2016 kicked off with a heavy heart loosing a person who co-created the Eagles, Glen Frye, and the news of the Man who played their records like a soundtrack to my childhood having Cancer, my Dad- Pat Henriksen. Equillibrium's segment on the runway for Denver West Word's Whiteout 2016 was dedicated to them... FYI- Dad is stable and we are grateful for everyday we still have him. With all the amazing People who passed this year: David Bowie, Lemmy, Glen Frye, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Mohamed Ali, Florence Henderson, George Michael, Alan Thick to name a few... 2016 cannot have my Dad!
The 2016 "election" year raged on, sales were slow as costs to produce went up. Commercial rent in Denver has sky rocketed with the new high demand to live and do business here and election years are never good for Small Businesses. Despite all those obstacles, Equillibrium remains a Top Dog in authenticity, sustainability with style, and over all popularity. A nice affirmation of this was Equillibrium's invitation back to show at Denver Westword's 2017 Whiteout Fashion Show (more on that in another blog). With that said, we made our year end donations joyfully, knowing our brand has never been more relevant and needed in the Fashion Industry.
Overall, as many know, we like to put most our money where the lawyers are who create permanent change, protection, and conservation within the workings of the law. Further, lawyers go after violators, hold them accountable for irresponsible actions taken against OUR Environment threatening a sustainable future, and hit them where it hurts. Despite slower sales than expected, Equillibrium donated 12% of our gross sales this year. That is a 2% additional donated from our 10% guaranteed donation toward sustainability from direct sales. This is because of a couple reasons: First, we could so we did and second, we need to enter 2017 fighting hard for the issues we hold close to our heart. The break down of where our monies went are as follows (click on their links to see the great work they do!):
59% donation to Earth Justice
16% donation to The Sierra Club
13% donation to Food and Water Action Fund
5% donation to The Natural Resource Defense Council
5% donation to Oceana
2% donation to PETA
Further, Equillibrium made a special clothing donation (3 BIG boxes) to Connected Soul for their work to assist at Standing Rock. Water is LIFE, we must protect what is sacred to life. All links to the non-profits donated to have calls to action on their sites. Please take a moment to explore their good works, activate to sign, and share causes you'd like to join the fight on. Petitions make a big difference and are a voice for the voiceless. Please consider taking the time to activate today if you have not yet. Our list is far from checked off for who Equillibrium wants to send money to, some have to wait until funds replenish in the new year... we can't wait to sell more in 2017 so we can GIVE MORE!
- Angel, wearing an Equillibrium CORE Classic: EQ Skull Zip-up Hoodie chilling in Summit County USA
On a personal note: It has been hard to get myself to write about this past October. A dear Person and Friend passed away from Ovarian Cancer after a brave 4 year battle. I suppose it is still surreal, as I really believed she would survive- and as most strong Warriors do, she kept the battle hidden from view when it got gnarley. Always smiling, always gracious, always beautiful...Hallie Olson Wastell is a favorite. Her acceptance, kindness, and love was felt by many during her life. I was lucky enough to be one of them. At times I feel afraid to have favorites after experiencing so many be taken away too soon. But I must say I wouldn't trade knowing them for anything! Thank you Hal for being my Pal... forever loved and missed.
If any feel inclined, there is a GoFundMe page for the Wastell Family- Husband Jeff, Son Jack, and Daughter Chloe. Nothing will bring Hallie back, but perhaps some financial burdens in this life can be put to rest with help from others. I was stoked to have had a very "Hallie Christmas" from Sined Skateboards where 100% of proceeds go to the Wastell Family. If you like, buy a deck and give here: Hallie Sined Skateboard available for sale, not "pre-sale" only.
- Hallie Olson Wastell
Every year makes us stronger, better, and more capable of handling the roads that lie ahead. My promise to you is this: Equillibrium will always exist to promote human health and the environment. We hope to make 2017 a successful year of support, as we know a brand like ours has never been more relevant or needed than now. Equillibrium exists to be a brand you are proud to wear with your head held high, knowing your purchase was designed, sourced, and made with PEOPLE and PLANET being its top two priorities. We are motivated to profit, so we can do more and be more to all things Wild and sustainable... for that is the preservation of LIFE, our biggest LOVE here on Earth. Together we can make 2017 the most sustainable yet by voting with our dollars every day! Happy New Year!!!
