Here it is, the first Minawear blog post!
In honor of the year
2012 and the ochreous (yes its a word I googled orange synonyms - fruit with one ovary was the definition of orange) color of the year "Tangerine Tango", Im going to plug my brother Kenyon Gibson's book, "Hemp for Victory". Kenyon is a self taught genius who speaks several languages, a four star chef, an expert in raptors, orchids, Bolivia and of course HEMP!
Back in 1998 when the hemp education movement was picking up speed, I opened a shop on Main Street with a friend Kim Jimenez in Santa Monica, CA called California Hemp Products. It was more about educating the public than profit, as there was a limited supply of quality hemp goods available then. We had our Betsy Ross replica hemp flag gracing the doorway, a decent selection of hemp paper, books, soap, snacks, lollipops, twine, jewelry, and clothing.
With Muscle Beach steps away, and several body builder supply stores within a stone's throw, it became apparent that there was a market for workout/loungewear made from the glorious hemp fiber. Its qualities of strength, wicking, temperature control and softness all directed me to investigate this niche. I wrote a business plan which intrigued Kenyon so much that he was inspired to invest in Minawear, and write this magnificent tome that is one of the most comprehensive hemp books available to date!
We are proud to say that Woody Harrelson, Jack Herer, and John Quincy Adams to name a few are contributors to this creation. It is available for purchase
HERE. Enjoy!
The Texas Yoga Conference in Houston was a real blast this past weekend! So much talent, beauty, grace and spirit! Its so refreshing to get a different outlook - it feeds the soul. Especially living in a small town like Victoria, TX, one starves for the hustle and inspiration that thrives in the big city! Not to say this little burg does not have its benefits- zero stress!! From the moment I arrived on the University of Houston campus, my senses were awakened by the style and attitude of the students and yogis swirling about. Everyone seemed to be cruising on their own energy bubble towards something exciting and cool; classes to feed the brain, body, and soul, a new business they might be starting up, or some artistic endeavor they are involved in. Even the food was exquisite! (We ate at the same sushi bar two nights in a row it was so good!) My good friend/ceramics professor, Debra Chronister, who was helping me at the conference, heard about a Burlesque show at Super Happy Funland that we HAD to check out. Of all the things we experienced, that was probably the most inspiring! Super Happy Funland was all of that and more!! On the outside it looked like a garage with giant full moon happy face sculptures adorning the facade. Inside, every square inch was heaped with creative expression from the wacky pile of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls at the entrance to the thrift shop selling pasties (new ones) and endless graffiti art on every wall. It is definitely an alternative space, where I can imagine all sorts of punk rock shows happening, indie film screenings, art extravaganzas, burlesque shows, and maybe some aerial ribbon dancing.... Debra and I were enthralled. We decided then and there that we need a Super Happy Funland in Victoria!! http://superhappyfunland.com/ Anyone want to donate a space?!? Here is the SuperHappyFunland alternative/punk rock styling of the Minawear tunic dress... 