It's been awhile since we've written about our approach to raw materials + with the rapid change occurring in this space, combined with enthusiasm around the question of 'whats to come next for Sans Beast?', our founder, Cathryn Wills, has written an overview of our material roadmap.  Read on for a recap of where we've come from, where we're at + where we're going.  It's an evolving space + with collection leadtimes being 11+ months, combined with development cost investment challenges, it's one that moves slowly (but surely) for this independent, small business.

Another year of running a small, purpose led, vegan friendly business has brought learnings, challenges, wins + losses.  So much has happened this year + as someone who likes to reflect + improve, I've written this post to share a few of the moments of clarity that struck this year.  Always grateful for what we've built + for the wise, creative + talented folk we work with - and for you, the community growing with us day by day.

Emma Hakansson has been a friend of Sans Beast, as well as an occasional face of the brand, since 'the beginning'.  She is a woman who wears many hats, and applies her talents + time, to making a difference in this life.  A passionate advocate for animals, a soon to be published author, a model + a content creator, Emma is someone who walks her talk.  We hope you'll enjoy reading about this inspiring creative creature.

We've been a fan of Karissa's style + authentic approach to telling her story, since day 1 of Sans Beast.  As Creative Director of fashion + lifestyle blog, Tomgirl + Threads, Karissa Sparke believes in a conscious lifestyle.  This involves plant based eating, slow living + treading lightly on our planet.  She's renowned for her effortless style, her travel + beach adventures - and her growing menagerie of furry friends, including Bean + more recently, the heavenly Peanut. We caught up with Karissa to talk life, inspiration + how an avid traveller has adjusted to living life in lockdown.

Last week Cathryn went to Shanghai, on the invitation of ActAsia, to participate in the Compassion in Fashion forum.  ActAsia are a not for profit organisation who build + drive education programmes in China, with a focus on animal welfare + environmental responsibility.  Read the overview of her talk, and some of the cross cultural challenges in discussing the Sans Beast ethos with new audiences. 

Continuing the conversation with some fabulous founders building businesses in the 'animal product free' space - why they do what they do, what the market response has been + how they keep things firing when times are tough.  Read about the founders of Twoobs, No Saints + Ahimsa Collective - a bunch of inspiring women doing things their way.

Welcome to Series 04: The Afterglow of Mutiny.  Read about our creative process, our collaborators + why mutiny made it into our vernacular this season.   We shot this campaign in the depths of a Melbourne winter, yet somehow we got the glow going.  As always, we're grateful to the collaborative crew who came together to work on this project with us.  We always ask people to join the (vegan) revolution - and now more than ever, a bit of mutiny may be required.

Creating a business with an ethical ethos is no easy task.  We spoke with Amanda Walker, Co-Founder + Head of Operations at vegan fast food chain, Lord of the Fries, Anna Ross, Founder + Creative Director of ethical beauty brand Kester Black, and Gilat Shani, Designer + Co-Owner, Unreal Fur - about building a business with purpose, what collaboration looks like + how they remain focused + optimistic when challenges arise. This is Part 1 + next week for Part II, we'll talk with the fabulous founders of Ahimsa Collective, TWOOBS + No Saints shoes.

Cathryn shares what goes into a Sans Beast bag, what value means to her – and ultimately, why creating pieces without animal products is important to the Sans Beast brand.  Ethics + sustainability often get used in an interchangeable manner - yet, they're different.  The ethics of mass raising + slaughtering animals is questionable at best.  Read on to learn what value + ethics mean to the Sans Beast founder.

We talk with consummate traveller, Karissa Sparke about her recent 5 month European trip with husband Tom + discover the pros and cons to van life on the road.  Karissa + Tom certainly show a beautiful - and loved up - life on the road, and we are feeling the inspiration big time.  Be prepared to add 'vanlife' to your bucket list.