conscious + aligned consumerism — conscious + aligned

Let's remember we're connected, may we take care of ourselves and one another ❤️✊🏾

I was stunned, and not at all shocked, when I started reading stories and watching video/hearing audio of Africans who were being denied access to neighboring countries and being blocked from fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was and is unconscionable. I had to be still and lament, pray, and meditate on what I should do to come alongside these people, many of whom are international students. I thought about my Dad who was an international student in the US decades ago. I also think about why many Africans opted to pursue their degrees in Ukraine compared to the US or the UK. It was usually related to financial considerations. This broke my heart even more. The racism, mistreatment, and discrimination many are facing. This is also a class issue. To that end, I knew I had to do something and yet was unsure with whom I could partner.

fundraising, social justiceChidimma Ozor CommerMarch 16, 2022fundraiser, conscious consumerism, BW4BL, ukraine, racism, discrimination, nigeriaComment

The new ABCs are (a)dvocacy + (b)eauty that's (c)lean!

I can attest to this statement, “Nothing lights up Advocates like creating a solution that changes people’s lives.” While I look at my enneagram (9w1) and my INFJ personality as a means to fully embrace myself, it’s not a box which is why this is poignant and is my “why” for why I’ve chosen to embrace conscious + aligned consumerism and conscious + aligned living with beautycounter. “In truth, Advocate personalities can do well in any field. To be truly happy, however, they need to find work that aligns with their values and allows them some independence. Advocates crave opportunities to learn and grow alongside the people they are helping. When this happens, Advocates may finally feel as if they are fulfilling their life’s mission, contributing to the well-being of humanity on a personal level.”

beautycounterChidimma Ozor CommerMarch 16, 2022beautycounter, advocacy, skincare, makeup, clean beautyComment

Where have you bean all of my life?

I’m so excited that Sseko Designs decided to venture into fair trade coffee with Together Coffee! What does fair trade coffee mean?

fair trade coffeeChidimma Ozor CommerMay 23, 2020fair trade verified, fair trade coffee, coffeeComment

What not shopping for over two years taught me

I remember like it was yesterday. In December 2014, I was thrilled and very grateful that a year that had largely been very difficult and terrible in many ways had shifted and was almost over. As I was organizing my condo, I was in my walk in closet and was a touch horrified at how many clothes and shoes I had. And the relationship between my bank accounts and my clothes and shoes. I decided that I did not want to continue to make the owners/designers/stores/shops any more wealthy than they presently were.

The new rules were that I could purchase items if one of two rules were true: (1) I was redeeming/using a gift card/gift certificate or (2) I actually needed the item. Like for real need, not want.