the awesome people I work for would be in there because of the impacts they're making!

LOVE IT!

Care to meet who I work for? They're incredible.

Slumber, Needtobreathe

Fish Fest!

Krochet Kids is at Fish Fest in Irvine today! 

my first day off included...

love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love

Week one of being an intern for KKi has come to a close.  I can't believe it has already been an entire week!  We've done so much already and I feel so unbelievably blessed to be a part of this great organization.  

First off, I want to thank all of my wonderful family and friends who helped support me so that I could make the move to Newport Beach a reality.  Thank you for financially supporting me with my rent costs.  I am such a fortunate girl.  THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!  Living with 8 other interns has been so much fun.. especially since we live hardly a block from the beach!  We're all passionate about what the organization is doing and are beyond excited to be part of spreading the KKi story.  

Only a few days into getting to California we got to begin setting up for a private event held for Active Ride Shop employees.  It was a lot of fun with great food, awesome people, and music from Moonsville Collective.  The campaign is called "We Are the Future of Change."  In a number of Active Sports stores there will be a really cool jar with a picture of a lady from Northern Uganda on it.  Each store will be supporting a specific lady.  People who come into the store can donate in order to help these wonderful ladies.  

The event was awesome to say the least.  

Event interns (that's me!) also had our first events this weekend.  I went to the Make Music Pasadena Festival with one of the interns.  It was a lot of fun telling people about KKi and getting them excited about the products and the unique business model that we have.  

So to sum it all up... this first week has been awesome!  My dad flew down with me for a day to help me get situated since I don't have a car down here.  We had a great time grocery shopping, eating at inn n out burger, AND checking out the beach.  

www.krochetkids.org: the story of Akello Welsy Olara

We can make a difference.  Here's the proof.

6 days until Costa Mesa!

In only six short days I'll be getting on a plane and heading to Newport Beach to intern for Krochet Kids.  I'm super excited but this week has been crazy!  I'm in my last week of school--meaning finals week!  Luckily, I just turned in my last paper.  I just have to take one last final Thursday morning and then I'm officially a junior!  On top of that, I have two graduations to go to and a lot of grad parties to attend.  Meanwhile, I've had to move out of my apartment on campus and begin packing for the summer.  I have no idea how I'm going to fit almost 3 months worth into only one or two suitcases.. my shoes alone can take up an entire one!  Yesterday, I met with one of the new interns!  Emilee is awesome and we both had a great time sharing tips about packing.  Check back to hear more about my time in California!  

Meanwhile, check out this awesome video of the fundraising event that KKi held in Seattle last month!

Krochet Kids intl. Benefit - Seattle from Alec Cattarin on Vimeo.

next adventure: costa mesa, california!

I am so incredibly excited because I officially get to intern for Krochet Kids International!  I get to go to California for the summer and work as an event intern.  I am extremley passionate for what the organization is doing and I feel so blessed to get to be a part of it!  If you haven't read my previous posts about KKi.. you really should!  It's an amazing organization with a goal to empower people to rise above poverty.  How great is that?!  Check out the website here!

Sunny Seattle

Seattle may be rainy most of the year... but it all becomes worth it when the sun begins to shine.  A sunny Seattle is hard to beat.

La Aventura del Amor: KKI 3rd annual gala coming to Seattle!

REMINDER!  Krochet Kids International will be coming to Seattle.  The event is a fundraiser to help support the women in Uganda and Peru!  Lives are being changed.. come be part of it!
Click here for more info!

Kirkland Performance Center

Address:

350 Kirkland Ave.

Kirkland, WA

98033

United States

Start time: 7:30 PM

End time: 9:00 PM

Price: $25.00

Threads4Thought: sustainable fabrics, portion of proceeds goes to charities

Yet again, here is another post about a business that has a desire and focus to making a positive impact in this world.

