Episode 115: We Say "Panty" Like 1000 Times: Meet Rita of Panty Witch (part I)

Rita of Panty Witch joins Amanda to share her experiences as a small business owner and member of the slow fashion community. At one point in the conversation, Rita said, "There are humans behind every screen."  Get ready to meet this human (Rita) and learn more about what it means to be a maker/business owner in the social media era.  And we get this round of audio essays rolling with Clotheshorse All-Star Meredith, who shares her story of becoming her own boss (and she gives you some great advice).

We will also discuss this tweet from Aja Barber.

Can't get enough slow fashion/fast fashion talk? Check out Amanda's guest spot on Garmology!

Want to find some new, Clotheshorse-approved small businesses to support? Check out the Clotheshorse Small Business Directory.  New makers, sellers, and rad people will be added regularly.

Have a retail story you want to share? A weird "interview" that was really just free work?  An epic job quitting fantasy that we just have to hear? Tell us about it! You can either call the Clotheshorse hotline at ‪(717) 925-7417‬ or record an audio message on your phone and send it via email.  Or you can just send an email: [email protected].

Welcome Revive Athletics as a new sponsor of Clotheshorse (yay thank you)! . Use promo code “reviveit15” to get 15% off your first purchase at reviveathletics.com!

And...please check out Nooworks!  Nooworks is all about making clothes in a sustainable way that make you look and feel good.

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Thumbprint is Detroit's only fair trade marketplace, located in the historic Eastern Market.  Our small business specializes in products handmade by empowered women in South Africa making a living wage creating things they love like hand painted candles and ceramics! We also carry a curated assortment of  sustainable/natural locally made goods. Thumbprint is a great gift destination for both the special people in your life and for yourself! Browse our online store at thumbprintdetroit.com and find us on instagram @thumbprintdetroit.

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Do you have used records you want to sell? Country Feedback wants to buy them! Find us on Instagram @countryfeedbackvintageandvinyl or head downeast and visit our brick and mortar. All are welcome at this inclusive and family-friendly record shop in the country!

Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts.  Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come.  Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint

Salt Hats:  purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A Damn! Republica Unicornia is all about making your own magic using small-batch, responsibly sourced, hand-dyed yarns and thoughtfully made notions. Slow fashion all the way down and discover the joy of creating your very own beautiful hand knit, crocheted, or woven pieces. Find us on Instagram @republica_unicornia_yarns and at www.republicaunicornia.com.

Gentle Vibes:  We are purveyors of polyester and psychedelic relics! We encourage experimentation and play not only in your wardrobe, but in your home, too. We have thousands of killer vintage pieces ready for their next adventure! 

Picnicwear:  a slow fashion brand, ethically made by hand from vintage and deadstock materials - most notably, vintage towels! Founder, Dani, has worked in the industry as a fashion designer for over 10 years, but started Picnicwear in response to her dissatisfaction with the industry's shortcomings. Picnicwear recently moved to rural North Carolina where all their clothing and accessories are now designed and cut, but the majority of their sewing is done by skilled garment workers in NYC. Their customers take comfort in knowing that all their sewists are paid well above NYC minimum wage. Picnicwear offers minimal waste and maximum authenticity: Future Vintage over future garbage.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first.  Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage:  bringing fun, new life to old things.  Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people.  See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

Late to the Party, creating one of a kind statement clothing from vintage, salvaged and thrifted textiles. They hope to tap into the dreamy memories we all hold: floral curtains, a childhood dress, the wallpaper in your best friend’s rec room, all while creating modern sustainable garments that you'll love wearing and have for years to come. Late to the Party is passionate about celebrating and preserving textiles, the memories they hold, and the stories they have yet to tell. Check them out on Instagram!

Vino Vintage, based just outside of LA.  We love the hunt of shopping secondhand because you never know what you might find! And catch us at flea markets around Southern California by following us on instagram @vino.vintage so you don’t miss our next event!