The idea of establishing a 'World Oceans Day' was initially introduced during the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The primary objective behind this proposal was to create a global platform dedicated to celebrating the vast and interconnected ocean that we all share. It aimed to deepen our personal connection to the sea while emphasizing the critical role it plays in sustaining life on Earth. It was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008, and has since become an international event that brings people together to celebrate the beauty and bounty of the world's oceans. It serves as a reminder of the critical role oceans play in maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem, while also highlighting the many challenges they face.
The day aims to raise awareness about the numerous issues affecting our oceans, including pollution, climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction, and marine biodiversity loss. It encourages individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to take action to protect and restore the health of our oceans.
Ecosystem Balance: Oceans are home to an incredibly diverse array of plants, animals, and microorganisms. They regulate our climate, produce oxygen, and serve as a vital source of food and livelihood for millions of people worldwide. By celebrating World Oceans Day, we acknowledge the importance of preserving the delicate balance of these ecosystems for the benefit of all life on Earth.
Climate Regulation: Oceans act as the planet's largest carbon sink, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They play a significant role in regulating global temperatures and mitigating the impacts of climate change. However, rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels are causing ocean acidification, leading to the destruction of coral reefs and threatening marine life. World Oceans Day urges us to recognize the connection between healthy oceans and a stable climate and prompts us to take actions to reduce our carbon footprint.
Biodiversity Conservation: Oceans are teeming with life, supporting a myriad of species that contribute to the overall health and resilience of ecosystems. Unfortunately, unsustainable fishing practices, habitat destruction, and pollution pose grave threats to marine biodiversity. World Oceans Day fosters an understanding of the urgent need to protect marine species, conserve their habitats, and restore degraded ecosystems.
Plastic Pollution: The issue of plastic pollution has reached alarming levels in our oceans. Single-use plastics and improperly managed waste have resulted in vast garbage patches and devastating consequences for marine life. World Oceans Day serves as a rallying point for campaigns against plastic pollution, urging individuals and communities to reduce plastic consumption, promote recycling, and support initiatives for cleaner oceans.
Sustainable Practices: World Oceans Day encourages the adoption of sustainable practices that promote the conservation of marine resources. From responsible fishing and eco-tourism to implementing marine protected areas and promoting sustainable seafood choices, the day highlights the importance of balancing human activities with the well-being of marine ecosystems.
World Oceans Day is an essential occasion for individuals, communities, and governments to unite in their efforts to protect and restore our oceans. By raising awareness about the challenges facing our oceans and inspiring action at all levels, we can collectively work towards sustainable solutions. As stewards of the planet, it is our responsibility to ensure the health and longevity of our oceans for future generations. Let us celebrate World Oceans Day as a reminder of the incredible beauty, diversity, and interconnectedness of our blue planet and commit ourselves to safeguarding its future.
Love the Ocean as much as we do? Shop our Be Kind to the Sea collection HERE.
]]>1. Promotes Emotional Well-being: Self-kindness is the practice of treating ourselves with compassion, understanding, and acceptance. When stress levels skyrocket, we often forget to extend these gentle gestures to ourselves. However, by incorporating self-kindness into our lives, we can nurture our emotional well-being and reduce stress. Research shows that offering ourselves kindness in times of distress leads to a positive outlook and improved self-esteem. Instead of dwelling on self-criticism and harsh judgments, self-kindness encourages us to embrace our flaws and imperfections, fostering a healthier and more compassionate relationship with ourselves.
2. Enhances Self-Care: In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, self-care often takes a backseat. However, practicing self-kindness is closely intertwined with prioritizing self-care. By treating ourselves with kindness, we recognize our inherent worth and the importance of nurturing our physical and mental health. Engaging in self-care activities, such as getting enough rest, eating nourishing foods, engaging in physical activity, and setting healthy boundaries, replenishes our energy and equips us with better resilience to cope with stress. Self-kindness reminds us that we deserve love and care, just as much as anyone else.
