11. August 2010 by Candace Carlisle.

 reposted from launch787.com

Living in a seriously laid back town, flip-flops have very much become a staple to the modern closet. It is refreshing to find a product that is so much more…that it literally brings new meaning to, “the soul of your feet.”

When Kyle Berner, owner of Feelgoodz was 25, he decided to throw some clothes in a backpack and buy a one-way ticket to Thailand to embark upon his often now referred to as, “adventure of a lifetime.” He spent an entire year there, fully immersed, living just like the locals. He learned the difficult and beautiful language and unbeknownst to him at the time created the foundation for a brand new endeavor that would completely change his life. After his amazing year in Thailand ended, Berner decided that he wanted to find a way to give back. “We just had to…”

Kyle, being industrious learned that Thailand is the world’s leading exporter of natural rubber, and because of this vast natural rubber supply, there is excellent quality at an amazing value. Therefore Feelgoodz was able to create some of the most comfortable flip-flops quite possibly in the world at a pretty reasonable price. These flops are made from 100% eco-friendly natural latex rubber harvested from tropical Yang Para trees and come in a variety colors.

Recalling my experience with Kyle, first time meeting then new neighbor and young entrepreneur from New Orleans, almost seven years back while living in some apartments in South Austin, way too terrible to name. Admittedly, Kyle was a great neighbor, perhaps the kind you would want to borrow sugar from or help out building an easy to assemble furniture kit with. Kyle was ALWAYS full of ideas, all sorts of ideas. Little did I know his adventures would lead him down such a promising path.

Kyle along with his generous and hardworking staff at Feelgoodz have been kind enough to offer an amazing chance for you to WIN a few pairs of these sweet flops, as well as a chance to support an amazing cause.

In the true spirit of nourishment, Feelgoodz has launched The 5-5-5 Flip-Flop Feeding Fiesta campaign. For every pair of Flip-Flops sold, 5 children in Thailand will be fed for 1 day.  Feelgoodz is partnering with Green Coop Thailand to provide Fair Trade jasmine rice to children in rural villages.  In addition to providing this nourishment, customers receive $5 off their purchase as well as $5 flat rate shipping. Amazing deal, right?!

The 5-5-5 Flip-Flop Feeding Fiesta shows how a simple purchase can make a difference in the life of a child. Just enter the code FIESTA upon purchase to activate the Fiesta!

CONTEST: To enter to win a pair Feelgoodz flip-flops, simply go online and follow @feelgoodz on twitter and re-tweet this: (*Winners will be selected within the week!)

RT @launch787 – Spread the word: #555FlipFlopFeedingFiesta! Every pair @feelgoodz flip-flops sold, 5 children fed! http://tiny.cc/feelgoodz

Now for a little info on Feelgoodz from owner, Kyle Berner:

Kyle, why did you start FeelGoodz?  What’s your story?
I was a backpacker in Thailand.  I was walking around one of the local markets in Bangkok and my J Crew flops broke.  I stopped to buy new pair, had a lightbulb moment.  I knew I could use sales of flip-flops in the States to funnel margin percentages to support everyday needs in Thailand. And 2 years later, here we are.

Kyle Berner, Owner of Feelgoodz The Eureka Moment — “So, when I was 25, I threw some clothes in a backpack and bought a one-way ticket to Thailand to embark upon the adventure of a lifetime. I spent an entire year there, living like the locals. I ate the delicious local food, learned the difficult – but beautiful – language, and developed lifelong friendships. It was phenomenal…”

Where does the name FeelGoodz come from? What does it mean?
As soon as I put the flip-flops on my feet in that market in Bangkok, the first thing I thought to myself was, “Man, these feel good.”  And I paused for a moment… “They’re my feelgoodz.“  So it is in direct relation to how comfortable the flip-flops are.

What is your vision for the future of your company? Where do you see yourself in ten years?
To become a for-profit social enterprise that uses sales revenues of conscious products as a vehicle for global social empowerment initiatives.  I see us aiding in poverty alleviation, ridding of malaria, supporting micro-finance, encouraging youth entrepreneurship, ending starvation, supplying clean drinking water, etc.  All through sales of conscious products.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in starting your business? and how have you dealt with these challenges? anything you would like to note to other other young entrepreneurs just starting out?
The biggest challenge has been in working with our factory overseas.  Having a true understanding on extraction processes, manufacturing processes, and accurate timelines can be an issue.  My advice is to be as detailed as possible to truly understand your supply chain.

