brands i refused to work with

[@coolchameleon21]

i refuse to buy from brands that hand out sponsorships to youtubers like candy. they’re always exposed for being shady or downright awful

[@nharber9837]

Just one thing as someone who sews, occupies a larger body and has designed several patterns. There are unfortunately legitimate roadblocks when designing for a wide range of sizes that have nothing to do with wanting to punish people who have larger bodies. The reason for charging more for some larger sizes is not necessarily how much fabric it takes for the finished product, as in the weight of the fabric in the finished product. If it helps, it’s not even arbitrary. It’s because the layout of how to position the pattern pieces is the same for a range of sizes and there is a point where it is no longer possible to use the same layout on the fabric and therefore use the same yardage for the larger garment. If you’ve heard of a stepwise function, this is a real life example of one. You kinda hit a wall and have to change tactics if you want to continue. That’s why smaller sizes don’t get charged less. They do take up roughly the same amount of yardage to produce and don’t require resetting machines. The pieces just simply will not fit in the same configuration for larger sizes. That’s just math and a limitation of the way fabric is made, unfortunately. It’s the width of the fabric that’s playing a huge role here. The designer’s options at that point are limited. You can order wider fabric, which raises production costs and can be wildly expensive at a supply level. You can work with the original fabric and rearrange the pieces which sounds simple if you’re making one but that can be expensive at a manufacturing level because a garment can take as much as one and a half to five times the amount of fabric if you’re dealing with pattern matching. Usually it’s not that drastic and stays in the 1.5-2x range, but that’s still added cost at the production stage, and the layout still makes a difference because you have to set machines differently and from a production standpoint becomes a whole new garment even if it looks identical from the costumer’s perspective. You’re also running into problems like not being able to just rotate pieces because often the nap affects stretch, and can drastically affect how the finished product functions, lays, is produced and the over all appearance of the garment. You can quickly end up in territory where one panel is stretching the wrong way and the whole thing no longer works right. It gets wonky fast when trying to save fabric in a way that is not the same when sizing down. This is also the reason that some inclusive brands have multiple price points in their upper range. There is a pocket where the initial adjustments work, and then there’s another wall when the physical pattern pieces and configuration sizes out of that again, and the adjustments get closer together as you continue. There are also points where some individual pieces may no longer fit on a single piece of fabric and now if you want to continue you have to start redesigning the pattern itself, and the whole process starts again and the other issues continue to play roles. There are also issues where the math of sizing up a pattern piece requires a redesign after a point, and that adds a new layer of cost for the reasons stated above. And that’s not even accounting for the excess fabric scraps created that may or may not be possible or practical to be repurposed, so over all sustainability takes hits at every single level. Naturally each change creates cost, and that cost will always be passed on to the customer under capitalism. So while it looks and might feel like a punishment, it’s unfortunately one of the many hidden costs of occupying a larger body. In many circumstances I sit on the cusp of this change so I run into it a lot. It’s certainly a struggle. I appreciate what you do, and just wanted to shed some light on an aspect of things that is seldom understood.

[@slavbarbie]

Thank you! Very valuable insight. I've actually only heard of this before in another KZbin comment but yours is especially thorough. Makes me wonder if there is a need for a completely different system of pattern making for larger bodies but that's just my guess.

[@justineonasaltine]

I’ve purchased items (especially bras) that had different construction in some size ranges than the other size ranges, down to using stronger and pricier fabrics for the larger sizes, etc. so I really understand why a company would do that and I even welcome it, but I still think brands should take into account the average production cost per unit in all sizes when deciding on the price point, not make a lower price point for the smaller sizes just because they want to be more enticing to the S-M-L crowd.

[@piarateking8094]

@@slavbarbie generally the clothes will also need a different shape to the smaller sizes to be able to fit properly too, like more space for a belly or wider arms, darts etc

[@floooooower998]

Your approach to sponsorships is refreshing because most KZbinrs will peddle just about anything.

[@steph_the_franco]

I am a small content creator and do not accept p.r. at all. You become biased towards the brand and i am not interested.

[@domculienka]

When companies use sustainable and ethical practices, have their own factories, etc, they will let us know, loud and proud. I don’t trust vague statements anymore. Well done for refusing all of these. It is also nice to hear that you don’t need sponsorships to maintain a sustainable income. I often worry about my favourite creators who are in more niche communities. I want their hard work to be rewarded but obviously most sponsorships don’t fit in with the message of their channel. Thank you Shawna!

[@shawnaripari]

Yes! Companies tend to let us know when they're doing good stuff. But, I can also understand how someone could be confused by certification claims because some brands deliberately use them to make themselves look more credible than they actually are. Halara's claims of WRAP threw me the first time I saw it!

[@Moo-2310]

I always question brands that do tons of sponsorships, especially if I see little to no other forms of advertisement from them. If the only info on a brand is paid influencers, it's pretty much actively encouraging purchases that aren't very well informed.

