Lifestyle

Unlabelled Ltd. is Defying Fashion Norms With Their Inclusive Collections

Published

3 years ago

February 11, 2021

Social media is an integral part of business & marketing and is a pass-time for many millennials and gen-Z users, but the negative effects of unrealistic beauty standards displayed on social media cannot be ignored. There have been several studies conducted to survey these effects, with one revealing a group of female students reporting the tendency to negatively compare their own appearance to their peers and celebrities. Natalie Servello, founder of Unlabelled Ltd., revealed similar information in a book she wrote for her thesis while in school. With the facts of how unrealistic beauty standards perpetuate a myriad of negative effects on society, combined with her own personal experiences, she turned her thesis into an inclusive clothing brand.

Unlabelled Ltd. is a diverse and inclusive clothing brand trying to redefine beauty standards, remove labels of beauty, and offer pieces that allow their customers to represent their authentic selves. Growing up, Natalie and her sister experienced the brunt of the beauty standards upheld by society; often excluding diversity in size, race, and sexual orientation, the conventional ideals of beauty often pressure people to conform and reduce their identities in the process. Natalie and the team at Unlabelled wanted to create a brand that people could relate to, where everybody can be represented.

The brand carries sizes XS-3X, with every piece now made of stretchy, knit-based, natural fibres. They plan to extend the size range to 5X in the spring, to make their collection available for more women. Originally starting with fashion pieces, Natalie spent three to four years trying every sample for fit — she wanted to ensure the dimensions were true-to-size, to remove the anxiety that women feel when not finding a true fit.

Unlabelled only launched in 2020 and is already amassing much success — focusing on loungewear pieces that could be worn out for any occasion has boded well for the brand, especially during the pandemic lockdowns. The team at Unlabelled truly believes in the ethos of the brand: of appreciating all forms of beauty for what it is, free of any labels. Tired of seeing the same ideal of beauty flaunted in the media, the Unlabelled team chose to curate a collection for fashionable women to unapologetically be themselves.

As they progress, Unlabelled is expanding their brand to include lifestyle pieces — integrating the ethos of expressing your authenticity into every aspect of your life. Natalie is excited for where this will lead and has hopes to take the Unlabelled community to new heights beyond just beauty and lifestyle. Envisioning this network of women in non-profit sectors, Unlabelled would be a catalyst for female-youth development in education, job training, dressing for success, and so much more. Natalie sees them focusing on a different foundation every month, so they can help more people and expand their network.

There’s no telling where this journey will take them, but the trend of authenticity is picking up speed and shows no signs of stopping. Unlabelled seems destined for greener pastures and is on the right track to achieving success among the greats.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.