Tell us about how Feelgoodz gives back and your involvement in that?
Our current projects are two-fold.  We provide a means of revenue for Kenyan villagers through our Recycle your unFlops campaign, and we are feeding Thai children through our 5-5-5 Flip-Flop Feeding Fiesta.  The vision is to harness the power of the internet to turn everyday consumers into philanthropists.

Do you feel that the people who purchase your products are beginning to adopt the lifestyle that you have based your business mantra after?

Yes!  I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no environmentalist, but I think it is all about taking small steps in a responsible direction.  Our customers can understand and live the “small steps” approach.

Also would you mind listing a few of your favorite causes that you personally
support?
B Corp, 1% for the Planet, Ashoka

Reading about your “Zero Flip-Flop Waste World” mission has really piqued my interest.  What exactly does the FeelGoodz — “Recycle Your unFlop Campaign”entail and how can people get involved?
People can simply send ANY kind of flip-flops or sandals to our partners’ Alabama warehouse facility.  That partner is Soles4Souls.  They just need to mark their package with “Recycle your Unflops” and S4S will partition accordingly.  In return for their involvement, we offer a $5 recycling credit upon future purchases.

Recycle Your unFlop Campaign –”An unFlop is a flip-flop turned into a work of art, crafted by a Kenyan villager, transforming one man’s trash into another man’s treasure. how can you get involved? If you have some flip-flops you want to recycle, you can either send them to a Soles4Souls DC (www.soles4souls.com), or toss them in a Soles4Souls Collection Bin. Soles4Souls has generously agreed to house the flip-flops for up to one year, and at the end of the year, Feelgoodz will send them to Kenya (yes, Kenya!) to a company called UniquEco, the (flip-flop) recycling company. UniquEco (www.uniqueco-designs.com) will take the unFlops, distribute them to Kenyan villagers, and these villagers will make new eco-boutique items out of them to then use for resale. This creates a much needed source of revenue for Kenyan villagers! So, in essence, the unFlop you recycle will, in turn, provide employment for a Kenyan villager one day. Get involved! twitter — @feelgoodz, Facebook — Feelgoodz, or at http://www.feelgoodz.com!

Lastly, where can we find these fabulously soulful flops?
See a list of our stores online!

Posted in contest, Feelgoodz, launch787, 5-5-5 Flip-Flop Feeding Fiesta, upcycling, donation needed, amazing finds, vegan, cool finds, Stuff in Austin | 1 Comment »

16. September 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

Feeling crafty?  We are! Join us this Saturday, September 19th from 7pm-12am, at the We Make Stuff…music, art, & fashion show presented by Electric Promotions. It will be a bash bursting at the handmade seams. Fashionistas, mad crafters, music lovers and skateboarders will converge at The Scoot Inn for a completely one-of-a-kind party – the kind where you can design your own t-shirt, take in a band and see a fashion show.We Make Stuff attendees will enjoy music from local rockstars like Hollywood Gossip at 10:30, Lost Werks at 8:30, and Panjoma at 9:30. Watch models strut the runway in a fashion show featuring kicky designs by Tara Tonini, Jinxedaposed Clothing, Malissa Long, accessory designer Dainty Daisy Creations, and talented handbag designer *annemarie*. Models Ruby Joule, Coco Lectric, Goldie Candela, and Pearl Lux of The Jigglewatts, AFAW nominee Haley Penlaber, and fab members of the Lonestar Roller Girls work their walks for these designers, who have been featured everywhere from Austin Fashion Awards to the Modish Blog. Event and fashion photography by John Pesina.

Siren’s Salon & Electra Beauty Lounge will be styling up the runway with outstanding up-do’s and make-up for the We Make Stuff show. Shop cool vendors like SweetWolf, Chels-E.com, Peace Boutique, April Wright Design, Vintage Rehab, Merrit Gade, Nepenthe’s Bathtime, Dainty Daisy Creations, *annemarie*, maneki, Ape-Gear, Wings of Addiction, Diamonds and Guns by Action Jackson, & DevilGirl Design. Be sure to rock out your style at the event in the photo booth by Trevor Ray Thompson. After you capture the moment, check out the half-pipe and rad skateboard demos provided by the guys at Find n’ Grind skate shop.

