“Advertising” with Drawstring
We have been seeing a lot of new projects pop up since the beginning of the pandemic, whether they be creative, social justice oriented, products for sale - or a hybrid of all three. There are a lot of folks working to build alternative structures, and alternative economies. Economies of care, quality, and mutual support outside traditional channels.
Some projects are driven by the necessity to create an income stream as a result of the mass lay-offs and the continued economic fallout of COVID. Others function as a creative outlet, or an opportunity to give back to or create community. People are increasingly aware of the inequities of our employment, the brutality behind the production of our products, and the environmental harm committed by so many businesses that were already failing us before the pandemic hit.
We believe in the potential power in growing an alternative economy and love to see this experimental and creative energy expanding. In the first FREE “advertising” section at Drawstring, we want to feature some longer-running and emerging BIPOC owned projects born in Chicago.
If you are interested in placing an “ad” in a future issue get in touch at info@drawstringmag.com.
BASED IN CHICAGO, NOTAPLANTSHOP (OR NAPS FOR SHORT) BEGAN AS A SIDE PROJECT ON IG AFTER REALIZING I COULDN’T FIND PLANTERS THAT FIT THE VISUAL VOICE OF MY HOME. SO…I CREATED MY OWN AND SOLD THEM ON IG, BRINGING FOLX INTO MY HOME AND BUILDING A STRONG PLANT COMMUNITY ALONG THE WAY.
Flavor Supreme celebrates joy, grief, art, meaning, im/perfection, and nothing at all with cakes. Ingredients are deliberately sourced to endorse equitable foodways and sustainable agriculture.
Other Projects
Organizer of @re_model_minority, a platform for Asian-Americans to inspect our unique roles and "model minority" status to better serve ourselves, and our fellow further marginalized communities.
www.flavorsupre.me
IG: @flavorsupreme
Ceniza Negra is home to handmade natural bodycare products created on the South Side of Chicago.
I created Ceniza Negra when I was looking to find a natural, cruelty-free deodorant that was actually effective. I experimented with some recipes and created one that worked for myself and seemed to work for the people I gave it to. With all the leftover ingredients I started to produce other products that I needed for myself and started selling these as well. Friends liked my products so I decided to grow the project into a small business!
Ceniza Negra is currently located on Instagram with options to pick-up or drop off locally. Drop offs to your home are available for a small fee or free with a minimum purchase. DM on Instagram to purchase products!
IG: @cenizanegra_chi
Future Plans: I plan to expand the brand to include products and crafts of talented friends who could use support in marketing and selling their work. I hope that Ceniza Negra can expand into a local market of creators in Chicago that may not have the access to, or interest in, selling their work or products through other means.
FUNDRAISERS
Chicago Hospitality Accountable Actions Database (CHAAD), was founded in June of 2020 to hold the Chicago hospitality industry accountable to public statements of Black Lives Matter. We are re-imagining how we all engage our favorite bars and restaurants.
Expectations for the Hospitality Community
The redistribution of funds: donations, sponsorships, change of internal payment structures, healthcare.
Accountability: acknowledgment, apology, racial + equity audit
Aide: supply drop-offs, food drives, community clean-ups
Investments: scholarship funds, diversifying purveyors and suppliers, diverse hiring
Education: anti-racist training, guest education
Covid-19 responsible practices