Episode 181: Taking Collective Action, with Kristi & Chiarra of the Indie Sellers Guild (part 2)

Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCarty

Meet Kristi and Chiarra, board members for the Indie Sellers Guild, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education and support to all online creative indie sellers around the world. The Indie Sellers Guild got its start in 2022 while organizing the Etsy Strike, when about 17,000 shops put their Etsy storefronts on vacation mode, effectively preventing customers from shopping. In this week's episode, Kristi and Chiarra will explain how "reserves" are having a negative impact on small businesses and they will tell us how we can support Etsy sellers and the Indie Sellers Guild. Also: an audio essay from Angela. And Amanda dissects the quandary of Meow Wolf: Can creativity be commoditized and profitable, while still ethical?

Find the Indie Sellers Guild on IG: @indiesellersguild
Join the Indie Sellers Guild
Participate in the Market Research Study: https://indiesellersguild.org/survey

Listen to the Etsy-sodes (episodes 90-93) anywhere you stream this show, or at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Additional reading about Meow Wolf:
"Can an Art Collective Become the Disney of the Experience Economy?" Rachel Monroe, The New York Times Magazine.
"As the Experience Economy Booms, Meow Wolf Raises $158 Million to Expand Its Footprint Across America," Sarah Cascone, ArtNet.
"State of the Union," Alex DeVore, Santa Fe Reporter.
"Why Meow Wolf Coming to Phoenix Is Worrisome," Erin Joyce, Hyperallergic.
"Union Busting at Meow Wolf: Workers File Unfair Labor Practice Suit," Annie Levin, Observer.
"What Happened When a Trippy Art Collective Hit It Big—Then Unionized," Adele Oliveira, The New Republic.
"Meow Wolf complaints are piling up as new name joins Denver lawsuit," John Wenzel, The Denver Post.
"Meow Wolf Is Being Sued by Former Employees for Unfair Labor Practices," Zachary Small, Hyperallergic.

It's time for an annual tradition: small business audio essays! Submit your story by 11/1 via email: [e-mail]
Include your name, pronouns, and IG handle.

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: [e-mail]
Or call the Clotheshorse hotline: [phone]

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

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

​High Energy Vintage is a fun and funky vintage shop located in Somerville, MA, just a few minutes away from downtown Boston. They offer a highly curated selection of bright and colorful clothing and accessories from the 1940s-1990s for people of all genders. Husband-and-wife duo Wiley & Jessamy handpick each piece for quality and style, with a focus on pieces that transcend trends and will find a home in your closet for many years to come! In addition to clothing, the shop also features a large selection of vintage vinyl and old school video games. Find them on instagram @ highenergyvintage, online at highenergyvintage.com, and at markets in and around Boston.

The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim.

Gabriela Antonas is a visual artist, an upcycler, and a fashion designer, but Gabriela Antonas is also a feminist micro business with radical ideals. She’s the one woman band, trying to help you understand, why slow fashion is what the earth needs. If you find your self in New Orleans, LA, you may buy her ready-to-wear upcycled garments in person at the store “Slow Down” (2855 Magazine St). Slow Down Nola only sells vintage and slow fashion from local designers. Gabriela’s garments are guaranteed to be in stock in person, but they also have a website so you may support this women owned and run business from wherever you are! If you are interested in Gabriela making a one of a kind garment for you DM her on Instagram at @slowfashiongabriela to book a consultation.

Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtown Las Vegas. Not only do we sell in Las Vegas, but we are also located throughout resale markets in San Francisco as well as at a c...