We Make Stuff wouldn’t be complete without indulging your own crafty creativity, would it? Stop by the Team Etsy Austin booth to get your own “I make stuff” t-shirt, then dive into make n’ take projects with fabulous ladies of The WonderCraft, recently featured in Austin Monthly. Screen your own shirt design with new screen shop, Under Pressure, and reward yourself with tasty (and complimentary) treats from Nadamoo and Treaty Oak Rum.

And finally, because we know Austinites are not only wild crafters but discerning art critics too, we invite you to be our official skateboard art judges! Check out hand-painted and crafted skateboard decks by amazing designers and artists like Jason Silver, Tom Cox, Anne Genung, Wendy Offield, Candace Carlisle, Sara Hasslinger and many more. After tallying your votes, we’ll reward the winners with gift baskets filled with local goodies, art supplies, and the opportunity to be featured in a future gallery showcase.

Proceeds from the We Make Stuff raffle will benefit Art From the Streets (AFTS). Art From the Streets is a non-profit, volunteer-driven art class program that provides a safe and encouraging environment where the positive spirit of homeless people is nurtured through artistic expression. Win cool items while helping a great cause: like a gift certificate to Yoga Yoga, gift certificate to Uchi, tickets to see Rob Dickenson at Mixx sponsored by TwoGroove, tickets to see the Trey Mcintyre Project & DJ Spooky, subscription to Cantanker Magazine, original print by Allyson Lipkin, membership to Mexic-arte Museum & Women & their Work, vouchers to the Alamo Drafthouse, signed copy of Jennifer Perkin’s Naughty Secretary Club book & Jenny Hart’s Embroidered Effects and much more.

The first 100 people to arrive at The Scoot Inn will receive a special We Make Stuff goody bag, filled with one-of-a-kind crafts and reusable items.

Get your craft on, Austin. For more information, please visit http://www.wemakestuff.us/
Thanks!

Electric Promotions

Posted in creative side, austin classes, dallas artists, upcycling, mobile crafting, The WonderCraft, TXRD, wondercraft, Austin Photography, dallas fashion, Austin handmade, Hot Britches, crafting classes, we make stuff, Lucy Blue Studio, 302 Designs, artist person, NadaMoo, anne marie beard, Paired Hearts, Treaty Oak Rum, music, art & fashion, find n' grind, Sublime Stitching, Austin Musicians, photo booth, austin vendors, Sponsorship Opportunities, austin gifts, volunteers wanted, amazing finds, austin jewelers, crafty fun, Stuff in Austin, Fashion, Support this Cause, Art Openings, austin music, austin event, austin art scene, artist opportunities, austin crafters, austin fashion, ladies only, Dallas craft, DIY, Dallas Clothing, cool finds, donation needed, Roller derby Austin, PR | 3 Comments »

24. August 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

Event Name: We Make Stuff…Music, Art, & Fashion

Date: Saturday, September 19th | Time: 7:00pm to 12:00am

Location: The Scoot Inn, 1308 E 4th St | Admission: $6 at the door

Website: http://www.wemakestuff.us

Feeling crafty? We are! On Saturday, September 19, We Make Stuff…music, art, & fashion show presented by Electric Promotions will be host to a bash bursting at the handmade seams. Fashionistas, mad crafters, music lovers and skateboarders will converge at The Scoot Inn for a completely one-of-a-kind party – the kind where you can design your own t-shirt, take in a band and see a fashion show..You’re invited.

First things first: the music. We Make Stuff attendees will enjoy a musical set from local rockstars like Hollywood Gossip at 10:30, Lost Werks at 8:30, and Panjoma at 9:30. Watch models strut the runway in a fashion show featuring kicky designs by Tara Tonini, Jinxedaposed Clothing, Malissa Long, accessory designer Dainty Daisy Creations, and talented handbag designer *annemarie*. Models Ruby Joule, Coco Lectric, Goldie Candela, and Pearl Lux of The Jigglewatts, AFAW nominee Haley Penlaber, and fab members of the TXRD Lonestar Roller Girls such as such as Varuca Assault, Barberika, Mona Littlemore, Miss Amerikill, Horrorshow, Maya Mayhem, and Moko Loko. All of whom will work their walks for these designers, who have been featured everywhere from Austin Fashion Awards to the Modish Blog. Event and fashion photography by John Pesina.

