High on my list for New York was a visit to Mociun – owner and jewelry designer Caitlin Mociun’s work and online shop are my go-tos for inspiration and gift shopping, so I was super excited to finally visit in person. Lucky for me, I hit a quiet moment in the day, and the team allowed me to spend (way too long!) some time taking pictures to share. Incredible vignettes fill every table, line the windows, and sometimes overflow onto the floor… everywhere I turned, I discovered new favorites, and even better, new ideas.
Mociun was founded in 2006 with a small collection of hand print womens garments. Over the past five years the company has expanded adding digitally printed fabrics and fine jewelry. As Mociun continues to grow sustainable production and business practices are always considered, as they are as important as good design. Mociun strives to use recycled, organic and alternative materials. Whenever possible all Mociun products are made using local production in hopes to give back to the economy and community that has helped Mociun thrive.
The apothecary wall of my dreams… featuring a TAE favorite, One Love Organics! Also, those Saipua soaps were gorgeous and I wanted to fill my bathroom with them. Decidedly not American-made, Caitlin brought this Indian bangle back from her trip to India… I grew up wearing these (and still often do!) – it’s always fun to see something traditional where you least expect it. More Doug Johnston baskets and Baggu colors than I’ve seen anywhere. Made me realize that a Doug Johnston basket vignette is 100% what is missing in my office. And I was oddly drawn to the floral Baggu despite the fact that I don’t wear florals or pastels. Caitlin’s gorgeous jewelry. I wanted ALL of it. The middle ring in particular will be mine, one day! Without question, this is my new favorite business card.
Possibly one of my favorite aspects of TAE is learning how some of my favorite products and brands came to be. Last month, I had the opportunity to chat with Adina Grigore about her line, S.W. Basics, and I was especially lucky to be able to meet her at the American Made Market the next week (per usual, I overstayed my welcome and hung out for about an hour, trying to help sell product to the market-visitors!). Adina is this amazing, hysterical woman (with incredible skin!) who is so committed and passionate about her work but also incredibly real and honest. I’ve been particular about what goes on my skin and focused on natural, effective products for the past several years, but my last corporate role focused on Consumer Product Goods (CPGs) and I was shocked at the green-washing tactics often employed in order to make consumers believe their chemical-laden products are natural and even good for them (it’s so sad how many consumers believe green packaging means a natural product!). I’m so thankful that there are people out there, like Adina and her team, who are committed to proving that products can be natural, simple, and affordable – while also incredibly designed and enjoyable to use. No trade-off necessary.
Adina Grigore started making her own skincare when she couldn’t find anything on the market that was gentle enough for her sensitive skin. With a background in wellness and nutrition, she knew what her skincare should be, but couldn’t find it, so she realized she’d have to make it herself.
After finding a solution, she started teaching workshops on how to make simple skincare products. After each workshop, students came up to her and asked her where they could buy her line. She realized that not everyone has the time or is willing to make their own products, but felt strongly that simple, natural products should be available and started S.W. Basics.
Adina’s goal for S.W. Basics is to educate consumers but also make them feel good about what they are buying. As consumers, we’ve been trained to buy items that are cheap and, in the case of skincare (and food), filled with artificial fillers. But it doesn’t have to be that way. People deserve better. We should all be able to go into a store and know that what we are buying is safe, good for us, and good for the economy.
S.W. Basics products are made with five ingredients or less and the belief that simplicity is better when it comes to skin care.
My favorite S.W. Basics products – the toner and the organic, reusable cotton rounds! The idea for the cotton rounds came from an intern who was focused on living a waste free life – S.W. Basics found a way to provide a simple, organic and reusable solution.
WHAT MAKES YOUR DAY? YOUR WEEK?
We get tremendous emails every day from customers – people who are exactly where I was when I started and who love the products. This is motivating because as an entrepreneur, you know that you think your product is great, but you wonder if other people feel the same way. The idea that people would actually be upset if we stopped is incredibly encouraging.
We have a great team, and that is very motivating – they remind us to keep going.
WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE ESSENTIALS?
A flannel plaid shirt – this is Brooklyn! Flip flops, way past the date they are technically allowed.
WHERE DO YOU ESCAPE?
South Florida – to the beach! We went to France for our honeymoon and loved it, but it really made us appreciate New York, so now we are trying to do more of the things that make New York an awesome place to visit.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
This is not even as bad as it’s going to get. What you are going through is normal and it’s not the worst thing you are going to go through.
Do you remember were six months ago? You were in a completely different place. Every small step is more meaningful than people give themselves credit for. You will never arrive and be where you thought you’d be.
WHY DO YOU MAKE YOUR PRODUCTS IN AMERICA?
As you grow, the concept of local changes. From made by hand and sold at markets to manufactured and sold internationally. We don’t want to local-wash, but it is important. Products can be made ethically when manufacturing locally, because it’s easier to regulate production. Products should also be made close to the end consumer, because it’s important that they are fresh. Eventually all products should be localized, it’s sustainable, better for the environment, and better for the consumer.
The gorgeous S.W. Basics team!
Thank you Adina for making amazing products and for taking the time to speak with me!
[Disclosure: S.W. Basics sent me products for review. I have since purchased additional products and only share products and brands that I believe in.]
I’ve always loved a gorgeous leather weekender bag… I even remember trying to convince my parents that I needed one for Christmas when I was 13! (they disagreed.) When I learned about Dina Epstein’s LA-based line, Clark and Madison, where she combines vintage fabrics (think, Navajo blankets and Moroccan rugs!) with gorgeous leather to create the most unique weekenders I’d ever seen, I knew I had to learn more! Read on for an interview with Dina and for more information about their current storefront as a part of Arts reSTORE LA!
