Was it a challenge?

It was.

A magazine clipping from I’m not sure what year. It could be from 5 years ago, it could be 10.

I’ve held on to it for so long, I’ve lost track of where it originated from. But I’ve held on to it, because when I read it, I am reminded that yes, it was a challenge.

And this small clipping reminds me of an illustration I came across, after just having my second child. Nothing to do with sustainable fashion, yet everything to do with sustainability.

The illustration is from the incredibly talented Australian based illustrator, Paula Kuka of @common_wild. 

In the illustration there are 4 squares, with the first square illustrating the perspective of the viewer in the quiet of the night, looking into a window at an otherwise dark room but for a single light on and a woman with her eyes closed, feeding her baby. The caption reads: “The nights might feel lonely”

Then the next image is a slightly zoomed out version of that same setting, but now it shows another mama, in her house with another single light on, alone feeding her newborn baby.

The next square even slightly more zoomed out, is of a village showing more houses with single lights on.

Finally the last square, a country in the dark of night, with multiple homes, many with a single light on. The caption reads “but you are not alone.”

I think of this image often. And the coinciding thought is always this magazine clipping.

Was it a challenge? It was.

Was it lonely? It was.

Was it tiring? It was.

Was it worth it? It was.

I believe this applies to anything. Life. Work. Family. Love. Hobbies. 

It’s a challenge. But you are not alone in this challenge.

If you can zoom out a little bit at a time, there will be others, with a single light on.

It doesn’t have to feel lonely, though at times it will. It doesn’t have to be hard, but expect it to be. 

I imagine you are putting what you can into your fashion brand to make it a sustainable business, meaning a business that you can make enough to live on without hitting burnout, a business that you can enjoy without it being a manic hustle, a business you can be immersed in without isolating yourself.

Seek community around you to help support, encourage, and lend an ear when you need.

Because it will be a challenge. For everyone who is doing what you are also trying to do. 

Connect with others, on Insta, on Reddit, or find a chat on Discord. Seek out mentors, or other brands who are a few steps ahead. Ask the questions, share what’s challenging, so it doesn’t have to feel quite so lonely. 

We hang out and share a lot over on Instagram, come join us there!