Reclaiming "influence" & finding balance as content creators and sustainable fashion advocates
In episode 238, Kestrel welcomes Jazmine Rogers (AKA @thatcurlytop) and Gabby Masuda Ambata (AKA @gabrielasage) to the show. A Black + Mexican creator, Jazmine is passionate about sustainable fashion and living, and sharing about it in a fun and graceful way. A Japanese American digital creator, Gabby is focused on sustainable fashion and lifestyle, and she’s also a mental health advocate.
“I’m trying to reclaim the word influence because I think the word is so special and so powerful. Like I said earlier — it’s such an honor to be able to influence others to do things. Like with all things with capitalism, it just takes it and commodifies it, but I think we can go back to the definition of what influence is, which is to have an effect on others, and I want to be a positive influence and a good influence to encourage others to think new ways and try new things and be encouraged and be empowered.”
-Jazmine
On this week’s show, Jazmine and Gabby share more about how they first met in college, and how valuable their friendship has been in the process of navigating each of their individual growth in the “influencer” space, while advocating for people and the planet.
We also explore the meaning of “influence”, whether or not Gabby and Jazmine identify as “influencers”, and some of the ways they are in favor of reclaiming the word to represent the work that they’re doing today. Jazmine and Gabby also share some of their thoughts on the complexities of growing your following amidst trauma.
conversation with Diandra Marizet of Intersectional Environmentalist that Kestrel mentions
conversation with Shakaila Forbes-Bell that Kestrel mentions
This week’s episode is brought to you by
OEKO-TEX® is a worldwide association of 18 independent research and test institutes that sets standards for safer textile and leather production and products. The OEKO-TEX® portfolio of independent certifications and product labels help all of us make responsible decisions to choose products that are safer, more environmentally friendly, and manufactured in a socially responsible way. We can all look out for the OEKO-TEX® certification - their labels mean that the products have been independently tested and verified for high product safety.
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