3. Cultivates Mindfulness: Self-kindness and mindfulness go hand in hand. Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, observing our thoughts and emotions without judgment. When stressors overwhelm us, it's easy to get caught up in negative self-talk and self-criticism. However, by practicing self-kindness, we can cultivate mindfulness and break free from this cycle. Through self-kindness, we learn to acknowledge and accept our feelings, even the difficult ones, with compassion and understanding. This approach allows us to observe our thoughts and emotions without getting entangled in them, reducing the intensity of stress and fostering a greater sense of inner calm.
4. Builds Resilience: Life is filled with ups and downs, and resilience is the key to navigating its twists and turns. Self-kindness plays a crucial role in building resilience. When faced with setbacks and challenges, practicing self-kindness enables us to bounce back and adapt more effectively. It involves acknowledging our human imperfections and mistakes, offering ourselves forgiveness, and learning from experiences. By treating ourselves with kindness during difficult times, we cultivate the resilience needed to face adversity with courage and determination. Self-kindness empowers us to view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than reasons for self-blame, thus reducing the detrimental impact of stress on our lives.
5. Supports Positive Self-Talk: The words we speak to ourselves have a profound impact on our well-being. Unfortunately, during times of stress, our self-talk often becomes negative and self-deprecating. However, practicing self-kindness helps shift this narrative and promotes positive self-talk. It involves offering ourselves encouragement, self-compassion, and words of comfort. Instead of berating ourselves or engaging in self-sabotaging thoughts, self-kindness reminds us to be our own best cheerleader. This positive self-talk counteracts stress-inducing thoughts and helps.
In our journey through life, stress is an inevitable companion. However, we have the power to transform our relationship with stress by embracing self-kindness. By treating ourselves with compassion, understanding, and acceptance, we can reduce stress levels and nurture our overall well-being. Self-kindness promotes emotional well-being, enhances self-care, cultivates mindfulness, builds resilience, and supports positive self-talk. Incorporating these practices into our lives requires patience and self-awareness, but the rewards are immeasurable. So, let us embark on this journey of self-kindness, for it holds the key to reducing stress and creating a life of greater peace and fulfillment.
]]>Last week we joined Justin Court on the Spread Love MVMT podcast to talk about Be Kind Vibes, what to look for when starting to shop sustainably for clothing, and all things kindness & Love :) Tap the link to listen to the episode!
- Website
]]>To tell you the truth, I never really set out to start a business. Since 2016 I've been building a community and a movement that strives to make the world a better place. I was hosting meetups and events, but it wasn't anything formal, really. A chance introduction to a now-good friend who owns a hemp clothing brand introduced me to the sustainable clothing world. I became super inspired by it and its potential to help save the planet. Soon after, I combined both passions, and Be Kind Vibes was born :)
As someone who has always believed in the power of kindness, I am motivated every day to continue to build this brand and inspire the message. We all have the power to make a difference, and it's my dream to take Be Kind Vibes to a level that reaches and inspires millions of people around the world.
To read the full interview, visit the Subkit Go Solo website here. Thank you so much :)
]]>We all have a basic need for happiness, and we all seek it in different ways. At its core, happiness is about feeling contentment and satisfaction with life. It is about feeling connected to those around us and having a sense of purpose and belonging. We seek happiness because it brings us joy and a sense of meaning and purpose. There is no one-size-fits-all formula for living a happy life, but according to the longest-running scientific study on human happiness, there is one particular aspect of life that can lead to a long, healthy, and happy life.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development is one of the longest-running scientific studies on human happiness. The study began in 1938, when Harvard University researchers began following a group of sophomores from the Harvard classes of 1938-1940, tracking their physical and psychological well-being for the rest of their lives. Over the decades, the study has published groundbreaking findings on the correlation between physical and mental health, and the importance of relationships in achieving a happy and fulfilled life.
The results of the study have revealed several insights into human happiness, including the importance of close relationships, positive experiences, and a sense of purpose. When the participants where asked how they overcame adversity - illnesses, war, loss - many said their relationships always remained a cornerstone of hope in their lives. The study has also shown that the key to long-lasting happiness is not money or success, but rather the ability to make meaningful connections with other people. This study has been invaluable in helping us to understand what makes people happy and why it is so important to prioritize our relationships and experiences over material possessions.
