the fundraiser active throughout the full 30 days, we set a new goal along with the promise of starting a podcast in the near future, once again, enthusiastically committing ourselves to an endeavor we knew nothing about. But the spark was lit, and The Good Dirt took its place in the Lady Farmer to-do list.
We approached the production of clothing from the premise of the earth as the source— from soil to seed to sewn. Whether they come from plants or animals, natural, environmentally-compatible textiles begin in the soil.
We did, indeed, realize our vision in creating“ The Essential Collection,” an exclusive line consisting of five garments that met what we believed to be the highest standards of sustainability at that time. We approached the production of clothing from the premise of the earth as the source— from soil to seed to sewn. Whether they come from plants or animals, natural, environmentally compatible textiles begin in the soil. We sought the assistance of professional sewists and designers to create clothing with both functionality and style, all while avoiding any synthetics whatsoever— no zippers, elastic, plastic buttons, etc. We prioritized the most sustainable materials available, a responsible supply chain, fair wages and ethical production practices every step
of the way. Suffice it to say, we learned a lot creating our own slow fashion clothing line.
The Essential Collection was a success, yet amongst the numerous take-aways in the whole process were a couple of realizations that had us rethinking our role. Not only did we become aware of the fact that there was already enough clothing in existence on the planet to clothe several generations to come, but it became apparent that the behemoth of the fast fashion industry was so systemically entrenched in the consumer psyche that our efforts were like a cry in the wilderness.
What was needed was far beyond more choices in slow fashion. What was needed was a paradigm shift, and we felt called to become a voice in that shift through our growing community. Thus began a new direction for our project.
In the years since our adventure in clothing manufacturing, we have organized weekend retreats, workshops and events. We’ ve facilitated in-person and online dialogue through community forums that have extended both locally and internationally. We’ ve hosted webinars, seminars, book clubs and cohorts. We’ ve even started a dream group, a small gathering of individuals committed to exploring the world of dreamwork, still active several years later.
In January of 2020, we took our podcast“ baby” out of the incubator and, with only the most basic equipment and very little knowhow, we launched The Good Dirt. Through interviews and in-depth discussions, we started exploring all aspects of a slow living and sustainable lifestyle— with healthy soil as the touchpoint and metaphor for the healing of our relationship with the earth. With well over two hundred episodes at this point, we’ ve spoken with dozens of authors, speakers, changemakers and thought leaders exploring numerous topics including consumerism, homesteading, restorative agriculture, gardening, spirituality, health and many more. Currently in its seventh year, the podcast is still going strong. For several years we published a weekly episode, but now we embrace the freedom to follow our own advice in seeking a slower pace, allowing space for our growing family and our evolving creative endeavors.
Also in early 2020, just as Covid was taking hold of the world, we published the first edition of The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living, a handbook and sourcebook for the sustainable lifestyle featuring articles, essays, recipes and a
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