[@shawnaripari]

I see this a lot on tiktok! I watched someone publish 15 ads in July, with mostly random tiktok shop stuff

[@Moo-2310]

@@shawnaripari eek, sounds like encouraging consumerism at its finest. There's little to no way to properly vet fifteen different sponsors in a single month.

[@cheeseinnuendo3381]

This also applies to influencers who take those sponsorships and whether or not they continue to recommend the product when they are no longer paid to do so, I find it interesting to check product recommendations a few months after a sponsorship to see if the creator is still using it in their videos or if they never talk about it again.

[@lizabethfeig1705]

Thank you for giving a shit about things that actually matter. It's such a breath of fresh air in an overwhelming sea of idiocy everywhere I look.

[@axtiexe]

I'm autistic and have issues with inplusive spending, your videos help me really think about what I buy and what I need vs what I want. thank you for making calm and informative videos.

[@shawnaripari]

i'm so glad my videos are helpful!!

[@Shapinska]

@@axtiexe same! Foe me it’s adhd but impulsive buys are hard for me to resist

[@tchaikca]

Larger size clothing isn’t just about the fabric (which-as a sewist, is actually hella expensive. It’s about the fact that an entirely new pattern has to be drafted , and larger sizes can wear the weight in different places-so a lot more ease and stretch has to be cut in to the pattern-to fit a completely different body type at the same size point. It isn’t fair to charge more-but it’s not just randomly done to be mean.

[@bandanarathore]

I was about to write the same. I wear bigger size and started sewing my own clothes and realised just grading up the pattern won't work on bigger bodies and darts are essential in our clothes. I think dedicated brands for plus sizes is the need.

[@abrielle13]

Yes! It just makes sense. I don't know how people can't understand that.

[@amandak.4246]

it's sad when an ethical brand becomes fast fashion. like baggu used to make high quality leather bags in the us, and now they make nylon bags in china only, with constant new styles and collaborations. it feels like a betrayal, in a way that companies that were always unethical don't.

[@p0t.n00dle4]

Doc martens shoes as well, I have an old pair that has lasted 7 years but I've heard the new ones are not anywhere near that quality. Especially sad because mine are starting to wear out and I have nothing to replace them with, they were indestructible.

[@ColeenCastillo]

​@p0t.n00dle4 The company that made Doc Martens' soles, which got trademarked as AirWaves, launched their own brand after DM started outsourcing their boots to Asia. The company is called Solovair, same durable quality and similar style as the old Doc Martens boots and are all made in England in the same original factory. They also have a lifetime warranty. The only real difference is the yellow stitching, which Docs trademarked as theirs. Solovair has white.

[@april1947]

​@@p0t.n00dle4my docs are 27 years old and have only had to have one repair

[@tessapal]

I like seeing the behind the scenes of sponsorships. Also I’m a fan of the warm-toned lighting in your background in this video!

[@josiemaromi6981]

The companies keep offering free product because they know humans have a compulsion for "reciprocation" behavior. Read "Influence" by Robert B. Cialdini for more info!! 👀

[@shawnaripari]

Yes! 100%%

[@JillofAllTrades-inMI]

I found an eye doctor who will replace lenses year to year, so I don't have to buy all new frames. I'm STOKED!

[@georgerubio6317]

Yes! I have a round face and have trouble finding frames that look okay on me… I finally thought to ask if they could just make me new lenses. Left the eye doc with my sunnies for a few weeks and picked them up with new lenses :)

[@laur83]

isn’t this normal? every time i’ve seen an eye doc ever since i was a young child, i had the choice of whether or not i wanted new frames alongside my new lenses.

[@JillofAllTrades-inMI]

@@laur83 The chain practices I was going to acted like I was crazy for asking.

[@HakaYonder]

@@laur83 Depends to who you're going. If they're in need of money, they'll try really hard to make you buy new glasses or make it the only option. Though, sometimes it is necessary. Years ago as my eyesight has gotten worse, I was once told that my previous glasses couldn't hold the stronger lenses I needed even if they were thin to the max. Right now my lenses are about twice as thick as my frames. They would definitely fall out of few types of frames I can think of.