Our key takeaway from the study: Social connections are really good for us. And it's not about how many connections or relationships we hold, but more about the quality of each connection. Being with people who make you happy, who you care about, and who care about you can lead to a healthier and happier life. A life full of greater purpose, meaning, love, and connection.
Having strong relationships with family, friends, and co-workers not only makes us feel more connected to the world around us but also helps us stay physically healthy. The study shows that people who are socially connected have a lower risk of developing illnesses like heart disease, depression, and anxiety. They also tend to live longer and experience greater levels of overall well-being. Social connections also help us to feel more fulfilled and satisfied in life. Having meaningful relationships allows us to share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others, and can provide a sense of belonging, security, and support. Ultimately, having strong social connections can help us to lead happier and more fulfilling lives.
It's never too late to build strong and lasting social connections. So if you're looking for ways to improve your health and happiness, be sure to nurture your social connections. It could be as simple as getting together with friends for coffee or taking the time to call a loved one. Whatever it is, make sure you're investing in your relationships and giving yourself the chance to make meaningful social connections.
Wishing you a healthy and happy life, my friend. And if you're in the Southern California area, be on the lookout for a string of events we'll be hosting this year to help us connect and cultivate those meaningful relationships.
]]>One way to reduce holiday waste is to opt for reusable wrapping paper or fabric gift bags. These can be used again and again, reducing the amount of paper that ends up in landfills.
Another option is to choose eco-friendly gift boxes made of recycled materials. If buying online, you can also search out brands (like us) that use recycled paper mailers that can double as a gift box.
Have some tissue paper laying around from the holidays last year? Maybe an old t-shirt or blanket? Get creative and use household items as gift wrap. An idea that can be used year after year.
You can also avoid excess waste by buying fewer gifts, which might not be the most popular choice, but instead focus on experiences or activities that don't involve excess packaging.
By making a few simple changes, we can help reduce the amount of waste generated during the holidays. Not only will this help protect the environment, but it can also make the holiday season more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone.
Happy Holidays from our team here at Be Kind Vibes. We wish you an abundance of health and wealth my friend.
]]>1. HEMP SQUASHES CARBON
Global warming is the real deal. We're already seeing the effects across the world. Carbon emissions created by the fast fashion industry are a major contributor to the rise in greenhouse gases. Using more hemp for clothing means planting more hemp plants in the ground. Compared to other trees, hemp can absorb harmful CO2 gases much quicker which helps us tiptoe away from that climate crisis line that cannot be crossed.
2. THE SOIL & HEMP ARE IN LOVE
The soil loves hemp just as much as we do :) Compared to modern industrial agriculture practices like monocropping that strip the soil of vital nutrients, hemp actually restores those nutrients back to the soil. Hemp can be regrown in the same soil and be used as a rotation crop which keeps the soil healthy and full of life's nutrients. Hemp also does not require chemical fertilizers, which is amazing. Its natural leaf shedding process provides the soil with enough fertilizer to grow. AND, it's naturally resistant to pests limiting the need for pesticides.
3. HEMP REQUIRES LESS LAND TO GROW
Hemp takes almost half the amount of land to grow as cotton does. It also produces three times the amount of fiber on the same land as cotton. Long story short, less land needed to grow crops means more land for Mother Nature to be Mother Nature.
4. HEMP FABRIC IS ANTIMICROBIAL
Which means you can wear a t-shirt made of hemp like our Be Kind & Shine tee for a week straight and it won't smell. I may have tested that theory out myself :)
5. IT'S EXTREMELY DURABLE
Due to the antimicrobial properties mentioned above, hemp is much stronger and more durable than most natural textile fibers like traditional cotton. Which is great for the environment because a longer lasting garment means less textile waste ending up in landfills. It's also great for us because we an buy way less stuff :)
That's 5 of the many reasons why we love hemp, especially for fabric. Tap here to see our growing collection of products made with the wonderful hemp plant :)
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Here are 5 science-backed benefits of being kind:
Oxytocin. Sound familiar? It's been dubbed "The Love Drug". Oxytocin is that warm fuzzy feeling you get when someone gives you a hug or sends a wonderful compliment your way. When this Love Drug is released it has the ability to lower stress and anxiety levels... which is good.
