A brand with a mission is great but a brand with one that comes from the heart is an instant favorite! Calhounnuohlac is the perfect intertwining of fashion and drug awareness/prevention. We sat down with the brand's founder and LA native, Brittney Calhoun-Morris via Live with LIVISH to get to know more about her story. In just a few years into launching her brand she has gone from donating proceeds to organizations to opening her very own sober-living home.
Click the here to watch the Live where Morris shares how design played a huge part in her life and why helping others stay sober is more than just a passion project! Read on for more post Live questions and tips.
Q:
How would you describe CalhounnuohlaC in one sentence for someone trying to get familiar with the brand?
A:
CalhounnuohlaC is Bold, Eclectic, unapologetic and made specifically for the women who can’t live without self expression and doesn’t mind letting her apparel do the talking for her.
Q:
Your personal favorite piece from the line
A:
Ooouu, this is tough, but I would honestly have to say my favorite piece from my current line is the "Poppy Ruffle Hem Short Set". I love the flamboyant ruffles and how it shows skin here and there to create a balance so you're not feeling completely naked.
Q:
If you like (insert celebrity style) then you'll like CalhounnuohlaC.
A:
Ari Lennox
Q:
At what point did CalhounnuohlaC become connected with helping the drug/alcohol abuse community?
A:
Drug & Alcohol addiction awareness has always been our thing. When I was in the brainstorming stages of what I wanted my brand to be, I knew I wanted addiction awareness to be embedded in the brand DNA. There's never never been a time when CalhounuohlaC existed without our connection to the cause. Our mission has always been to bridge the gap between Fashion and Humanity.
Q:
Explain the name (Haus of Meta) and were there any interesting runner up options?
A:
The name Haus of Meta came about when I was writing down random words that I wanted to embody/represent the nonprofit. The one that stood out to me the most was "Metamorphosis". It completely epitomized how i wanted to be of service to recovery addicts. I wanted to send them on a metamorphic journey through sobriety. They would come to me one way but leave completely transformed into a better version of themselves. As far as the word "Haus," it was a total play on fashion vocabulary. In the 18th century is when a lot of individual fashion designers decided to develop and form their own "Fashion Houses" where they would design, manufacture, and sell their high end fashion exclusively. In my case, Haus of Meta is an actual sober living home. I wanted my clients to know that this house is exclusively dedicated to helping recovering addicts transform. Also, from a designer's standpoint who is attracted to all things eclectic, the word "Haus" is the German translation for the American word "House". The German translation was just more appealing to the eye. hehe The word "Metta" also means positive energy and kindness towards others. The practice of metta is also known as loving-kindness meditation. No runner up options. Girl I was completely sold on the whole Metamorphosis idea.
Q:
What does a typical day of the Haus of Meta consist of?
A:
We're scheduled based. We start the day with a morning meditation and stretch followed by breakfast. We may have a support group immediately after our breakfast. The residents will get a break after group to handle personal affairs. Some days in the afternoon we'll have life skills or skill building workshops that the women can participate in. Then we have lunch.After lunch some residents attend one on one sessions with their clinical therapist. Dinner is typically served around 6:00pm. In the evening 7:30pm we have another AA support group that's about 90 mins long. After the group, ladies are free to do whatever they like until 10:00pm when curfew is enforced.
Q:
How can others get involved with HOM?
A:
For anyone interested in getting involved with HOM feel free to head over to our site and learn about all of the areas we need help in. Below is a link that'll take you directly to the page that'll give you an abundance of information as well as sign up forms.
https://www.hausofmeta.org/get-involved
Q:
How can those interested in joining HOM start the process?
A:
I would encourage all who are interested in seeking housing with HOM to visit our site and complete our "HOM Housing Pre-Screening Application". If you're in need of immediate emergency housing please contact one of our case managers immediately by calling (323) 990 -2211.
Q:
Any tips/ resources for those looking to get involved with a cause close to their heart?
A:
Get out into your community and volunteer with organizations that are already doing what you want to pursue. Get familiar with the population and just show up to any events that may be in line with your mission. Talk to community leaders that are experts in the field and see about mentorship. My number one tip would be to put yourself in a position to give back and grow within an organization that's already doing the work.
Q:
Any tips/ resources for those looking to start their own brand.
A:
Get clear on your brand's objective. My advice would be to seek out or work with a brand consultant to help you develop and maintain your brands identity. @Struttosuccess is a phenomenal Marketing agency that'll walk you through how to create and maintain a successful brand from A - Z.
Q:
What's next for CalhounnuohlaC?
A:
Next for CalhounnuohlaC is more and major exclusivity. Definitely some of my hottest designs and introducing EVENTS to the mix! I want to really connect with my clients and get to know them more so I can cater to their needs. CalhounnuohlaC is getting intimate.
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