[@littlefairykaija]

Edit to add: We collect old frames for the Lions club to be donated to poorer countries for eyewear programs. I literally have to go through the donation box and remove the online brand frames because is so poor it doesn't survive the relensing process and is literally garbage being sent to these programs. The online glasses are cheap because theyre designed for single use! I'm an Optician, and I have such a big problem with these online optical brands. A quality pair of frames will be able to get re-lensed with new RX lenses at least once, if not twice depending on your care of the frame. That's generalizing things, sure, because the PH of someone's skin may mean the plastic wears down faster, or maybe you had an accident where your dog chewed them, you know - whatever life throws at you. But in general, I expect 4 - 6 years of wear from the frames I sell to people. The average frame at my shop is around $250 CAD, but I even have some that are closer to $150 CAD. I also keep discontinued frames for people who really need a cheaper option. The lenses vary wildly depending on the type of lense and the strength of the prescription. When people buy from me they are getting a high quality frame that can take being worn daily for years, one which is correctly fitted for their face and also a suitable shape for the type of prescription. The fashion element is fun, yes, but there is actually science behind a frame being suitable for your face shape and type of lenses. I always get ads for online glasses and the fit of the frames on the models is AWFUL. This results in people having issues like the frames pinching them, causing pressure spots or being too loose and sliding around. Not to mention if you're putting in any sort of multifocal lens, how does a patient with no optical experience know where to measure for the strength change? All these problems just lead to people being less likely to put the glasses on once the novelty of the new pair has worn off, and either they go around uncorrected which causes discomfort, strain and can even be unsafe if the needed Rx is strong enough. Mostly what I see is it results in them buying another cheap frame since the 1st ones "weren't great" and the process is repeated. So much waste happens this way! And the idea of selling toppers is such a blatant money grab to cash in on the novelty of a new frame. You can get high quality clip on frames with sunglasses in the optical quality I mentioned above if that's something you want. I'm not trying to say people shouldn't buy from Zenni or wherever if they can't afford more. The most important thing is being able to see. But for those who can afford to get a proper quality frame and have an optician fit it properly for them it will go a long way. The investment and care of the item is the same as if you bought a pair of nice boots or something. Invest in quality that will last you a while and care for them! If you got to an optical place to buy glasses, ask if they re-lens frames. Stay away from places that are pushy to always have a new frame. Frames are meant to last and can quite often be released if structurally sound (no breaks, brittle plastic, etc). My other tip is to choose frames that compliment your complexion rather than matching it to your outfits. That way, regardless of what you're wearing, it will look good. This also cuts down on the feeling of needing multiple pairs just for the fashion element. Most people just need their daily pair and a spare (typically your previous pair) for back up in case of an accident.

[@shawnaripari]

thank you so much for providing more info on frames! I sincerely appreciate it

[@littlefairykaija]

@@shawnaripari no problem! I don't want to come across as like, entitled or holy-than-thou, but glasses becoming so fashionable has led to so much waste, either in greedy optical places pushing for new frames each time or online places offering cheap options that are poor quality; when it breaks its "no big deal" to just get more or to get multiples for every possible outfit. Neither is good! There isn't really planned obsolescence with traditional glasses so much as they just wear out. I mean, there isn't much else that we wear on the same sort of daily basis with so little care put into cleaning or maintaining them. And even though we suggest not to lean on your glasses in bed, etc, even I do those things and get my glasses out of whack when I shouldn't. They go through a lot for us! So an actual end of life is expected after several years. If we made them harder to last longer they'd have increased weight which would be uncomfortable, and wouldn't be able to be adjusted to fit your face properly. I supposed one solution would be individually designed frames hand-made for each person, but it'd be so time-consuming and expensive. I don't think it'd be feasible. Usually, when I tell a patient I can't re-lens their frame, it's because the plastic has become aged and brittle from absorbing oils from our skin. It can't be avoided, and depending on your PH balance, this can happen quicker for some people than others. Other reasons to not re-lens are damage or cracks in critical areas where, when heating the frames to remove and replace the lenses, I feel it would break on me. I'd rather the pair be left untouched and saved for a back up in that case, as they are still wearable and useful. Even if the Rx isn't quite perfect any more its still better than no glasses in the event of an emergency. So when getting glasses, to cut down the waste, go for an optical brand (rather than a fashion name brand like Gucci or Prada), make sure they're properly fitted for optimal comfort/useability long term (people are more likely to wear tjem when they fit and are comfy), and pick something to compliment your complexion so you dont have to think of the potential "outfit clash". With care and maintenance, they'll last you 4-6 years and can usually be donated after to help others in need. Avoid the cheapo stuff just for the novelty - it's literally fast fashion medical items which is just not cool. 🤦🏼‍♀️ I hate seeing waste in the optical world... I wish government's would pay to cover things like eye exams and glasses for everyone, but until that day individually we have to educate ourselves and try to make the best decisions. Also if you get an eye exam somewhere and they try to hold your prescription to make you get your glasses from them? ILLEGAL. Once you've paid for the eye exam that prescription is yours to take wherever you'd like to fill it. Let them know this, get that Rx and then get the heck out of there! (Also sorry if I am repetitive and rambling, I have ADHD and rarely comment on things because I have a hard time formulating into words what I'm feeling and dread internet comment section conflict 🥺 )

[@nrivanwrites]

watching this video to wind down from my job... as a board certified optician 😂 online glasses retailers drive me crazy and break my heart at how they can screw people's eyes over in the long run.