Studies have shown that acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of well-being. Which, in turn, can help improve our self-esteem.
Being kind is a great way to build and strengthen social networks. When you're kind to someone, they want to be kind back, and now we're friends :) Building a strong and supportive social network helps to reduce feelings of isolation and depression. It feels good to feel good.
Kind actions bring positive changes to your brain. Being kind boosts serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters in the brain that give you feelings of satisfaction and well-being, and cause the pleasure/reward centers in your brain to light up. Endorphins, which are your body’s natural pain killer, also can be released.
Remember #1 up top? Where we talk about oxytocin? It's back, with more benefits. Even a small act of kindness can release oxytocin in the body which reduces inflammation, the body's nemesis. Inflammation in the body is related to heaps of different ailments like cancer, chronic pain, obesity, and migraines.
There it is. Even MORE reasons to inspire those Be Kind Vibes each and every day. Need some sustainably made threads to help carry that message with you? Check out our shop :)
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As I mentioned above I really only started diving into art when the pandemic hit. Right before the quarantine I had been traveling through some absolutely beautiful coastal countries and a lot of my art is influenced by those experiences. Drawing memories from the sea during a chilly Boston quarantine was pretty therapeutic--I couldn’t physically be in the water so drawing it was as close as I could get.
I also think the year I spent in Australia (pre-pandemic) really grounded my love for the sea. It’s where I learned to surf, and living there was definitely what led to me eventually moving out to California. Australia, (and California) are home to a lot of badass women on waves; all the strong feminine energy in the water had a massive influence on my art, and is something I’m continually humbled and inspired by. The female surfers I draw are a sort of celebration of all the women in the water out there shredding in such a historically male dominated sport.
Female empowerment has been a consistent narrative in my artistic journey and definitely shows up in a lot of my work. I love celebrating bodies through art; I went to a live drawing session, (where someone models in person for a class), around the beginning of my drawing career, and my art hasn’t been the same since. Other than that it’s a myriad of things--I love combining anonymous human figures with natural elements to kind of embody our connection to the natural world. Also, my favorite color palette has always been the desert (shout out to the desert waves tee!).
You can shop the Desert Waves collection here.
Definitely check out Syd's Instagram, website, and Etsy shop as well!
Photos: Laysea Hughes
We first came across Catie's inspiring work on Instagram and instantly knew a collaboration was in our future. We can, and might have, scrolled her feed for hours taking in her uplifting retro designs. We could print all of them on Be Kind Vibes tees :) Until then, read through the chat we shared with Catie about how she got into the art world, what and who inspires her, and how she turned her passion into her life's work.
I’m inspired by anything and everything. I would say music plays a huge role in my creative life. I often look to the past for creative inspiration, I like to dig around magazine archives online, I've been admiring John Alcorn and Kenojuak Ashevak lately. I also like to look at collections of ancient art and symbolism. The teachings of Ram Dass, Joseph Campbell, Terence McKenna, and Alan Watts, play a huge role in the messages I put out into the world. I just finished watching The Power of Myth documentary and it reignited my curiosity. Vintage psychedelic posters, tarot, my dreams, old movies. You name it, inspiration is all around. If you have no judgments, you can look around you and see the creative force within all things. It’s all art.
Stay tuned for more collaborations with Catie in the near future.
You can shop the Love Your Mother collection here.
Check out Catie's Instagram @sun_keep and her shop High Lotus Goods.
