Simple ways to support independent creatives on social media

You start to follow a creative on social media, you are loving their content, their inspiring photos, fun videos and what they create and you think to yourself, 'I'm gonna buy something from them one day, I'm gonna tell them just how amazing I think they are'..,...but you just press 'like' and scroll on through your feed, dishing out likes to a selected, and often random, few...We've all done it! We are all guilty of this!

Your favourite creative has no idea how much you like their work, whether they are a maker, a musician, a hair stylist, an artist, they can't read your mind. Instead, they are creating away, oblivious, that they are making so many people happy and inspired. 

They are unsure if the content /products/ music/artworks that they are creating is exactly what their followers want (despite having hundreds, even thousands of followers) and why? 

Because so many of us don't say anything, we drop them a like and follow, what more do they want from us?

They want feedback. 

They want praise, they want support, they want to know what you like and what you don't like, this in turn helps to motivate them and inspire their creativity further. It makes them happy. 

Why would I want to help them you may ask...Well, why not? 

We are a funny old bunch the British, stiff upper lip, slagging off success with a feeling that sharing your talents is to show off and being kind to others is a sign of weakness (seriously??). 

Well, this archaic view needs to be shaken off. You are all AMAZING and everyone has the right to be amazing and to be kind to each other without being accused of either being a fake liker or a kiss-ass! 

We are all having such a crappy time of it lately that we know what we are all feeling, so kindness is so important right now. 

There are various ways to share the love, virtually and physically (in person- can you imagine?) here are a few examples.

SHARE THE LOVE

Supporting each other via Social media

If you are following and liking creatives you are already supporting, but could you do more??

The next time a creative shares a blog post, a video or a piece of music, why not actually take the plunge and interact with it? Listen to it, watch or read it? 

Why not go even further and share it on your own social media? Will it offend your followers? Certainly not! The more we all share indie creatives work, the more people will move away from mass consumerism and appreciate independent creativity! 

This is how important it is to say more than 'like'. If you really do like what you see, give creatives a positive boost and the motivation to keep going. You gotta share the love! 

We saw lots of support over Christmas for small business, with friends and followers sharing posts and links to online shops, THIS WAS AMAZING but why stop at Christmas? Keep sharing, it doesn't have to be the same small businesses every time, do some research, find new creatives and others will follow.

The next step asks you to part with your money, of course you should only buy something because you really like it (or actually need it) but do consider small business over corporate where possible and buy their stuff! 

Sharing the indie joy with my exclusive Emotional Waterfall Buddha! 

Hitting save on instagram

A brilliant tip to remind yourself of an indie made gift that you have seen on instagram is to save the post. You may not want the item right now but having it in your saved archives is a brilliant way to remember and rediscover it at a later date.

I have been hitting save constantly since I discovered this gem. It's almost like pinterest, where I am saving all my favourite things, from inspiration to self care tips to products that I love and want to buy, either for myself or as gifts for others. It's a win, win for both customers and indie business. I love it! Try it out and let me know what you think. 

Where is the save button you ask? Bottom right, below each post, looks like a square with a triangular chunk taken out the bottom. Where are your posts saved? Click on the burger (three lines, top right) on your profile page. Now get saving! 

Sharing on Instagram Stories is so EASY!!! 

One of the simplest ways to share indie creatives posts is to share them on Instagram Stories, just click that arrow (looks like a paper aeroplane see above graphic) and share posts direct to your stories. 

I share a few stories a day mostly via my Fruit Salad platform, I am so happy with who I follow on there, everything is so inspiring, so when I get a moment I share. 

It's not on my wall, its only there for 24 hours but it lets people know that 

1) I got their back...and...

2) That I really like something and want everyone else to see it and like it too. 

That's all, its easy and I am addicted to the cute gifs!! (Cute gifs optional). 

Please do this!!!! 

Commenting is super important

One of the best things you can do that comes for free is to simply write a small comment below a creatives post, to let them know you are there and that you are enjoying their content. 

Not only does this make creatives feel all warm inside, it also ups their engagement on social media really helping them to share their amazingness and reach more people who could become their future followers, supporters and customers! This is also the same with likes, saves and shares. Well done! You've done a good thing! 

