It’s another small business spotlight here today and I am so excited to introduce you to Soli & Sun, one of my favorite hand-made luxury accessory brands. As chance would have it, after discovering the brand on IG a little while ago, I quite literally bumped into its owner and designer Clare, by the pool while on our recent vacation in Maui. Her warm and genuine personality and easy charm drew me in instantly, as we chatted away, and hearing the full story of the brand made me want to share it with you immediately. Keep scrolling for a few of my Soli & Sun fashion picks
DRESS | BAG SOLI & SUN also in NEUTRAL | EARRINGS SOLI & SUN | SANDALS (older JCrew) similar HERE
How Soli & Sun began: Independent British designer Clare Hynes has traveled the world, and in 2017 her adventures took her to Manila Philippines, where she met a group of creative women, in the underprivileged community of Tacloban, through the social enterprise GKonomics. She taught the women her jewelry making techniques which they would combine with their own craft making skills, beginning a beautiful partnership. They could now work from home and earn a sustainable supplemental income. This is a rarity, as most women in Tacloban have to leave their families to look for work. This part really stuck with me, as a mother of two girls. I can’t imagine having to choose between seeing them grow up and earning a living to provide for them.
Sustainable craftsmanship: Another thing which drew me to the brand is its commitment to sustainability. From handmade artisan craftsmanship by Clare and her 8 female artisans, to using materials like Pinatex (a material made from the fiber of pineapple leaves) and Abaca (a natural leaf fiber) for their eco-friendly packaging.
Finally, the fun bright pieces just bring me joy every time I wear them! They take me away to a tropical land where the air is rich with the scent of flowers and salty ocean waves. My happy place! I know that you will also be immediately transported to that place when you wear one of Soli & Son’s pieces. You can shop the full collection HERE.
You can learn more about empowering female artisans in the Philippines HERE.
Soli & Sun fashion picks