[@JillofAllTrades-inMI]

Love this reply. I admit I was almost swept up in the online hype, the thought of cheap multiple pairs had me for a bit. But I had been going to chain practices and had varying levels of success. I recently decided to try an actual eye doctor's office and I was blown away by the difference in the level of care. AND they told me I could reuse frames after the chain store told me "sorry." Does the Lions Club have scheduled drives for glasses or is this something that can be donated at any time? And do every Lions location accept old glasses?

[@littlefairykaija]

@@JillofAllTrades-inMI I'm in Canada, and we just have a box in our reception for the glasses so anyone at any time may drop off their old pairs I'm not sure if this is offered everywhere? I'd call some of your local offices and see if they take donation frames or even call your local lions club to see if they know where to drop off or if you can drop off directly with them. :)

[@viktorias1963]

The jewellery market is a mess. So much so that I am basically only shopping from local silversmiths. The jewellery is cheaper than many, unique and often uses upcycled gems and materials. I have also seen an increase in plated brass, and the idea of buying silver plated brass is absurd to me.

[@pryak6581]

My rule of thumb: sponsorships can't be trusted. I always skip them, no exceptions to the rule. Biases are real and those influencers can't be trusted with providing critical, informational & honest reviews when brands pay them crazy sums of money, gift them free stuff and take them to fancy events, concerts, sports events, movie premieres and trips abroad, even giving them the option to bring loved ones. Brands send out birthday and anniversary gifts, even give them stays at fancy hotels with spa visits for these occasions. Brands send whole furniture sets to influencers moving, they sometimes don't have to spend a penny on a new couch, fridge, air fryer, tv etc. An influencer mentiones briefly in a video that she's running out of sunscreen, 10 sunscreen brands send her new products to her doorstep the next day with a water bottle, a box of crumble cookies, a pair of Tiffany earrings and a fancy swimsuit (I am overexaggerating, am I though? cough ***Allana Davison, like her as a human, but could never trust any of her recs***cough).

[@lulu65245]

Shawna, I would love to hear you talk about sponsors that aren’t *things* you consume but rather online services (vpn for ex) or online games. Because i know people hate them based on the frequency they appear in people’s content. but i do think it is less harmful in a way compared to a fast fashion company.

[@bioluminescentlyunfolding5716]

The one thing I would say about those is that I'm always puzzled by how they can afford to offer such steep discounts at scale - with the VPN companies especially, it's hard to imagine how their business model can work, unless there's some sort of sharp practice going on down the line. E.g. perhaps when you reach the end of the free or discounted period offered via a channel they sponsor, then the re-subscription is an unexpectedly high price, and is made hard/confusing to cancel. I don't know for sure, but I've had similar enough experiences with streaming services to be suspicous, and as these aren't charities I assume they will make their money through me at some point: I'm just uneasy about where and how.

[@laur83]

i’m never gonna hate on someone for doing sponsored content, using affiliate links etc. provided they disclose correctly and are informed on the company they are choosing to sponsor. if i don’t vibe with a sponsor, i don’t need to buy it; simple as that. this is how content creators will make the majority of their money.

[@JollyGoodDay555]

Heya, Shawna! I just want to say i LOVE your content so so so much!❤ I listen to it when i draw or clean, and it's really soothing. It's clear you put a lot of time and effort into your videos, and they're very enjoyable to watch! Keep doing you, boo❤

[@shawnaripari]

I'm so happy to hear it! Thanks for being here 💕

[@RowletGod69]

@@JollyGoodDay555 SAME!! I discovered her channel when I needed something in the background and I stop drawing sometimes just to listen to what Shawna has to say. It’s really insightful

[@ketasar2278]

I appreciate you even more after this video. You don't have random advertisements in the middle of the video and your thought flow and ideas are not interrupted from a listener's viewpoint. Thank you!!

[@quaintlyso]

You really hit the nail on the head regarding the major difference between advertising a product one has never used previously, versus providing an honest review (and potentially partnering) with a product one truly uses independently. Bias is a natural human response, and I don’t see how folks can do the former without being skewed by it.

[@dri6287]

I noticed this with Brandy Melville, as a teenager I have realized that Brandy has hidden behind the 'Made in Italy' label (I also believe that consumers who use this as an excuse as to why Brandy is a more sustainable brand compared to H&M or Zara definitely have some underlining racism to explain) and simplistic fashion designs to seem more sustainable and eco-friendly than they actually are. How the brand produces its clothes is unknown for the most part, and that should raise more suspicion.

[@dri6287]

I also feel we don't go in-depth on how evil and inhumane these brands are? Most fast fashion companies use cheap labour in third-world countries or migrants to produce their clothing and give them the most deplorable conditions to work in, they are risked of gases and chemicals that can cause cancerous and developmental problems.

[@khadijahrahman7]

Brandy Melville doesn’t market their simplistic designs as a sustainable choice. Also influencers and in general consumers don’t really flaunt the simple designs. But I agree with ur other points !!