It only takes a moment but your kindness to take time to write something from the heart  - other than a few emojis - will mean the world to a creative /small business. It will stay with them a lot longer than it takes you to write it, that's for sure! 

Sharing more Indie biz love - Introducing the lovely founder of 
Carny Valley Capes,  Cat Johnson

Indies supporting Indies

As I say in the vlog that accompanies this post, I would also encourage other indies to share the love and create communities within social media. It is so important to get involved and be present, not just as a content creator but as a follower and fellow indie supporter. 

If you want to up your following and reach (reach is more important than likes these days) you need to like, comment, share and create conversations with fellow makers, who will in turn, do the same for you; offering out handy tips, share new business opportunities and may even want to collaborate or work with you. 

I promise the more you do this the more you will feel part of an online or maybe when things are back to something relatively normal, a local indie biz community. 

Sharing the love & repping my fave I am R polo earrings!

When hugs are out of the question...

When we are allowed to see each other again and hang out in social situations with OTHER PEOPLE we need to start visiting our local indie owned shops, indie pubs and eateries, buying local produce, supporting your mates band or art exhibitions in person. No excuses! Just do it! 

We are so desperate to get back out into society but are we willing to change?  Or when some normality is restored will we be back to mass consuming and corporate supporting 'just cos its easier''???

Now is the time to make the change! Changing our mindset and lifestyles, supporting small and local, not just at Christmas, but all year round! 

The other thing is to support your family, close friends and colleagues in their creative endeavours and indie businesses. 

It sounds obvious but I know from personal experience that many of the people that surround me have never read one of my blogs, listened to my radio show or even looked at my Fruit Salad website. 

I often hear this from creatives and it seems shocking but I just think we have got lazy. There is so much happening on social media that we are not checking in with the creativity that is happening around us and on our doorstep!

Your friends and family need that boost from their nearest and dearest. So check in and acknowledge their creativity and give it the attention it deserves. It may even surprise you!

Praise means the most from someone who is close to you. Your friends and family are not mind-readers but they may think you are just not interested in what they do, so speak out and share the love! 

Amazing catsuits by Burnt Soul. Credit - Burnt Soul

Being thankful

I watched a great IGTV video from Bristol catsuit queens Burnt Soul this week, who were sharing tips on starting up your own small business, after noticing so many people had done just that during lockdowns. Instead of keeping the secret of their success to themselves they shared the love. 

One thing that stood out to me and made me think - I NEED TO DO THIS  - was Burnt Soul's display board in their studio (I've not seen it but it sounds AMAZING) with positive quotes, photos and feedback from all of their customers, reminding them how loved they are and that their hard work is really appreciated. Which is especially great if you are having a down day AND everyone has those. 

Everyone should have a positivity wall!! In my opinion!

In my next blog post I shall be discussing how some 'so called' sustainable fashion articles can, despite meaning well, give out the wrong message. This headline "I wore the same dress for 100 days" didn't impact me the way it was meant to. What does it conjure up in your mind? 

As always I am really interested to hear any feedback about this post (especially as it is pretty much encourages you to give me feed back) and anything that is mentioned within it that you would like to contribute to the conversation. 

Please give the IGTV vlog that accompanies this blog post a watch too.

NEWSFLASH

This week I shall be taking part in the Bristol Market online market with my slow fashion brand Fruit Salad. I am also going to be doing an Instagram live chat on Friday 12 February at 3pm with sustainable fashion designer Evie from Daines Atelier, discussing what we shall be selling at the market and sustainable fashion. 

I have an exclusive code that you can use during the 24 hour virtual market - which takes place in Bristol Markets Insta stories - alongside 30 other small business makers - from 8pm Friday until 8pm Saturday 13 February.  Type in BRISTOL at checkout to get 15% off everything in the Fruit Salad online shop. 

Thank you for supporting XX Big Love XX

How to support sustainable and slow fashion NOW - A new vlog for the Sustainable Fashion Chats series

Supporting slow & sustainable fashion is still just as important & relevant in a pandemic, find out why and how you can get involved with the new No Debutante Youtube & IGTV series - Sustainable Fashion Chats video below.

Featuring tips on reworking your wardrobe & slowing down your fashion consumption, alongside information about garment worker supporters Fashion Revolution and Labour Behind the Label

Follow No Debutante on IGTV and YouTube for more...