Siren’s Salon & Electra Beauty Lounge will be styling up the runway with outstanding up-do’s and make-up for the We Make Stuff show. Shop cool vendors like SweetWolf, Chels-E.com, Peace Boutique, April Wright Design, Ruby Slipper Designs,Vintage Rehab, Merrit Gade, Nepenthe’s Bathtime, maneki, Ape-Gear, Wings of Addiction, Diamonds and Guns by Action Jackson, & DevilGirl Design. Be sure to rock out your style at the event in the photo booth by Trevor Ray Thompson. After you capture the moment, check out the half-pipe and rad skateboard demos provided by the guys at Find n’ Grind skate shop.

We Make Stuff wouldn’t be complete without indulging your own crafty creativity, would it? Stop by the Team Etsy Austin booth to get your own “I make stuff” t-shirt, then dive into make n’ take projects with fabulous ladies of The WonderCraft, recently featured in Austin Monthly. Screen your own shirt design with new screen shop, Under Pressure, and reward yourself with tasty (and complimentary) treats from Nadamoo and Treaty Oak Rum.
And finally, because we know Austinites are not only wild crafters but discerning art critics too, we invite you to be our official skateboard art judges! Check out hand-painted and crafted skateboard decks by amazing designers and artists like Jason Silver, Tom Cox, Anne Genung, Candace Carlisle, Sara Hasslinger and Wendy Offield, many more. After tallying your votes, we’ll reward the winners with gift baskets filled with local goodies, art supplies, and the opportunity to be featured in a future gallery showcase.

Proceeds from We Make Stuff raffle will benefit Art From the Streets (AFTS). Art From the Streets is a non-profit, volunteer-driven art class program that provides a safe and encouraging environment where the positive spirit of homeless people is nurtured through artistic expression.

The first 100 people to arrive at The Scoot Inn will receive a special We Make Stuff goody bag, filled with one-of-a-kind crafts and reusable items.

Get your craft on, Austin. For more information, please visit www.wemakestuff.us

Posted in Austin handmade, online contests, Austin Fashion Week, The WonderCraft, austin classes, jewelry making, networking, dallas fashion, Austin Photography, Austin Musicians, Insite, Do512, wondercraft, creative side, upcycling, Paired Hearts, Treaty Oak Rum, 302 Designs, Lucy Blue Studio, artist person, Sublime Stitching, polestar, crafting classes, mobile crafting, music, art & fashion, find n' grind, photo booth, austin fashion, Sponsorship Opportunities, photography services, austin clothing, austin vendors, austin gifts, austin jewelers, crafty fun, Fashion, Stuff in Austin, Support this Cause, Art Openings, austin vendors wanted, volunteers wanted, amazing finds, artist opportunities, networking event, artists wanted, austin art scene, austin crafters, DIY, Roller derby Austin, austin event, austin music, indie clothing, cool finds, donation needed, Web Design | No Comments »

21. July 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

The All Austin All Handmade Bash-

Come out and support All local & All handmade businesses (primarily women owned) on Friday July 31st at Beauty Bar from: 7-11pm! Music by Monster Girl, DJ Blend*e, & Salvo. Shop local vendors such as Sublime Stitching, *annemarie*, Opal-Black, Peace Boutique & more. Fabulous food & drink sponsors such as Treaty Oak Rum, Sweet Leaf Tea, Paula’s Texas Spirits, Blue Note Bakery & NadaMoo! The raddest non-dairy ice cream in Texas…

Tons of awesome activities for adults (sorry kids it’s 21 and up only) such as on-site DIY projects presented by the newest edition of Austin’s creative-force, The WonderCraft. Fashion Show presented by the lovely ladies at Team Fabrication with accessories by Broken Ear Productions, up-dos by Siren’s Salon, makeup by W3LL People, massages by Meador Massage, manicures, & a rock’n photo-booth by local photographer, Trevor Ray Thompson.

Also tickets to the charity raffle are available for purchase the night of the event with fabulous local business sponsors like Austin Handmade, Soigne, 302 Designs, Rae Cosmetics, Leighelena, Uchi, Siren’s Salon, Creative Side Academy, Electric Promotions, Independence Brewery, Jerry’s Artarama, Paggi House, Buffalo Exchange, Legendary Beads, TXRD, Kickbutt Coffee, Nepenthe’s Bathtime, W3LL People, Lucy Blue Studio, Paired Hearts, Broken Ear Productions, & Snuggle Herd.

Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the community outreach program for The WonderCraft. Entry is $2, but you get 1/2 off with online sign-up or by bringing in an event flyer. Proceeds from the cover charge will be donated to Austin Dog Rescue. More Info on the event can be found at http://www.electricpromotions.com/bash.html

Posted in austin crafters, austin fashion, artist opportunities, DIY, Roller derby Austin, photo booth, Austin Musicians, Austin handmade, Team Fabrication, designer opportunities, Do512, Austin Photography, donation needed, cool finds, austin jewelers, Sponsorship Opportunities, crafty fun, Support this Cause, Fashion, austin clothing, austin vendors, austin event, indie clothing, austin music, amazing finds, austin gifts, Stuff in Austin | No Comments »

9. June 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

The All Austin All Handmade Bash-

Come out and support All local & All handmade businesses (primarily women owned) on Friday July 31st at Beauty Bar from: 7-11pm! Music by Monster Girl, DJ Blend*e, & Salvo. Shop local vendors such as Sublime Stitching,  *annemarie*, Opal-Black, Peace Boutique & more. Fabulous food & drink sponsors such as Treaty Oak Rum, Sweet Leaf Tea, Paula’s Texas Spirits, Blue Note Bakery & NadaMoo! The raddest non-dairy ice cream in Texas…

Tons of awesome activities for adults (sorry kids it’s 21 and up only) such as on-site DIY projects presented by the newest edition of Austin’s creative-force, The WonderCraft. Fashion Show presented by the lovely ladies at Team Fabrication with accessories by Broken Ear Productions, up-dos by Siren’s Salon, makeup by W3LL People, massages by Meador Massage, manicures, & a rock’n photo-booth by local photographer, Trevor Ray Thompson.

Also tickets to the charity raffle are available for purchase the night of the event with fabulous local business sponsors like Austin Handmade, Soigne, 302 Designs, Rae Cosmetics, Leighelena, Uchi, Siren’s Salon, Creative Side Academy, Electric Promotions,  Independence Brewery, Jerry’s Artarama, Paggi House, Buffalo Exchange, Legendary Beads, TXRD, Kickbutt Coffee, Nepenthe’s Bathtime, W3LL People, Lucy Blue Studio, Paired Hearts, Broken Ear Productions, & Snuggle Herd.

Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the community outreach program for The WonderCraft. Entry is $2, but you get 1/2 off with online sign-up or by bringing in an event flyer. Proceeds from the cover charge will be donated to Austin Dog Rescue. More Info on the event can be found at http://www.electricpromotions.com/bash.html

Posted in austin crafters, DIY, donation needed, cool finds, austin fashion, photo booth, wondercraft, Austin Photography, Austin Musicians, austin event, austin music, austin jewelers, crafty fun, Support this Cause, Fashion, photography services, Sponsorship Opportunities, austin gifts, austin vendors, austin clothing, Stuff in Austin | No Comments »

28. December 2008 by Candace Carlisle.

Did you know that today’s kids have a shorter life expectancy than our generation does? From chronic, diet-related diseases to environmental factors, our sons and daughters are at great risk, as are their friends all across Texas. Our state is ranked in the bottom three for food security, defined as access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. Poverty and hunger can mean a greater likelihood of obesity, diabetes and heart disease as more and more families rely on fast food with little or no nutritional value.

Already one in three children in Texas is hungry, and more than 25 percent of kids between the ages of 6 and 18 are overweight and nutritionally starving. That’s why we have to examine our broken food system, encourage reliance on non-emergency food sources, and re-integrate small, family farms into our cultural landscape.

An organization in Central Texas exists to do just this. Sustainable Food Center cultivates a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. Every year, SFC supports local farmers by hosting the year-round Austin Farmers’ Market and providing numerous other avenues for farmers to sell their produce; they launch community and school gardens to show over 10,000 of us how to grow our own food; and they teach free cooking and nutrition education classes through The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre™ to over 20,000 children and adults.

Support Sustainable Food Center and the collective strength and health of our community by participating in the Seeds of Hope campaign, which will enable SFC to grow its programs and reach out more effectively to Texans in need. By making your gift, you’ll join the movement to protect and strengthen our food system and prevent the continued depletion of our land and our health.

DONATE NOW

Posted in donation needed, Support this Cause, Stuff in Austin | No Comments »