[@dri6287]

@@khadijahrahman7 I definitely saw content creators fawning about how simplistic Brandy is.

[@11Renee11]

I just looked up a tote on the Brandy Melville website. It's made of polyurethane and made in China 😮

[@pameehanson3866]

Thanks for a deeper dive into brands. It encourages me to do my own research but also I consider your opinion highly as you break down and share your research. I am not a patient shopper and by watching your channel I define my shopping as too fast LOL Do I need that item right now? No! I am learning to take more time and research with my shopping ❤

[@oo-StayPositive-oo]

Hey, I just recently discovered your channel, and I wanted to tell you your videos are AMAZING! Especially the back to school haul video really deinfluenced me! Love from Germany💕

[@SimplyKatieWalks]

I have 400 subs. 400! And ive been offered a brand sponsorship from a jewelry company that said they help woman in in third world countries. One quick google search proved that wrong. 400 subs? Are they desperate?

[@shawnaripari]

congratulations Katie! Sometimes brands target micro creators because they feel like they can get the most out of them. It's not a reflection on you!

[@RecycledSoul17]

That sucks so much. Im trying to get into content creation, and the whole sponsorship thing is a really sticky topic for me. I want to support myself, but i dont want to sell out to companies with zero morals. I would consider taking a sponsorship deal from a small company or something, or an indie game dev i really liked. Id have to do a lot of research first though, and thoroughly test the products myself before i would shill them. Being disabled, its already hard to make ends meet. I want to do something to have enough money so i dont go hungry for the last week of every month, but i dont want to sell my soul

[@bandanarathore]

I think many companies are doing this now as people have started to not trust big influencers. I myself search for smaller subscriber channels to see what their detailed review says about the products.

[@feralnonbinaryautistic]

Having seen a few KZbin sponsorship dramas blow up, I tend to assume the worst of sponsors. The more channels they're on, the less I trust them. I understand that spnsorship deals can make the difference between channels surviving and not, but I never buy anything promoted this way.

[@nharber9837]

Same. I recall years ago Loot Crate swarming everything and it was basically the lowest quality nonsense you could imagine. I occupy a lot of “nerdy” spaces, so that was inescapable. A friend of mine put it best when he said the idea was sending costumers trash and asking us to pay for the privilege of throwing it away for them.

[@bioluminescentlyunfolding5716]

@@nharber9837 I wouldn't be surprised if that were true. I'm not immune to the lure of subscription boxes, and I've had some lovely things from some of them, but I've also had some rip-offs. Sometimes it's just inexperienced people running a passion project which has early success but then gets unmanageable at scale. But with the way the business model proliferated, especially re: all the many similar boxes of mass-produced geek merch, it would certainly be interesting if it emerged that some wholesaler had compared postage costs with landfill costs and made a pragmatic but gross decision...

[@kateismostlygoodwmoney]

Shawna, thank you for sharing this so transparently! You are one of my fave follows and the fact that you actually practice what you preach is so admirable 🔥 I am still just a tiny creator but I have thought about what I might do eventually with brands - and honestly 99% just won't fit the bill I think 😅

[@shawnaripari]

thank you so much, this means a lot to me! I think because of my channel niche I'm a bit harder on sponsorships and am still imperfect at talking about and vetting these things either way 😅

[@dominiquehazzard5925]

and this is why I follow you, thank you for being true and not caving on easy money. I really appreciate your standard x

[@activatedcharcoal]

The eyewear brands reminds me *so much* of the "Pop Specs" episode of Absolutely Fabulous!

[@korinthecat4573]

The audacity of the first brand addressing people they have never spoken to before as “team”. You are not a team…Maybe it is so that some people may unconsciously want to belong to their ‘team’? That has bugged me way too much!

[@shawnaripari]

I honestly thought this was a mistake, or copying a format used in previous emails. When brands don't address me by name it's usually dear or just hey there. I've never gotten team before and it really struck me as weird. I didn't think about it like they're trying to 'include' me into their team, or extending their team onto me? I appreciate this perceptive and can totally see how someone receiving it could see it like that. A bit pre-emptive if that's the case 😅

[@korinthecat4573]

@@shawnaripari I hope it was just a mistake, otherwise yes pre-emptive and presumptuous! I think brands should also just be up front with an impersonal email (eg we are looking for creators for this opportunity etc) rather than implying they’ve hand selected you, then not bothering to address you correctly. But I guess that approach isn’t successful. Enjoying the content as always. You are also my chores buddy you mentioned recently, and I really like your more gentle style of presentation as it engages my mind without being overwhelming in terms of music / editing / pace. I’ve just been through lots of your videos and am now disappointed I’m having to find others! ❤️

[@bioluminescentlyunfolding5716]

I think it's purposeful use of language. The idea is surely that a solo creator reads it and thinks, "Ah, they think I'm a bigger deal than I actually am; they're impressed by me!" and this flatters them into being less cautious than they should be when reading the fine print of the brand deal being proposed, or doing less due diligence in terms of researching the company via other sources. It's a bit like the old Nigerian Prince email scam: if you actually read one of those emails it sounds incredibly sus, but that very obvious approach acts as a way of filtering out creators who are more cynical/experienced, and will ask awkward questions.