The Future of Fashion - Supporting sustainable fashion in 2020

How can you support sustainable fashion?

It's not all about wearing eco-friendly clothing, neither does it mean the death of fashion, it's about making a change to the way you shop and bringing an end to fast fashion. 

It was overwhelming to see so many local, sustainable fashion supporters come along to the Future of Fashion event at Beyond Retro Bristol in December.

I was honoured to be involved in this very special project, collaborating with vintage fashion legends, Beyond Retro, representing both Bristol24/7 and the No Debutante blog; bringing local fashionistas, designers and makers together to share our knowledge and experiences on how to go sustainable in 2020.

The fashion panel included  Joh Rindom, founder of independent fashion store That Thing, local artist and jewellery maker, Sophie Filomena, upcycling fashion designer Emma White from Duvet Days, Amelia Twine from sustainable fashion platform Give Wear Love: and featured an inspiring talk from caped crusader Cat Jameson, founder of rainwear brand Carny Valley.

Sustainable fashion supporters attend the Future of Fashion event at Beyond Retro Bristol

It was inspiring to have these amazing women join us and really get involved with the subject of sustainability in fashion and the directions we need to take going forward. Each panel member had their own views, ideas and experiences on how we can all make a change, not just within the fashion industry but in our lifestyles too.

The main aim for the Future of Fashion event was to share knowledge on what is happening within the fast fashion industry and offer ideas on more sustainable alternatives.

 By supporting local and independent businesses, buying pre-worn clothes and pre-owned items (from fashion to furniture) from charity and vintage shops and generally slowing down our consumption, we can put an end to wasteful, mass production.

If we start to change our own mentalities towards shopping we could make a big impact on the way the fashion industry works. If you slow down, the fashion industry will have to follow...

Support sustainability events in your local area 

You can make a start by asking yourself whilst shopping....

Do I really need it? 
Do I really like it? 
Is it good quality and will it last? 

The more sustainably conscious among us will also ask:
How did it get here and why is it so cheap? 

One thing you can be sure of, if an item is being sold at a crazy low price, it didn't get where it is sustainably...

Although the Future of Fashion event was an extremely positive and knowledgeable experience that I hope to continue in future meet ups, it did make a few of us feel like we were preaching to the converted, as nearly everyone who had come along were already sustainability supporters.

So how do we get the knowledge out to the people who aren't actively looking for ways to change? How do we attract those fast fashion shoppers who shop til they drop and are, consciously or not, supporting mass production and the distruction of our planet?

Supporting sustainable fashion isn't just a movement or the latest fad, it's a serious change that every single one of us needs to get involved in, right now!

Organising more sustainable fashion events around the city is a good place to start but would the majority of the consumers we are trying to attract, actively seek out or attend these events? I'm not convinced...

If you can't make the people come to a sustainable fashion event, take the sustainable fashion event to the people!

The Future of Fashion event was a collaboration between Beyond Retro, Bristol 24/7 and the No Debutante blog

Holding sustainable fashion events right in the heart of the city centre has to be the way to go. We want to catch those fast fashion lovers in full shop, on their own turf  - their local shopping centre and high streets.

This has already been trialled and tested here in Bristol by Creative Youth Network who put on an upcycled fashion show in the Cabot Circus shopping centre at Christmas time, grabbing the attention of the high street lovers mid-shop, by telling them what is happening in the fashion industry and how they can make a change.  In my opinion, it was an ingenious idea from CYN! 

Similarly, Extinction Rebellion took over a busy high street with their impromptu sustainable fashion show - Distrupt the Circus of Excess - in Bristol last summer. The fashion revolution has already begun, we just need more people behind it! 

To be clear, I am not trying to get all of these high street shops closed down, I just want the corporates to realise why they need to change. We want to save the planet and by joining us in making a change they could possibly save their businesses too....When the fast fashion backlash really kicks in, and it will, they'll need to be on the right side of it to survive.

The sad thing is the high street is also competing with the millions of fast fashion online shops. Pushed into dropping their prices to keep their customers, at the cost of the quality of their products and their reputation.

Who is to blame and how did we get to this point? Is it the corporate fast fashion pushers telling us to buy, buy,buy or the greedy consumers who are demanding new and cheap fashion items around the clock?  It's a bit of a chicken and the egg situation isn't it?

