Ethical fashion + advocacy in the down syndrome community + the importance of taking care of yourself
Jen Lewis answering our Lenten Questions!
As I mentioned earlier in the week1, I’m asking several questions as I move through Lent: How do I live and move and have my being? What is mine to do? and How will I remain in my body? With the realization that I’m not the only one asking these questions, I was inspired to invite some friends to join me in the answering. Each week until Easter, I’ve invited different voices to share with us how they answer these questions. I hope you’ll join me as we learn from their stories.
Today, for our Lent series I’ve invited my friend and small business owner, Jen Lewis, to answer our Lenten Questions2 I hope you’ll find some inspiration (and maybe a great new bag!) as you read about the good work that Jen is doing.
A little more about Jen:
Jen Lewis is the Founder + CEO of Purse & Clutch, a Certified B Corp3 that creates living wage, sustainable employment for global artisans with limited opportunities - starting from the raw materials and ending with you carrying the most beautiful bag in the room.
She recently launched From Sketch to Product, an online course guiding entrepreneurs through ethical manufacturing, with opportunities for custom branding & a once-on-a-lifetime trip to Ethiopia to connect directly with artisans.
She has a degree in Chemistry, a Master’s degree in Leadership and Ethics, and enjoys vegetable gardening from seeds with her two young daughters despite mixed results.
How do you live and move and have your being?
I try to move through the world with curiosity & care (and, let’s be honest, a little bit of chaos that always manages to sneak in).
I’m drawn to the idea that the little details matter—whether it’s how something is made, how a space feels, or how people feel when they’re in it.
I love making things that are intentional, beautiful, & actually useful — from designing a handbag that tells a story or creating immersive travel opportunities that let people get out of their day to day grind.
What is yours to do?
At its core, my work is about making space to celebrate the process, not just the destination.
With Purse & Clutch, I connect artisans with fair wage opportunities while designing pieces that people love to carry.
I’ve recently launched a program on the Purse & Clutch platform where I can support non-profits in their fundraising efforts in a way that is a win for everyone. I’ve thought through every last detail so these already busy Executive Directors feel supported in a tangible way in the good work they’re doing. The donors get a bespoke handbag reminding them of the non-profit & each purchase is creating more living wage work for our artisans in Ethiopia.
This fall will be the first time I’m inviting anyone who is interested to join me in Ethiopia to connect with our artisans. My hope is that it will help people step away from the noise of daily life & awaken something in them that comes with being in a totally new place.
I’m also feeling very called to authentic advocacy in the Down syndrome community. My four year old had Down syndrome & there’s so many complicated messages around disability that I want to bring my lived experience to light for others to be aware of how the world is better with diversity of abilities.
How do you remain in your body?
When I feel myself getting overwhelmed, I try to change something about my physical environment - putting on music, opening up a window, relocating to a different chair in my studio. Sometimes all it takes is an intentional one minute reset to come back to the task at hand.
I also try to incorporate helpful rhythms of my week to be proactive about staying grounded. I go to a strength training workout class when I genuinely can’t think of anything other than lifting the heavy thing in front of me.
Then on the mornings when my husband takes our girls to school instead of using the extra time to hurry into work I take five minutes to drink a cup of coffee alone in silence on my living room couch, resisting the urge to tidy up.
Gardening is another space where I find embodiment easy - pulling weeds, spreading mulch, painting a patio bench to prop up potted plants - there’s something about seeing a completed task & then watching how something grows organically over time that feels invigorating. It can’t be hurried, just cared for in the moment.
It’s easy for me to get caught up in doing, but I’m learning, often the hard way, that taking care of myself isn’t just a nice idea—it’s what lets me keep showing up for the people & work I care about.
Links to Connect with Jen’s Work:
Purse & Clutch - Don’t miss some of my (Holly’s) favorite products — I’m waiting for this sling bag to arrive in red(!), I have this in brown, I carry this (also in brown) to class everyday! (I mentioned this bag in a post earlier this year.)
Jen’s From Sketch to Product online course.
Want to go with Jen to Ethiopia!? You can find more information here.
Thanks for joining us this week. I’m looking forward to more conversation around these questions and I’d love for you to join us in the comments!
Holly
Spiritual Direction News & Updates
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I currently have space available for new directees. If spiritual direction is something that you or someone you know might be interested in, please reach out — hollyporterphillips@gmail.com. I’ve written here a little about what spiritual direction is to me, if you’d like to know more.
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be hosting an Eastertide Mini-Retreat! More details to come, but I’ll be offering it on Tuesday, May 6 from 7:30 - 9 pm CT and on Wednesday, May 7 from 12 - 1:30pm CT. I hope you’ll join me.
I’m inspired by this post! Such incredible work and inspires me to keep dreaming! 😍