[@korinthecat4573]

@@bioluminescentlyunfolding5716 Good thought! That makes sense

[@MrJeromeRN]

This was a great video and answered a lot of questions I've had.

[@lanabanana3448]

great video as always, i really appreciate your weighted and nuanced thoughts i can tell you really put effort into your work!!😁

[@amandak.4246]

yeahhh parade is not ethical to me bc they're not made ethically. idc about the sizing if they're exploiting workers. also, they DO NOT LAST. i've never had underwear last for such a short period of time as from there (bought back before i was good at figuring out what brands are ethical)

[@Somebodyelse141]

When did you get them? I got some pieces when they were much smaller and they're holding up okay.

[@april1947]

their underwear had the worst fit for me!

[@Ljm915]

Listening to this while mending/repairing clothing and soft furnishings for my friends :)

[@RowletGod69]

Oh goodness I’m early! But I can already tell it’ll be a fantastic video to watch. 😊

[@audreyluan5325]

Thank you for this video! This is something we definitely need to think about. ❤️

[@Ryanneey]

Your channel has been such a good influence on me. I appreciate the content! If nothing else, you're lowering my environmental footprint 😊

[@Fruby.1]

Checked twice to make sure I am subscribed to your channel. Thank you for being transparent. I’ve never been a content creator so never paid attention to how the whole sponsor thing works. I respect what you stand for and I hope the massive support never changes you X ❤

[@JennaGetsCreative]

For customers who have the restraint to only buy what they need, I think Paired is great. As someone whose prescription hasn't changed in 20 years, I love the idea of paying sunglasses prices to change the look of my prescription glasses, and I'd love to have a couple different looks to choose from based on what I'm wearing.

[@gingerjessietalks7685]

One thing that bothers me about Parade: they do that thing where they claim to be size inclusive but then their 4-5x is only available in very limited items. Similarly, Halara says they're size inclusive but their 6x is equivalent to a 4x if you actually look at the size chart.

[@fionamiller9018]

Also with bras a sizing system that is just xs-4x doesn't fit anyone who has a different band size or cup than fits in that sizing system

[@dinapawlow1622]

Always enjoy the topics you discuss ❤

[@anniannianniii]

Shawna this is such a great video and such a nuanced and thoughtful approach to sponsorships- thank you for this explanation!! I’m gearing up to start content creation (not on this account though lol) specifically booktube videos, and I’ve been thinking of how I’d hypothetically handle sponsorship offers if my channel ever gets to that point. This was such a refreshing and nuanced approach and I feel like it’s really going to help me if I ever am at that point. All of this to say - thank you ❤

[@kelliekozak1439]

I appreciate this video. As I've gotten into conscious consumerism and sustainability videos it's shocking how many of those same YT creators will take sponsorships with companies that are promoting cheap hauls.

[@materialgworl2394]

This is such an interesting video. I currently wear pair eyewear and bought it cause I needed prescription sunglasses as well. So I only have 1 add on and never thought about buying more. But now that I think about it these will become obsolete in about a year when I update my prescription

[@evanm.8436]

hi! I can’t provide any insight into the actual inner workings of linjer specifically but as someone who works in the fine + luxury jewelry industry, after looking at their site, I am really curious about some things. they use sterling silver and 14k gold which is nice but I am very curious about what the other metals in those alloys are! a lot of lower priced fashion jewelry brands will use nickel and zinc and other things along those lines so even if something is stated to be a solid gold alloy like 14k, it can still contain cheaper metals that are irritants to a lot of people and also affect how the metal wears and oxidizes. I can’t say anything on the lab grown diamonds because I’ve never worked for a brand that uses those. I’m curious about their recycled metals and where they source those from. also of course recycling in itself can be less sustainable than one might think (especially with something like metals which need to be refined) so I’m not sure how much of an impact that has for them. also, as a jeweler, I wonder what their labor practices are for their jewelers. how well are they paid and is their workspace safe (making jewelry involves various chemicals, working with torches + laser welders, and a lot of metal dust inhalation) all in all I’m left wanting more information about them because their sustainability claims are kind of vague and I can’t find labor info at all

[@evanm.8436]

also, wrt their pricing specifically, I’d say it is lower than I expected! I’m ignoring the stones because I don’t know enough about geology to talk on that but I wonder if their low pricing is because of the alloys they’re using… especially the silver. sterling silver is cheap, but if you include the labor required to make these pieces, I’m surprised they’re not priced a bit higher!