Local designers Sophie Filomena (left) and Carny Valley (right) pop-up at The Future of Fashion event

Back at the FOF event, Sophie Filomena expressed a big interest in encouraging indie markets into shopping malls after running a stall at the Cabot Circus shopping centre this year. 

"Instead of feeling alienated by this new group of potential customers I was positively elated by the praise and love the high street shoppers gave about my work. They told me they had never seen anything like it and loved the whole indie market idea!". Sophie Filomena - artist and maker

It's not that fast fashion shoppers prefer the high street (although those crazy low prices are bound to entice every shopper who is looking for a bargain) most shoppers just aren't exposed to indie makers work and there is no wonder..

"There is no way any indies could afford to sell on the high street as the rents are so ridiculously high. Why doesn't the council consider leasing out all those empty buildings to independents and supporting local?". Joh Rindom founder of That Thing

Joh certainly has a point, there are parts of the Bristol city centre (and every town and city in the UK) with empty buildings just standing dormant, rotting and waiting for another coffee shop chain to move in.

Local businesses and magazines like Bristol24/7 do what they can to support independents and startups but despite our thriving creativity, that is recognised worldwide, this city seems more interested in gentrifying and opening another corporate chain over keeping things local, independent and supporting our own economy.

How brilliant would it be to introduce independent designers and businesses to the high street and  throw a sustainable Bristol Fashion Week, all supported by the local council? It's food for thought...

Going sustainable in 2020 - The Future of Fashion event poster

With plans already in motion to hold an independently run Green Bristol Fashion Week, Give Wear Love founder Amelia Twine is big on changing the future of fashion as soon as possible.

Inspired to set up her own sustainable fashion platform after finding it hard to buy sustainably and ethically made fashions, Amelia's online store offers sustainable garms made by small, independent fashion brands who use ethical and slow fashion practises.

Feeling she could still do more, Amelia has now taken the bold step to only sell garments made from pre-loved and upcycled fabrics.

"Making any new garments from new fabrics, no matter how sustainable and organic they are, is still adding to the problem" Amelia Twine - Give Wear Love

As a designer myself, who has been struggling with sustainability focus over creativity and IS currently using new fabrics to create new garments, no matter how much I reuse many of my fabric scraps, organic fabrics and keep manufacturing local, I know, in the long run, Amelia is right!

Over time I have become inspired to introduce more sustainable practices into my design work and, I'm pleased to say, new ideas have since been formed!...But that's another story which I will discuss on the blog very soon....

Emma White from Duvet Days hit the upcycling nail on the head, by repurposing retro duvets into super cool new pieces.

"It's not that easy making new garments from clothing that already exists, the fabric samples are so small to work with and you are limited to what you can create. Upcycling duvets gives you more freedom as you have large pieces of fabric to work with, making new garments whilst remaining sustainable". Emma White - Duvet Days 

Cat Jameson from Carny Valley disusses running a fashion brand sustainably

Cat Jameson from Carny Valley Capes gave a short talk at the FOF event, introducing her innovative rain capes whilst sharing the problems she faces as a fashion designer and sustainability supporter.

 "I struggled and tried to be as sustainable and right as I could without it stopping my business from functioning". Cat Jameson - Carny Valley Capes

Cat and Amelia both spoke about creating circular economies, keeping resources in use for as long as possible, cutting down on our carbon footprint in distribution and creating less waste and pollution; in contrast to the make/use/dispose process that is currently happening within the fast fashion industry.

In contadiction, even with the best intentions, making changes may also have a knock on effect within the fashion industry. Research shows that ending certain practises within the fashion chain can actually make things worse in other areas!

If, for example, we stopped creating new fabrics and shut down all the factories, even for sustainable organic fabrics, it would be very good for the environment but in contrast, a whole town  - that for generations, have relied on these factories for work and income - could lose their industry, ruining their local economy. We need to get the balance right.....

Campaigns like Labour Behind The Label and Fashion Revolution are trying to support these circular economy's by making things work for everyone involved in the chain. These incredible campaigns cannot support these issues alone and need more help, funding and cooperation from the big businesses involved to make a significant change.

