Cradle to Cradle: Remaking The Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart , Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired By Nature by Janine M. Benyus, Natural Capitalism: Creating The Next Industrial Revolution by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, and L. Hunter Lovins, The Ecology of Commerce: A Declaration of Sustainability by Paul Hawken, Strategy for Sustainability: A Business Manifesto by Adam Werbach, Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Social Movement in History is Restoring Grace, Justice, and Beauty to the World by Paul Hawken, Yvon Chouinard: The Responsible Company by Yvon Chouinard and Vincent Stanley, Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered by E.F. Schumacher in Natalie’s studio library.
“There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it, for if I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard.” ― Madam C.J. Walker
Natalie has been an entrepreneur for more than 20 years, having moved back to her hometown of Florence in 2000 to start the work has become what Alabama Chanin is today. While striving to help the planet with her sustainable business model and her community by hiring local and paying her team a living wage, Natalie joined a legion of women across the country (and the world) who own their own businesses. These women have all made the decision to allow their passion to also be their means of earning a living, supporting themselves, their families, and their communities. We have crossed paths, collaborated with, and formed friendships with so many talented women entrepreneurs—designers, makers, chefs, writers, editors, artists, photographers, dreamers— over the years—too many to name here, but we recognize and celebrate their work every day. If you have someone that you would like to share, please leave a note in the comments of this post.
This week we honor inspiring women entrepreneurs by sharing resources and their stories.
“Why Women Entrepreneurs Are Critical To Economic Growth”
“Women-Owned Businesses” from the U.S. Small Business Administration
“The Best Podcasts For Female Entrepreneurs”
Nest.org, working to build a new handworker economy and women’s wellbeing beyond factories
“In Grace Bonney’s new book, In the Company of Women, Girls Run the World,” from Vogue (Natalie is included in this inspiring group of women. You can purchase the book here and look for a new update about the book, shared this Wednesday on the Journal.)
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
“Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries”
Eileen Fisher’s Women-owned Business Grant Program. In 2013, Natalie was a 2013 Business Grant for Women Entrepreneurs recipient.
“Bringing Big Fashion to Her Small Town,” Natalie’s interview with the National Endowment for the Arts
@ Alabama Chanin
In anticipation of the launch of our upcoming collection on AlabamaChanin.com (arriving next week), view The Liminal Collection, an assortment of our favorite evergreen styles that transition seamlessly from one season to the next and sets the stage for the new Collection. Preview the upcoming Collection on CFDA Runway360 and read our take on the CFDA RUNWAY360 fashion platform here.
@ The School of Making
Continuing our celebration of the Corset pattern, The School of Making team has created a new project: The Baby Doll Corset Bundle.
Another big announcement is the 2021 workshop schedule and introduction of two virtual sewing workshops with Natalie in 2020. Learn more here.
@ The Factory
Due to COVID-19, The Factory is open by appointment only. Guests are required to wear face masks throughout the duration of their appointments and we have masks available if needed. Until further notice, we will be checking temperatures for all guests, team members, and anyone entering The Factory. Should you have any questions about our safety procedures, please reach out during our store hours Monday – Friday from 10am – 2pm.
Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with our sales team.
Catherine Counts
+1.256.760.1090 x 114
shop@alabamachanin.com
Carlisle Sandy
+1.256.760.1090 x 105
sales@alabamachanin.com
Contact us to learn more about local same-day delivery on select pieces, or with any other questions.