[@gingerjessietalks7685]

This was an interesting video! Your videos are so calming and lovely

[@Alexas.nobuyyear]

I applaud you so much for this!! 👏 I've also started thinking about "pr/sponsorship" opportunities from the angle that these companies are USING creators for their influence rather than the other way around (or even, rather than influencers using their audience, which possibly is the next step). Even with offers of compensation that may benefit the creator, these are companies with advertising budgets and they are using creators as a means to an end, to promote their product. Am I okay with this brand USING me? 🤔

[@syddlinden8966]

I wore my last set of frames until the nose pieces literally broke off. When I got new frames I went with a shape that I could easily have the lenses replaced or possibly put into another frame of the same shape. I miss my old frames, but the newer ones have grown on me and they encouraged me to embrace my goth, punky side again.

[@Squishbiscuits]

I love that you don’t do sponsored content. It’s honestly so refreshing because, as you said, it’s just *everywhere*. I’m sure it was a difficult decision to make since we could all use a little more money in our lives, so I just wanna say: I see you and I appreciate the stainless steel INTEGRITY it must take to say ‘no’

[@shawnaripari]

stainless steel integrity is my new favourite phrase!

[@valeriemalenfant]

I watched W5 (news magazine on CTV) and there was a researcher saying buying clothing from recycle materials is not good because 1) it's mostly made from recycle plastic bottle and not from recycle fabric and 2) recycling plastic bottle to make other plastic bottle can be done multiple time (so that plastic can be recycle over and over again) versus if they used the same plastic bottle to create fabric It can be only recycle once ... food for thought.... so if the only + of the garment is it made with recycle materials its a weak reason.

[@bioluminescentlyunfolding5716]

And recycling itself can release huge quantities of microplastics, so even the bottles being recycled into other bottles over multiple cycles is not the win we'd hoped for re: either the environment or human health. It's sad: so many things my generation grew up being promised about recycling ring very hollow in light of today's research. And I think a lot of people get overwhelmed and think, "Well, nothing's worth trying then!" - I don't think that is true, but it's a reaction that can be exploited by the next company that comes along offering us half a dozen new plastic trinkets to help us spend our climate-related depression away...

[@milivanilili]

Totally agreed. Jewelry collections in influences are insane. As well as presenting their beige outfits with tons of expensive jewelry as something minimal and mundane. So out of touch with reality.

[@JuliKayeArtistry]

I bought Halara leggings about a two years back. Unwearably bad.

[@nicoleszacharia2624]

i don't know, i had a steady prescription over 20 years or so. i had to replace glasses either because i broke the frames or the coatings on the lenses got all scratched up - or because my two years came and went and my insurane would pay for most of a new pair and i wanted a new look. if this had existed when i was 20 i think it would have been really good for me.

[@juliepenn4327]

I love my pair glasses. I think they were a great one-time purchase for me. I bought a base pair and a sunglasses clip on. My prescription has been pretty stable for the last 3 years so the days of buying sturdy frames and swapping the lenses are over. For years I’ve let my sunglasses prescription lapse because replacing those lenses were so expensive, but driving with an out of date prescription isn’t safe so I eventually stopped using them, so they became a waste of money. If I need to replace my lenses at some point, I’ll just buy the base frame and can keep my sunnies. It did take me about a year to decide to make the purchase.

[@2headed]

I remember visiting the VIVAIA site after your partnership with them, I don’t know the specifics. I was shopping around the site. Looking at the cute footwear. It promised to stretchy and comfy, but I never moved past that because: 1 all the shoes had narrow style and I have wide feet. And 2 it looked like cheap material.

[@kaylenn52090]

Ok so look up how lab grown diamonds are made. They are most certainly not environmentally conscious. Yes they maybe conflict free but the machinery it takes to make them, is not good for the environment. So maybe we just shouldn't be buying diamonds at all. But that goes all the way back to the De Beers company making people think you need a diamond for marriage...

[@notesdecoeur]

Influencers can collectively reflect the desire of consumers and influence brands back. That would be awesome - influence up

[@scorpio7938]

Great listening i have never heard of this company with different frames i think it might lead people to buy clothes to match the different frames im not sure just a thought i give you credit to think about the brands you are maybe going to work with

[@diethylmalonate]

7:59 did the audio cut out?