So, go support these campaigns AND make a change to the way you shop. If we all recognised that something needs to change then we can all make a difference together! 

I was asked an interesting question at the FOF event about the people who rely on low prices to be able to afford new clothes and how putting an end to fast fashion might affect them. 

Agreed, more sustainable processes would put the prices up but it isn't about making things more expensive, it's about changing your mind-set, we all need to shop less. 

If you are buying less and the prices have gone up a bit, things should balance out AND if the prices have gone up so will the quality, meaning your garments will last longer. 

We need to stop this throw away fashion mentality, choose wisely and keep items for longer.
The best thing I ever did was stop following fashion trends which is the worst culprit for encouraging throw away fashion. I buy clothes because I like them or need them, not to be seen in the next big thing for a wear once instagram post! 

Another good tip is to recreate favourite looks using your existing wardrobe rather than constantly updating your wardrobe to stay current. It's all about the styling, get creative!

As I've said before I am not telling you to stop following fashion or to stop buying new things, you can still get that fashion fix by putting this advice into practise.

• Buy less 
• Stop following trends
• Shop when you need to
• Buy good quality items that will last a lifetime
• Find local, independent fashion shops and designers
• Buy vintage and hunt for pre-loved charity shop gems
• Rework your existing wardrobe by upcycling and learning to sew and mend
• Create new looks using accessories
• Update your wardrobe by swapping clothes with friends or at clothes swap events

In conclusion, It is amazing that so many of us are getting involved in supporting slow fashion with an aim to encourage sustainability and change the way the current fashion industry runs. Events like the Future of Fashion bring people together, to share ideas and solve problems. We need to get this important message out there and the way to make a change is in numbers.We all want the same outcome, to save the planet.  Join us.


SUPPORT SLOW FASHION!



Read No Debutante's articles as fashion editor for Bristol24/7 

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The No Debutante Top 10 most read posts of 2018

We have reached the end of 2018 fashionistas! It's been a crazy mad year and it's time to show you the Top 10 and most read No Debutante blog posts of the year!

In previous years, I have shared my 'what I wore' outfits of the year and, although I do still share my colourful (and independent designer reppin') outfits with you all, the No Debutante fashion blog is now more about sharing the love than what's new in my wardrobe and I think these 'most read' posts reflect that.

I have also noticed that I am pretty consistent with the amount of blog posts I can physically create each year with 50 posts being the average, I managed a firm 47 posts (including this one) in 2018. Not bad for a person with 3 kids, two jobs, a band and a club night! 

From Instagram fashion crushes to body positivity to Bristol fashionistas to women in music, the No Debutante blog has covered many subjects and fashion related news over the past year. 

Here they are then, your Top 10 most read posts of 2018....drumroll please....

The most read post of 2018 is  Bristol's finest Insta fashionistas 

No Debutante shares her Top 5 Instagram faves which included Laa Woof, Duvet Days, Tezla Designs, She Shirts and That Thing! All amazing and inspiring local, independent fashion brands and designers. Yeeeessssss! 

Photography by Viktoria Kuti

Coming up closely in second place, is no surprise as this campaign was welcomed with open arms by everyone that came across it the Magnificent Mermaids post featured the female empowering swimwear brand Mermaid in England who use real models of every shape and size in their body positive photo shoots. No Debutante got involved too and met some awesome, brave and inspiring women along the way.

Rhubarb Jumble and That Thing in Bristol 

The Double whammy fashion extravaganza comes in third and shares the night No Debutante manahed to attend two brilliant Bristol based fashion events in one night, featuring vintage fashionistas Rhubarb Jumble and street wear queens That Thing.

In My Naked Journey No Debutante promotes body positivity and self love alongside Mermaid in England. Sharing my reasons on why I was signing up for the Mermaid in England photo shoot, my body issues whilst actually posing in a bikini for the first time in my blog.

NME Award female nominees 2018

2018 saw a change in the way the industry recognised women in music with the Female empowerment at nme awards blog post. Woman are still not where we should be in the industry but this is a positive start and an honest review. Let's see how this changes in 2019! This post made it inti the Top 5 and rightly so! 

An honour to have made it into the Top 10 blog posts of the year You go girl was actually my first post of 2018 and see's me sharing all the things I've been involved with from writing to DJing to being a Mum. Thank you to every one who took the time to read this post! 