Photos 1, 5, and 6 by Nikki Roy (@nory.films)
]]>Of the Earth, From the Earth is our latest small-batch collection featuring hemp and organic cotton bandanas made in San Diego, and naturally dyed with native San Diego plants. We are so stoked to have teamed up with two of our good friends for this collection. Natural textile designer and dyer Kristin Morrison-Marks from All Species, and Kumeyaay iPai Waipuk clan activist, artist, and musician Paul Cannon from Iron Sage Wood. Below is a collection of images taken during the forage and dye process, along with words from both Kristin and Paul about their connection to the plants and the process.
Land-Based Garments - For the regeneration of our Earth.
"What if our garments reflected the land on which we live in a way that brings each of us into a deeper connection with nature?
What if the color and threads we derived from our native plants were not only a source of medicine, color, and fiber for garments, but they also provided support that helps our Earth to regenerate?
As a dyer, designer, and naturalist I do believe we can create in a way that is not only better but in a way that benefits our Earth and All of its Species. By simply taking time to observe and spend time in wild places, connecting to the place on which we live, we not only receive from the experience, but we give back to nature by deepening our relationship to her." -Kristin Morrison-Marks
"As a descendant of a first nations people, I have been taught from a young age to respect the earth and all living creatures. That each is a gift from a higher source and can be used as food and medicine. I have long-lasting respect and admiration for the unseen powers of these plants that surround us on a daily basis.
In a modern western society we tend to be focused on point A to point B, but if we spend time being still in nature we find that all we need is already provided. I enjoy learning more and more every day about our Native plants, shrubs, and trees.
The plants we foraged for the bandanas include California Sagebrush, Buckwheat, and California Lilac.
The CA sagebrush is used by my people, the Kumeyaay, to treat and heal bug bites. We would grind the leaves of this sagebrush and then apply the poultice to the infected area. This plant was also useful in puberty ceremonies for women. The leaves are also dried out and smoked, similar to tobacco leaves.
Buckwheat is used by the Kumeyaay people to alleviate stomach problems. It can also be used as a food that aids in lowering cholesterol. The flowers are edible when they turn a dark reddish-brown color.
Ceanothus aka California Lilac is used by The Kumeyaay people to relieve skin conditions. We boil the leaves and berries of the Ramona Lilac. We give an offering before taking to acknowledge the circle of our existence and be grateful in mind and heart for all the gifts of this earth.
Stay Blessed, eyay ahun." -Paul Cannon - iPai Kumeyaay Waipuk clan
Click here to shop our small-batch collection of bandanas From the Earth, Of the Earth.
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In early June we participated in two paddle outs to pay our respects to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black men and women who have lost their lives due to police brutality. We said their names, we called for justice, we called for peace, we cried, we smiled, we came together as a community in solidarity. As Selema Masekela said when he looked out over the sea of people at Moonlight Beach, "THIS is the America I know we can be!"
Below is a collection of 35mm film photos taken at both the Paddle for Peace in Encinitas, and the Paddle for Unity in Pacific Beach.
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In no particular order.
1. Airstream Life
2. Modern Basement Office
3. WFH on Wheels
4. Tinyhouse Office
5. Studio Office
6. We thought we would through in our current WFH setup. Our 1969 VW Westfalia.
]]>But when life begins to return to "normal", can these numbers continue to drop? Can the environment continue on its road to recovery unhindered, maybe even with help from us humans? I guess that all depends on how we, and by "we" I mean the governments around the world, decide to come out of this and get economies back on track. Canada is preparing a massive bailout for its oil and gas industry. Multiple provinces in China have floated the idea of pumping money into construction, and the United States is set to bail out the airline industry.
After the 2008 financial crises, 2009 saw worldwide CO2 emissions drop by 1.4%. Just a year later, they were back growing again, faster than they had since 2003. Why? Because many of the government bailouts after the financial crash promoted the growth of carbon-producing industries such as construction and the airlines.
How will governments choose to get their economies back on track? Will they fall back on similar patterns of boosting fossil-fuel producing industries? Or maybe, just maybe, this will begin the shift into a greener future where environmentally friendlier versions of the fossil fuel industry are created.
To read the original article, click here.