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Nature, I love going on walks and making time to take in everything that is around me. Its a great time to think. Expert craftsmen, chefs, designers, builders. . .people that are incredible at what they do and take pride in everything they put into this world. There are so many people I admire.
WHAT MADE YOU START?
The two of us [Dina and her partner in Clark & Madison, Frosti] had been traveling across the country to see each other for six months, living out of carry on bags. There was one bag I always took that had been passed down to me from my late grandmother. I really believe in things that last. Well made, timeless pieces never go out of style. I still have that bag hanging in our studio, it reminds me to put good things into the world.
WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR LINE?
Well, the name Clark & Madison originated from the story of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. I was inspired with their efforts to explore and map America. Upon completing the expedition, Clark was appointed and the governor of the Missouri Territory by President Madison. Clark & Madison is a depiction of adventure and American heritage.
WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE ESSENTIALS?
Tods loafers, J-Brand jeans, a soft T, cashmere sweater, and a Clark & Madison tote (this is more like my everyday wardrobe!).
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER MAKERS?
Don’t be scared, be excited. There’s no better time to start making the life you want for yourself than right now. Getting to wake up each day and make products that I am proud of is extremely rewarding.
WHERE DO YOU ESCAPE?
We love to travel, we were in Baja last weekend and we’re running up to Canada soon for my birthday but most of the time you’ll find us on Sawtelle st. for dumplings or noodles.
WHY DO YOU MANUFACTURE IN AMERICA?
We built this company around the idea of making high quality products locally. By making things here, the products travel less before they reach the consumer, bringing them closer to the source.
WHY IS AMERICAN MADE IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I think it is important to create jobs here in in the US.
WHY IS YOUR COLLECTION SPECIAL?
All of our bags are made in limited quantities from materials that have been hand selected. I can name 90% of all the people that touch our bags before they make it into the consumers hands. It is more about a lifestyle choice. It is wonderful to be able to know the story behind the products you have, to know that every piece is significant and has exceptional quality. Our bags will last you a lifetime or more. They are meant to go on vacations and adventures with you! When you pack it up you should be excited for the journey your about to embark on. It will stay with you through all your journeys and hopefully like my trusted bag from my grandmother carry not just clothes but many memories. Take away all other luxuries in life but if have the ability to make someone happy, that is the most special gift, and those trips are our happy times.
You can always support Clark & Madison via their site, but they are also currently available at Arts ReSTORE LA: Westwood, an effort that aims to re-energize Westwood Village with the creative force of local Angeleno artisans and craftspeople. For over a decade, the once vibrant Village has fallen on hard times and has lost the unique luster that made it a destination neighborhood on LA’s westside. This fall, from November 1 to 24, the Hammer will fill empty storefront spaces donated by landlords with artisan vendors, setting the stage for a new retail experience in the neighborhood and an opportunity to revitalize the Village community.
If you make it, let me know – I’m so sad that I don’t have a trip to LA planned this month! Thanks Dina for sharing your story with us!
Shinola (SHINE-ola, in case you were wondering! I was saying it incorrectly!) is a Detroit-based company that manufactures watches, bikes, and leather goods. Created by the founder and former leaders of Fossil Brands, Shinola’s goal is to reinvigorate quality manufacturing in America, and particularly in Detroit.
I’ve been a fan Shinola for some time now – hearing Heath Carr speak at the American Made Workshop and visiting the Tribeca flagship only solidified my support of the brand. Heath spoke about the power of communities, and how the founders of Shinola were attracted to Detroit because of the supportive entrepreneurial community that was forming within the city – people were taking ownership to make Detroit better, and they wanted Shinola to be a part of that. To build the company, the founders could have easily worked with top talent from anywhere in the world, but instead they chose to work within their community – finding the best talent for digital, video, etc. right there in Detroit.
Clearly, it’s a great story. A lot of product sells because of a great story. But Shinola is more than that.
It’s an amazing experience. I was shocked by the size of the Tribeca store – you enter into an amazing, magazine-filled coffee shop where everyone is friendly (I’m from the Midwest – this stuff is important to me!), and then walk back into this gorgeous, two-story atrium of bikes and watches and leather goods galore. (Again, filled with really nice people… If I lived there, I’d want to be pals with the staff!)
The products are all classic but thoughtfully designed. A lot of American-made products really play off of the “heritage” concept, and while I can appreciate that look, it’s not usually my taste. Shinola uses heritage materials, but balances them in a simple, modern way. These are legitimately “have forever” pieces.
This leather piggy bank made me so happy. It didn’t come home with me, but I may have to do something about that soon. Although bicycles, watches, and leather goods are the brand focus, the shop also carries some jewelry, Detroit Denim, and other American made products.
Even more impressive? Shinola’s commitment to transparency. Transparency is a buzz word lately, which is fantastic and something I support wholeheartedly, but I’d also argue that gorgeously shot, well-lit (and pre-announced) photo stories detailing factory life are far from true transparency (although a great first step towards educating consumers!). Shinola is legitimately transparent – check out their factory livestream!
The Mission
The apothecary wall of my dreams… featuring a TAE favorite, One Love Organics! Also, those Saipua soaps were gorgeous and I wanted to fill my bathroom with them.
Decidedly not American-made, Caitlin brought this Indian bangle back from her trip to India… I grew up wearing these (and still often do!) – it’s always fun to see something traditional where you least expect it.
More Doug Johnston baskets and Baggu colors than I’ve seen anywhere. Made me realize that a Doug Johnston basket vignette is 100% what is missing in my office. And I was oddly drawn to the floral Baggu despite the fact that I don’t wear florals or pastels.
Caitlin’s gorgeous jewelry. I wanted ALL of it. The middle ring in particular will be mine, one day! 
Without question, this is my new favorite business card.
