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 | 154 Comments »

16. October 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

(FILL IN THE BLANK) The most unique answer gets two tickets to the Mixx Make event/Halloween party on the 24th. http://www.mixxmake.com

It was a dark and _____ night when the ____ ringing of the ____ awoke them. There was only heavy breathing on the other end of the line. “Who is this? Why are you calling me?” The creepy ________ voice said, __________ and Happy Halloween you ________.

*Simply email your response to thebuzz@electricpromotions.com*

October 16th, 2009 (Austin, TX) – On Saturday, October 24th Electric Promotions and TwoGroove are joining forces to create a spooky smorgasbord of fun. With awesome crafts, great music, delicious treats, amazing giveaways, and much more.

Taking visual cues from the Day of the Dead, this celebration will be nothing short of a creative blast with plenty of crafty goodness, skulls, and ghoulish treats. Watch a special screening of Army of Darkness while grooving to the sweet sounds of Focus Group, Panjoma, and the fabulous Team Fabrication DJs. Create DIY Halloween masks with The WonderCraft including special decorative treats from Sublime Stitching. Participate in a gummy bat/worm eating contest with the winner taking home VIP passes to one of the coolest Halloween events this year: Flip Scene’s Halloween Bash 2009! presented by Cherrypeel.com. Nibble on edible eyeballs and tasty coffin cake from Blue Note Bakery and quench your devilish thirst with red rum compliments of Treaty Oak. To top all that off, there will also be a guitar giveaway. That’s right one lucky person will go home with a brand new guitar!

Costumes are “encouraged and possibly rewarded”…but optional, either way be sure to jump in the photo-booth by Trevor Ray Thompson.  Cool giveaways and great prizes are in store! Like gift certificates to Bird’s Barbershop, passes to see Evil Dead the Musical at the Salvage Vanguard Theater, and more…

Entry is $6 (if you RSVP at www.mixxmake.com) or $8 at the door. The first 50 people through the door get a special treat including something from those thoughtful guys at Yelp.

Posted in art & fashion, music, Treaty Oak Rum, music event in austin, indie music, mobile crafting, classes, Team Fabrication, Austin handmade, The WonderCraft, jewelry making, upcycling, contest, Blue Note Bakery, Cherry Peel, focus group, Flip Scene, Halloween Bash 2009, Learning Secrets, panjoma, electric promotions, Mixx & Make, TwoGroove, bat eating contest, win a guitar, networking, designer opportunities, volunteers wanted, austin gifts, amazing finds, austin music, austin event, austin vendors, photography services, PR, Web Design, Stuff in Austin, Fashion, crafty fun, cool finds, DIY, Austin Musicians, photo booth, Austin Photography, Do512, wondercraft, austin fashion, austin crafters, artist opportunities, artists wanted, austin art scene, movie event, Electric News | No Comments »

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 | 4 Comments »

1. September 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

Exciting News! Faythe Levine will be screening her highly acclaimed film here in Austin, and Sublime Stitching & Austin Handmade are welcoming her with a action-packed weekend of fun including: a book signing party, screenings, craft bazaar, and post-screening party at Austin Handmade on Sunday September 6th from 6:30-9pm.

We will have plenty of crafty goodness, a mojito bar by Treaty Oak Rum, and delicious frozen treats by Nada Moo with entertainment by the fabulous ladies at Team Fabrication. Admission is Free!

Screenings at 1:30pm, 4:10pm- Alamo Drafthouse - South Lamar

After Party from 6:30-9:00 at 2009 South First Street, 78704
(just down the street from Alamo Drafthouse)

Visit Sublime Stitching’s website for more details on how to participate in Saturday & Sunday’s Events! http://www.sublimestitching.com/ATX+HMN

Posted in Team Fabrication, austin classes, Austin handmade, wondercraft, ladies only, upcycling, mobile crafting, NadaMoo, Treaty Oak Rum, Sublime Stitching, crafting classes, austin crafters, austin art scene, crafty fun, austin vendors, Art Openings, Support this Cause, Stuff in Austin, austin gifts, austin music, artist opportunities, DIY, cool finds, austin event, PR | No 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 »

18. August 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

PRESS RELEASE

August 18, 2009

Hushed galleries. White walls. “Inside” voices. That’s one way to experience art. But Art Outside 2009 is looking to change that. If you are a visual artist, performer, musician, dancer, comic, filmmaker, crafter, fashion designer, or a creative spirit of any sort - we are looking for you to participate this October 9-11th.