]]>We recently caught up with our good friend Kathleen Morton of Tiny House, Tiny Footprint and VanLife Diaries to hear her top 5 ways of making vanlifing with your furry best friend a breeze :-)
1. Explore areas off the beaten path. Opt for less crowded trails and campsites to have some quality time with your pup. Instead of going to a national park, visit the national forest or BLM nearby. Be sure to read the regulations on dogs and leash laws before visiting an area.
2. Take your dog with you into urban areas. Find restaurants and coffee shops that are dog-friendly so that you can get work done or simply enjoy a meal outside the van. It's a great way to meet other travelers with dogs and check out the local establishments.
3. Seek water when you can. Explore swimming holes or trails by rivers and creeks will help keep your dog hydrated and cool outside. Go on a kayak or rafting trip and bring your dog so you can swim and camp as much as you can.
4. Chase moderate temperatures in your van. In extreme temperatures, it's not safe to keep your dog inside your van. Check the weather reports and go to warmer areas in the winter and cooler spots in the summer. Consider renting a dog-friendly Airbnb or hotel room if it's unbearable to sleep in the van.
5. Look up gear that makes vanlife more enjoyable for your best friend. Do your research, but consider installing a ventilation fan and/or awning, rigging a lead line or purchasing a dog cooling vest. Ask around to other van owners for suggestions.
There you have it! You're ready to roll, so get out there and experience all the beauty that nature has to offer with your favorite pup! They'll definitely thank you for the adventure :-)
]]>I met Mark Sanchez from Reeco Surfboards on my quest to find an eco-friendly board. A local shaper here in San Diego, Mark checked all the boxes for me on my list for a low impact board to ride. Recycled foam blanks, bio based resins, and he also makes wax combs and knives out the leftover resin. A closed loop, eco-friendly surfboard! Yessss! Mark shaped my first board for me and Be Kind Vibes a few years ago. A 5' stubby twin fin that soared across the face of the wave and paddled like a long board. I literally road that thing until the fins fell out and was beyond repair. So the time came for a new upcycled sled from my now good buddy Mark. An 8' eggy single fin for those knee high summer mushy beach days, to the over head reeling reef breaks at the cliffs. This sled is magic, pure magic.
Below are a few 35mm film photos I snapped on the day I picked up the board and took it for it's maiden voyage.
I love this upcycled magic carpet ride.
Check out the radness that is Reeco Surfboards on their Instagram and website.
]]>There's a certain kind of energy and magic in the boulders and Dr. Seuss like yucca's of the Mojave Desert. Which is what I believe keeps drawing me back to the vast openness that is Joshua Tree National Park. A little over a week ago, brother Tim and I packed up the bus with Byron and headed out to the desert in search of clarity, connection, and no cell phone service. Below is a film photo journey of what we discovered... and eventually re-discovered.
Man, what a trip.
]]>When I started Be Kind Vibes just over three years ago I made it a top priority to be as environmentally conscious as possible, from the top down. Every decision was made with the Earth in mind. From the types of fabrics we use, to the way they're printed, from our business cards, to hang tags, and all the way down to packaging and shipping.
As e-commerce continues to grow, packaging waste becomes more and more of an environmental concern. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, containers and packaging accounted for 30%, or 75.2 metric tons of total solid waste generated in the US in 2012. With the knowledge and a strong desire to change, a growing number of businesses are working towards new ways of packaging that are less harmful to the environment.
After weeks of searching the internet for eco-friendly ways to ship our products, I finally found the unicorn in the packaging industry, Eco Enclose . Based out of Colorado, Eco Enclose basically invented the Earth-Friendly Shipping category. Every single one of the products offered in their shop has been given a thumbs up from Mama Earth before they hit the shelves.
Our packaging of choice is the 100% recycled poly mailer. Perfect for shipping tees, tanks, and any kind of textile in between. This poly mailer is made in the USA from 100% recycled content, and features a double adhesive strip which allows our tribe members to reuse the mailer after they unpack their Be Kind Vibes goodness. Needles to say, we're super pumped on Eco Enclose and all they do for this beautiful planet of ours.
