By Kale Bajowsky
So I’m sitting here at my office, also known as DOSE Coffee, after having spent the morning chatting up local ‘ecopreneur,’ Birch & Lace’s Sara Sansom, about this year’s upcoming Trashion Show, and as always, she’s left me feeling deeply inspired and buzzing with thought.
trashion_show from FD Productions on Vimeo.
Sara Sansom, owner and visionary behind Birch & Lace and Feather & Stone Day Spa, never ceases to amaze me with all she has to say on how we can do better for our planet. What amazes me even more, is her willingness to walk that talk.
Having started Birch & Lace Hair Company with the desire to reduce waste in her chosen field, Sara told me that although she had a lot of fear around starting a business, she knew it would be the only way to create real change.
Sara opened the doors to Birch & Lace in October of 2014 – a gorgeous space on Second Street, filled with repurposed furniture and glowing with Sara’s personal style. Last year, Birch & Lace relocated to 114 First Street West due to their desire to be in a building that could be more supportive of their energy efficiency goals – a move that says a lot about where Sara’s priorities are.
From the very beginning, Birch & Lace has made it their mission to provide quality service while responsibly disposing of all materials, including chemicals, foils – and even hair! That’s right, when you get your locks chopped at Birch & Lace, you are donating that hair to be used to help clean up oil spills. You can find out more at greencirclesalons.ca.
Sara told me over coffee this morning, that one of the most exciting things about her success, is being in a position to challenge companies who wish to be in the Birch & Lace catalogue, always asking, “How can we package this in a less wasteful manner? How can we make it greener?” Whether or not they are willing to take her up on a challenge, makes deciding whether or not to consider carrying their product a lot easier.
Speaking of challenges, The Third Annual Trashion Show, a fun and creative event that encourages participants to make fashion out of trash will take place this Earth Day, on April 22.
All proceeds of the event will be split evenly between WaterAid and the local North Columbia Environmental Society. It’s especially important to Sara to support NCES – the Trashion Show is their biggest fundraiser.
Participants for the show may enter unlimited outfits, in person, at Birch and Lace, for an initial $25 entrance fee and just $10 for any additional entries. The entry fee includes your pass – as well as your model’s pass for the show.
Join the conversation now, on Instagram, by following @sansomandstrand, where Sara will be documenting her efforts to reduce waste in her personal life, @learningtokale where you can follow the trials and tribulations of my dress making progress, and of course, @birchandlacehaircompany, for more details on the Trashion Show, as well as other upcoming events and fundraisers – and for gorgeous hair, because lets not forget about the hair!
Tickets for the Trashion Show will be sold for $10 in advance, at Birch & Lace, and for $15 at the event.
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