Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Denson.
Hi Lisa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started this journey as a hobby with my daughter Alexis, who was 10 at the time. We started with repurposing denim into jewelry and other eco-friendly crafts. As a family, we were always very eco-conscious and I wanted those principles to remain relevant.
In 2015, we officially started Ekocreashunz with the support of family and friends. I wanted to set an example for Alexis that it was absolutely possible to wake up every day and do what you love while providing a living for your family. It was really important to show up every single day, even when it was challenging. Homeschooling allowed me to incorporate entrepreneurship into Alexis’ curriculum and give her the opportunity to make decisions and have a voice in the business at a very young age.
EKO, short for Ekocreashunz, is an eco-conscious lifestyle brand owned and operated by a dynamic mom & daughter duo. What started as a bonding project has evolved into a brand catered to men and women who are eco-conscious, fashion-forward and living a life of total wellness. We create handmade jewelry, all-natural bath & body products with organic ingredients, candles, apparel, mugs and custom gifts. Our mission is to increase awareness about reforestation while providing quality products to our customers.
Protecting and preserving the environment has been instilled in me since I was a little girl actively participating in 4-H. I have had the pleasure of continuing this with my children. From biodegradable straws to composting, it was a way of life for our household…which is why EKO is a sustainable brand and plants a tree for every item sold.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There have definitely been some struggles along the way, but the biggest one happened in October 2017. I lost my father to cancer and the world as I knew it changed forever. I was crushed. Honestly, I didn’t know how to pick up the pieces and get back to my normal life. I literally had to figure out how to over the grief and start creating again. It has been a journey, but I’m grateful that I have been able to get back on track and business is thriving again.
Like many other small businesses, the issues with the supply chain and the pandemic have impacted the way source items. We have to order larger quantities at a time to avoid running out, which requires more capital. While it was challenging at first, we’re settling into this new way of doing things.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are a lifestyle brand for the eco-conscious person, who doesn’t want to sacrifice style or quality. We create handmade jewelry from recycled metals, leather remnants from upholstery and garment factories in the US, wood, bone, and semi-precious gemstones. In addition to jewelry, we added a natural bath & body line created with 99% organic ingredients, a t-shirt line promoting self-love and a positive mindset, and eco-friendly soy candles and mugs.
We are known for being eco-conscious and promoting self-care (especially for those who take care of everyone else before themselves). While there are so many jewelry and bath & body brands, what sets us apart is our love for the environment and the way we implement eco-conscious principles into our brand. We don’t follow trends. Our goal is sustainability and creating a balanced life that’s easy to maintain. We want our customers to look good, smell good, and feel good…it really is a lifestyle!
Our efforts to make a difference expanded to wholesale and private label with our bath & body products, select jewelry items, and t-shirts. We give business owners an opportunity to expand their brands and offerings with our products, as well as make a difference in the environment. We plant a tree for every item sold with these orders, as well.
What matters most to you? Why?
The thing that matters most to me is being present. I’ve learned that all we have is the present moment. The last one has passed and there is nothing we can do to change it and the next one is not promised. Learning to live in the present has been the best lesson I’ve learned yet. Every moment matters and we have to learn to live as if it’s our last…because it could be. It has made a huge difference in the way I live my life. In this social media world, we live in, sometimes it’s forgotten. Living in the present allows me truly enjoy this beautiful life I’ve been blessed to live.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopekonow.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/shopekonow
- Facebook: facebook.com/shopekonow
- Twitter: twitter.com/shopekonow