Threads4Thought was founded in 2006 by Eric Fleet and Leigh Ivan while they were in college.  Here is what their vision has done:

"At Threads for Thought we use sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton and polyester recycled from plastic water bottles to create clothing that is comfortable, beautiful, and socially conscious; then we donate a portion of our proceeds to charity.  What we wear is as important as what our clothes are made of, and where and how they are put together."

-taken from the Threads4Thought website-

Here is a little bit about the two charities they partner with:

The International Rescue Committee was founded in 1933 and focuses on emergency relief and dealing with helping those affected by violence and oppression.  

According to the Threads4Thought official website, "The IRC is on the ground in 42 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees, and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster."

The Natural Resource Defense Council is an environmental action group that was founded in 1970 and is the leading effective environmental action group in the nation.  

"The NRDC's mission is to safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals and the natural system on which all life depends."

-click here for more information-

Now check out some pictures from the Threads4Thought website!  The apparel is breezy, effortless, and comfortable...

TOMS founder: launching new item in June

Check out this article about how TOMS founder is keeping his new product a secret until launching day!

Toms Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie is keeping a lid on what's next

Mycoskie finishing his first book, titled "Start Something That Matters."

By Booth Moore

Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — Toms Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie is one of my favorite Angelenos, if you can call him one, as he spends so much of his time traveling on shoe drops in South America and Africa and giving speeches about his One for One business model (for every pair of shoes sold, a pair is donated to someone in need).

I caught up with him over tea at his Santa Monica, Calif., office recently, and even though I had to use my BlackBerry, I wanted to take a picture of his wonderfully wacky outfit. He was wearing a nubby Edun cardigan with pants he picked up at a market in Nepal and carrying his journal, purchased at the San Telmo market in Buenos Aires. He was also wearing Toms, of course, from the latest collection, inspired by the journals and images left by activist Dan Eldon, the young photographer who was killed in 1993 covering the war in Somalia. (The shoes have a fingerprint-print, which Mycoskie took from Eldon's passport.)

It's appropriate that Mycoskie looks a little like a guru, because thousands of people from Seattle to Tampa and points between followed him recently in spending a day without shoes to raise awareness for those who do not have a choice. AOL employees, including Arianna Huffington, went barefoot, and so did the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, Charlize Theron and Russian model Anna Vyalitsyna. It was quite a turnout, especially considering the brand isn't yet 5 years old.

Mycoskie recently commissioned studies to measure the effect of the million-plus pairs of shoes that Toms has donated worldwide. Not that he's anywhere close to completing his goal of stamping out foot diseases that can spread from the ground to bare feet. To that end, on June 7, he's announcing a new product that will guide the next phase of growth for his business.

But he's keeping that product shrouded in mystery — literally hidden in a box, which he presented to an audience for the first time last month while giving the keynote speech at a South by Southwest Conference in Austin, Texas.

I tried to play 20 questions with him. Is it bigger than a breadbox? Will it sell at the same stores as Toms shoes? Is it a product in the fashion space? But he wouldn't budge. He says his staff doesn't even know what it is. He asked retailers to purchase the product sight unseen. "If they open the box and don't think (the product) is a fit for them, they can send it back to us," he said. "And I do believe it can be sold in 50 percent of our stores, and that it will open up new doors, and new places. Our first big retail account was actually a furniture store," he pointed out.

The plan for June 7 is to distribute 200 of the mystery boxes to influential people around the world, and to have them open the boxes simultaneously. (Which could be exciting, considering the folks with whom Mycoskie keeps company — such as Bill Clinton and Morgan Spurlock.) Until then, we'll just have to keep guessing.

From a fashion perspective, it's incredible how many people are wearing Toms, which seem to be almost as popular as flip-flops. In June, the summer collection will land in stores, with a very cool-looking crochet style. And for fall, Toms has collaborated with the Row on a collection of shoes designed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

Mycoskie is also putting the finishing touches on his first book, titled "Start Something That Matters," out Sept. 6. "It's the No. 1 question I get asked: 'I have an idea, how do I get it started?' And I think I have some ideas to help people with that," he said.