Emotional Waterfall Art

Following the success of what turned out to be the most read No Debutante blog post of the year comes Bristol's finest insta fashionistas July 2018 post, that saw local fashionistas that I was crushing on insta in the summer of 2018, the list includes Zedhead Headwear, Emotional Waterfall Art, Dulcie's Feathers, Kokomo and Kuccia.

My fave Bristol festival had to get into this top ten list Love saves the day again features LSTD 2018 from No Debutante's eyes, expect amazing festival fashion, female djs, fun and an unexpected meeting with Loyle Carner! Roll on 2019! 

Back in March I fell in love with a kidswear photoshoot in Hooligan's Magazine and had to share it. It was loved enough by you fashionistas to make it into the Top 10! Little fashionistas at Hooligans magazine 

Manners London catsuits

I discovered many new independent fashion brands in 2018 and one of them is the London based bodycon brand Mind Your Manners introduced to me by a big Bristolian supporter of independent creatives - Joh Rindom from That Thing. I own a Manners London catsuit and I love it, everyone loves it! I'm so glad this post has made it to the No Debutante Top 10 most read blog posts of 2018! 


It''s been a fantastic year on the No Debutante blog and I'd like to add a few more of the most recent blog posts to this list as maybe they haven't been read quite as much as the Top 10 posts yet but have still managed to get your attention!

In Confessions of a big holiday packer  I mostly share my opinions on holiday packing and how I refuse to pack light. The Sonic Youth post features some photographs I took for my son Lucian's Instagram account that turned into a full on photoshoot that I really love. 

That Thing AW 18 collection

Another very popular recent post was the That Thing AW18 launch party from November 2018 and Super Stylin' took me back to my blogging roots and featured a few of my recent outfits in the Autumn of 2018. 

The Island Pop up Christmas shop Bristol, 2018

Lastly the most recent post that is still getting daily reads is the Have yourself a very local Christmas post featuring The Island pop up Christmas shop here in Bristol, which hopefully encouraged you all to support local and independent creatives this year when buying gifts!  

Thank you for all your support, love and for reading the No Debutante blog. Watch this space for more fabulous fashion moments and more in 2019 and get in touch if you want to be featured! Have a goodun' xxxxx

Have yourself a very local Christmas...

There are so many supportive Christmas markets happening in Bristol this year with a big focus on encouraging us all to buy local by supporting independent creatives and makers, there is even an amazing social media campaign named Indies in Bristol that asks you to #actlocalxmas and to consider an alternative for Christmas gifts this year. 

Lulu Harrison from Balulu at The Pop-up Christmas shop at The Island, Bristol

Today, I popped over to The Pop-Up Christmas Shop at The Island,  initially to meet up with Lulu from the amazing, fun-filled fashion brand Balulu for a Bristol 24/7 article (more about that soon) and after an amazing dressing up session in these super-cute garms and a brief chat with Bec from Dakota Rae Dust, I noticed all the other amazing goodies on offer!

Lulu and No Debutante wearing  super-cute Balulu garms

The dressing up session continues - Dungarees and onesie by Balulu

From handmade geometric earrings by Hyprnrml statement earrings and t-shirts using vintage and upcycled fabrics by Dakota Rae Dust, Super cute kidswear by upcycle queens at Duvet Days, bold Ghanaian printed streetwear by Ashanti Empress, amazing doodle art from Dixon Does Doodles and that fun-filled, super-cute range of onesies, dungarees and jackets by Balulu. 

Lulu and Bec - designer at Dakota Rae Dust. Both have handmade goodies available at the Pop-up Christmas Market

Handmade tasselled jewellery by Dakota Rae dust (left) & handmade earrings by Hyprnrml 

Amazing homewares with bold & fun cartoon art by Dixon Does Doodles 

Ghanaian printed streetwear by Ashanti Empress (left) and the coolest upcycled kids clothes by Duvet Days (right).

The final outfits from our dressing up session - I went with the red Mickey Mouse two-piece! My official Christmas Day outfit! Thank you to Lulu from Balulu for the garms and the fun! 

If you are in Bristol get yourself down to all the amazing independent shops and Christmas markets and if you're not then go find yours, support independent and support local. Consider independent this Christmas!