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Where did the idea to start Carabiner Coffee Co. come from?
After years of being a climbing instructor, mountain bike guide and snowboard instructor I found myself in the mountains of CO wondering what I was going to do next. I wanted to live a life that allowed me to travel and do the things I love all while meeting people and spreading positivity through my everyday interactions. Coffee just seemed to be the best way I could accomplish all those things! After snagging a job at an independent coffee shop for about 8 months and learning everything I could about the coffee industry, I quit, bought Ol Blue and Carabiner Coffee was born!
Tell us a little bit about Ol' Blue and why you wanted to run the biz out of the bus.
I’ve always been drawn to living small and being able to move whenever and wherever I wanted, not being tied down by many possessions. I was cruising craigslist one day and there Ol Blue was, in all its glory.. just waiting for me! I knew if I wanted a never ending adventure, this was the way I was going to make that happen. I bought the van in October and then spent the next 5 months remodeling, branding and getting a trial by fire lesson in starting a business. I wanted to travel the country climbing, biking, surfing and selling coffee so the only thing left to do was to go for it. I sold most of the few things that I had and hit the road. Its two years later, here we are! It is now my full time job to travel the country, sell coffee and and spread love through the adventure.
One of the things that drew us to Carabiner Coffee was the positive messages you write on all of your Instagram posts. We love them! What inspired you to leave behind the commercial and sales side of Instagram, and instead use it as a tool for inspiration?
Making money was never the ultimate goal when I started Carabiner Coffee. Sure everyone needs to make money somehow, but we can do so much more with our lives than simply make money and measure our achievements by how much is in our bank accounts. I have always loved sharing positivity with people and encouraging them to go after their dreams. So when I saw the opportunity to use social media and make the mission of Carabiner Coffee’s media accounts to spread love, I couldn’t help myself. The world is full of daunting negativity coming from so may angles these days that all I want to do is replace that negativity with hope. It only takes a few sentences to remind us all why we’re here and that is to love each other! We’re all going to die one day and all the money in the world won’t buy you any more time to smile and share the beauty of life with those around you. If I’m going to dedicate my life to anything, it is going to be dedicated to here and now and spreading that happiness.
Tell us a little more about the phrase "Find your line" that's painted on the side of Ol' Blue?
"Find Your Line” has been a montra that has come from my love for the outdoors and all the sports I enjoy. Climbing, biking, surfing, snowboarding.. They all involve choosing some sort of line to follow. Once you commit to that line, if you believe in yourself enough you’re going to find your way through it and come out of it a more confident and inspired person. I think we all have so much more potential than we are lead to believe by the current system of the 9-5 culture. If you have a dream, take a long hard look, find your line and don’t stop until you come out the other side. That is the message I wanted to spread by painting “Find Your Line” on the side of Ol Blue. I still say it to myself when I’m faced with the challenges that come from following your passion.
What's the next big adventure on the horizon for you and Carabiner Coffee?
The goal of Carabiner Coffee and what I do has always been to put more love into the world and encourage others to do the same. I recently bought a second van and am in the process of remodeling it and outfitting it to carry out the same mission that Ol Blue and I have had for the past few years. My hope is to take both of these vans and get a team together that is dedicated to traveling the US and soon to different countries to make coffee in beautiful places and share a passion for life. I’m not exactly sure what that looks like as far as a launch date but I know whatever comes of it and wherever we go, we’ll be happy to be there!
For you, what does it mean to be a "Conscious Adventurer"?
To me being a conscious adventurer has a lot to do with the reason you find yourself on an adventure. If you are out to prove something to the world, you are cheating yourself out of a lot of beauty. The whole point of an adventure is to be on it, not to be done with it. The more conscious we are of that fact the more we start to appreciate the places we go and how we interact with them, both from a conservation standpoint but also what we take away from the experience and how it makes us better. Love only begets love and the more we fall in love with the journey and the places we go, the happier every day of our lives will be no matter where we are
To pick up some Carabiner Coffee and see what Erik and Ol Blue are up to, head on over to their online shop.
Photography by Andy Earl
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