Beyond the Surface

There's a profound saying that resonates deeply with me: "We don't know who discovered water, but we're certain it wasn't a fish." This simple yet profound adage perfectly encapsulates the idea that when we are immersed in something so completely, we often fail to recognize its essence. Just as a fish is unaware of the water it swims in until it finds itself on dry land, we too can be blind to the intricacies of our own existence.

During my later college years, I stumbled upon a book that altered my perspective in unimaginable ways: “Wherever You Go, There You Are” by John Kabat-Zinn. This insightful work delves into the practice of meditation and its transformative power. Little did I know the profound impact this book would have on my life's journey and personal growth.

One pivotal concept that resonated with me from Kabat-Zinn's book was the idea that meditation is far more than simply closing your eyes and breathing. It is a deliberate act of stepping away from the noise and chaos of our everyday lives. Taking just a few minutes to cherish the present moment allows us to recognize our inherent value in the grand scheme of things. Each of us brings something unique and irreplaceable to the world. Nobody can be you but you. Down to our DNA, each of us are all truly 1 of 1. Once this realization sinks in, we can begin to appreciate not only ourselves but also the journey of those around us, all navigating this complex thing we call life.

.avew, an extension of this journey. To be honest, .avew started back in middle school when I started thrifting. At first I was just buying clothes for school. However, I was attracted to its elements of surprise, similar to why people are going crazy over the Labubus now. Thrifting grew to become a meditative activity, a reminder of how life is. Stepping into a thrift store, I never knew what treasures awaited me. Whether it was a vintage throwback jersey or a timeless polo, the suspense of discovery was exciting. (I once found a Givenchy polo for $6!). I felt like a painter in an art store gathering materials to build a masterpiece. Even when I couldn't find any souvenirs to bring back home, the experience was as equally rewarding. I would find pieces or items with designs and color combinations that would expand my creative arsenal.

It taught me to make light of situations and that I could create anything that came to mind, the only limit was my imagination. No matter the thrift store I walked in, I knew that whatever I walked out with would be something I truly resonated with—a piece of clothing that spoke to my authentic self. Because fashion is an extension of self, your body the canvas, and the clothe pieces the paint, and the outfit the masterpiece - a true work of art.

Although primarily focused on clothing, .avew is more than just a clothing brand. Derived from the Haitian-Creole word for “with you,” .avew represents the discovery of self. Similar to how we wear our clothes it serves as a reminder that within each of us we carry a reservoir of ideas, experiences, and wisdom just waiting to be tapped. It is a beacon of hope, guiding us toward a brighter tomorrow shaped by our unique contributions. Through these blog posts and our products, I hope to inspire and enlighten my those who find their way us.

Let .avew be a reminder to embrace the unexpected and to shape a future where authenticity is paramount. By making the most of every situation, we can transform challenges into opportunities and foster genuine connections with ourselves and others. Unveiling the stories stitched beneath the seams.

Until next time...

Keep Appreciating,

SEB