Part of the book is about challenging people — to volunteer at a homeless shelter, start a nonprofit or start a giving program at their for-profit business, he explained. "It's not only an entrepreneurial book, it's personal."

The book also makes a case for simplicity — simplicity in design, message and in how you live. "People are addicted to stuff," said Mycoskie, who lives on a houseboat to keep his stuff in check. "They think they can't live without it. But intellectually, they also understand how not having a lot of stuff to keep, and take care of, lets you lead a more free life."

Except that Mycoskie sells shoes, and he doesn't want you to buy just one pair. "That is a dilemma," he acknowledged. "But everything has its flaws."

At least Toms don't take up a lot of room.

(article taken from The Seattle Times)

Freeset: more than 150 women on their way to freedom

Here is yet another inspiring story about a business that's sole focus is to help empower those in need...

I first came across Freeset at a Tenth Avenue North concert with my friend Shana this winter.  We both loved the band and were thrilled they had come to perform here in Seattle with openers Addison Road and Chris August.  After the concert, we explored the booths they had set out.  We were immediately attracted to a booth filled with t-shirts that had images of India printed on the material.  The people at the booth explained that the women who made these t-shirts were trying to escape the sex trade.  The proceeds would go to help grow the business and continue to employ more than 150 women in India. 

We immediately picked up two t-shirts and purchased them.  We were happy to know our money was going to such a great cause and we were thrilled to support Freeset and be a part of helping the business spread the word about this social issue.

Shana and I with our t-shirts!

"Freeset is a fair trade business offering employment to women trapped in Kolkata's sex trade.  We make quality jute bags and organic tee-shirts, but our business is freedom!"

-taken from the Freeset website-

Freeset offers a wide variety of bags and t-shirts to choose from.  You can also design your own, whether it be for a promotional event at work, a special event, or for yourself!

TOMS: one pair, one month

This is a really inspiring video from the TOMS website made by Kristin Gerhart who traveled to Tanzania this past November/December.  Here is what she has to say about it...

“While abroad, I wanted to find a way to raise awareness for TOMS shoes (I love what they do). Shortly before departing, I purchased a sparkling white brand-spankin' new pair of TOMS and put them on the first day I was in Tanzania. From there on out, I wore the shoes every day for 30 days and took photographs documenting them on their own journey.” 

-taken from the official TOMS website-

30 Days of TOMS in Tanzania from Kristin Gerhart on Vimeo.

Kris&Kate: 10% goes to women in need

As I mentioned in my first post, Christi and her business partner Kathy started an online women's clothing store that gives 10% of every purchase to organizations such as World Vision to help women in other countries begin, develop, and sustain their own businesses.  Kris&Kate, with the support of customers, has helped a total of 6 women, 14 children, and created 3 new jobs through World Vision's Micro program.  In only the short months the company has been underway, lives are already being transformed for the better.  Check out some of the women who have been empowered so far...

Luningning Gonzales is from the Philippines where she owns a store in order to tend to her 4 children's financial needs.  With the help of Kris&Kate customers she has been able to expand her business and add more products such as canned food and coffee.  

Eugenie Nyiraneza is a small business owner from Rwanda.  With the help from the Micro Loan she will be able to expand her store by buying more products and hiring employees.  Her goals are to continue providing for her family and improving their living conditions to create a better life.

Salvacion Ceniza is from the Philippines where she owns a store in order to increase her income and provide for her family.  Through the help of the Micro Loan she was able to expand her business and therefore bring in more merchandise to sell to customers.

Ester Comaingking is a small business owner also from the Philippines.  She has used a large portion of her income to help finance her 16 year-old daughter's education.  She hope's to add more products such as canned food and bread to the shelves.

Karmen Khachatryan is from Armenia where she rents a hair dressing salon.  Karmen hopes to renew her store by making it a comfortable atmosphere for customers.  She hopes to eventually add other beauty options for her clients with the help of the Micro Loan.