One of Texas’ most anticipated annual art events, Art Outside is a three-day experience for art lovers, families, DIY junkies and avid concert-goers. You’ll perform or display your work in the environs of Apache Pass, located just East of Austin and centered between Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. With over 100+ participants across all media, it’s also an opportunity to meet and network with artists from all over the country, from under-the-radar newcomers to today’s art icons.

Just some of this year’s participants include carnivalian collective Art of Such N’ Such, fresh off their 2009 Bonnaroo performance, eco-chic fashion designer Rene Geneva, recently named Best Local Fashion Designer at the Austin Fashion Awards, blues/vintage rock outfit The Golden Animals, The Mutaytor, Freq Nasty, DIY workshops by The WonderCraft, Comedy by Reggie Watts and Adira Amram, food by Ararat and Happy Vegan Baker and many more. *visit website for full line-up/line-up is subject to change.

SUBMIT YOUR ART NOW: http://www.artoutside.org/submit09

We look forward to reviewing your wild, wonderful creations. With a tradition of showcasing groundbreaking talent on breathtaking grounds, Art Outside has hosted artists and art appreciators since 2004. Founded at Austin Enchanted Forest, Art Outside began as a small gathering of creative souls, and expanded into a destination event for visitors near and far. We pay homage to the Enchanted Forest as we spread our wings over a new landscape, Apache Pass, where we can host more art than ever before. An inspiring expanse of beautiful central Texas landscape, Apache Pass will offer music performance areas, a cantilevered stage, artist tents, camping grounds for full-weekend participants, food and drink vendors. A limited amount of advance 3-day passes are now available for purchase on the website. To learn more, please visit Art Outside-www.artoutside.org.

Take your art OUTSIDE!

Art Seen Alliance

www.artseenalliance.com

Posted in designer opportunities, dallas fashion, wondercraft, Austin Fashion Week, The WonderCraft, austin classes, jewelry making, Insite, Austin Photography, fim fest, movie event, austin art scene, austin crafters, austin fashion, Austin Musicians, photo booth, creative side, dallas artists wanted, art & fashion, music, we make stuff, Sublime Stitching, Treaty Oak Rum, artist person, Paired Hearts, crafting classes, mobile crafting, houston musoc, houston artists, dallas artists, dallas music, film, classes, upcycling, SXSW, artists wanted, austin vendors, austin clothing, Sponsorship Opportunities, austin gifts, Los Angeles Agency, austin music, volunteers wanted, austin jewelers, graffiti - typography, Support this Cause, Fashion, Stuff in Austin, Art Openings, austin vendors wanted, crafty fun, San Antonio Event, austin event, Dallas Clothing, Dallas vendors wanted, Dallas craft, DIY, dallas events, san antonio artists, artist opportunities, trade party, tattoo art, houston music, vegan, indie clothing, cool finds, san antonio music, houston events, san antonio art scene, CD RELEASE | 1 Comment »

7. August 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

Posted in Do512, wondercraft, designer opportunities, Austin handmade, Austin Photography, Austin Musicians, austin art scene, austin crafters, austin fashion, photo booth, Team Fabrication, TXRD, music, art & fashion, find n' grind, polestar, we make stuff, crafting classes, The WonderCraft, austin classes, creative side, upcycling, artists wanted, artist opportunities, austin vendors wanted, crafty fun, graffiti - typography, austin jewelers, Art Openings, Support this Cause, Web Design, PR, Stuff in Austin, Fashion, Sponsorship Opportunities, austin clothing, austin event, cool finds, Roller derby Austin, DIY, austin music, amazing finds, austin vendors, austin gifts, volunteers wanted, Electric News | No Comments »

5. August 2009 by admin.

The WonderCraft is getting their class schedule started off with a bang, so don’t miss your opportunity to sign-up for classes this month at one of the several locations around Austin! http://www.thewondercraft.com/classes/

Also, The WonderCraft will be teaming up with Electric Promotions to do a “Get Crafty” Happy Hour at Cuba Libra starting this month so make sure to sign-up for updates/details on their website! http://www.thewondercraft.com/contact-us.aspx

Many, many big thanks to those of you who participated in The All Austin All Handmade Bash.

Pictures can be found:

http://photos.trevoray.com/gallery/9122794_CqddZ#608040742_37tJc

http://www.flickr.com/photos/electricpromotions/sets/72157621800003749/

Posted in The WonderCraft, jewelry making, Austin handmade, wondercraft, Austin Musicians, austin classes, creative side, crafting classes, teens and tweens classes, mobile crafting, classes, upcycling, austin crafters, artists wanted, Sponsorship Opportunities, austin vendors, austin jewelers, crafty fun, Support this Cause, austin gifts, amazing finds, cool finds, artist opportunities, indie clothing, austin event, austin music, Stuff in Austin | No Comments »