[@jordynburton6056]

Just bc you don't wanna think about it doesn't make it not true YEEEEESSS

[@baymewx]

I am an extra small in almost everything, and i definitely would rather pay more for my clothes if it would offset the costs for people buying plus-sized clothing. in the end, they are using fat-phobia as a way to justify charging more. everybody suffers from businesses being shady, its just a matter of time until you are the target of their subtle discriminatory practices (side note, I LOVE your glasses, they are such a pretty color)

[@CosmicChicken19]

Hi. What style glasses are you wearing? They are super nice

[@shawnaripari]

they're the gillespie large from ollie quinn

[@Frazzledvirgo7]

I don’t mind content peeps doing a couple ads or one ad per video. IF they like the product? Also I also don’t know it all on sustainability! But same I do have some knowledge. I think just the fact we are talking about it, and trying is helping. And doing the most we can! But I don’t expect people do be 💯 perfect! For example I may buy from H&M and Zara but because I’m not rich ha I always look thrift first. And if I do use them for new items? I refuse to buy synthetic fabrics like poly. And I wear my clothes forever! I never throw them out I donate! These things do matter and count! SHEIN I won’t do at all!! Mostly due to the labor issues and crappy fabrics that make me itch!!! I love vivai actually for style and comfort but again I wear and buy things i know I’ll wear for life. I’m not vegan so I don’t mind wearing leather products my issue with some vegan leather? Is the chemicals they’re made of that may be worse for the earth! Anyway just the fact we are all finally talking about these things and if everyone is making attempts and small changes? That itself helps and leads to bigger changes! 💕 and thx for considering price point !!

[@shawnaripari]

I'm with you on the occasional sponsorship. It isn't off putting to me, if the sponsorship is well matched. I recently saw someone who I had trusted to only took sponsorships they believed in admit she took a skincare sponsorship a few months back because she wanted to try it and had no intentions of repurchasing the products after a bit of use but still went ahead to make the sponsorship. It was so disheartening. I'm glad we're having more creators think about sustainability and encourage their audience to as well!! There's the saying that goes something like 'd rather have millions of people doing sustainability imperfectly then a few doing it perfectly. With a brand like vivaia, I think they are better than traditional shoe companies and I'm not advocating for a boycott of them by any means. I just think that overconsuming and promoting things people don't need can happen with any influencer/brand. As a viewer, if you need shoes and go, ok let me pick up something from vivaia instead of steve madden I think that's great. Lots of nuance to these things so thanks for bringing up some!

[@Frazzledvirgo7]

@@shawnaripari I watch Carolyn Winkler and Stephanie Soo and some others who when they do a sponsor, they literally weave it into the show they’re doing? Which is great and funny so then I don’t feel so annoyed by it ha! I really respect and admire my fav content people as I realize how much work it is to do KZbin full time especially starting out! I could never nor would I want to be in front of camera but I find the process of creating content fascinating! I’m new to KZbin world left cable behind bored with it and as a librarian I find it’s just so cool the research of the topics etc! So I get needing a sponsor every so often. Anyway! Much respect for you and others who do this!

[@stephanied6711]

Great video

[@coquelicot9455]

Linjer is indeed expensive compared to other brands in my opinion... even their plated/vermeil jewellery is expensive considering it's not solid gold 🤷‍♀️

[@LunaUnaB]

The plant! 😭

[@maddar5193]

I saw some of those parade bralettes at Walmart and they were $19.99 usd

[@spinelessdevil]

37:52 ytber merch any merch has horrible price tags for the same clothing I can get for 6 or 8 dollars

[@gentleAsDoves777]

We stan a Queen with standards ❤

[@bioluminescentlyunfolding5716]

I've often thought that brands offering sponsorships prey on naive KZbinrs. I watch a lot of LGBTQIA and disabled advocates' channels because they provide incredibly valuable content. They tend to position themselves in an ethical framework, so it's troubling when I see them shill for BetterHelp, whose reputation is deservedly bad. I realise such KZbinrs are seldom businesspeople first: they are mainly creators, advocates and community spokespeople who've had to learn the ropes of business and monetisation to make their channel viable as an occupation. And that's a relatable dilemma, as a creator myself. But once you have half a million fans, especially when a lot of those are struggling people, you have a particular responsibility to be maximally cynical and suspicious of any business that wants privileged access to the eyeballs of your audience, precisely BECAUSE they are from marginalised demographics likely to have need of affordable therapy. And sure, there was a time when nobody had yet heard the horror stories about BetterHelp, but what's anyone's excuse for working with them now, when a quick google search brings up endless well-researched news stories warning about them?

[@noellevalla8122]

Has a glass wearer this I my issues with pair. And If I want to change the base pair then non of the topper fit

[@Thepuppyrocker13]

I personally don't like when creators advertise things that have little to nothing to do with content they create. Let's say I watch someone who talks specifically about art and they're trying to advertise me shoes or idk, kitchen utensils or something. Id rather see them talk about new markers or a graphic tablet. If you have huge audience then I guess that kinda makes sense??? I mean, there's a lot of different people who like to watch you so someone might actually get influenced to buy these things but still... Call me bad for skipping the sponsorship part but I don't want to hear about another Adam and Eve products or an electric razor that can make my dangling jewels look smooth and shiny, when the video I'm watching is about something completely unrelated. If your content is about lifestyle or body care then sure. That's just my personal opinion tho. You can disagree of course.

[@user-ix3jx9hf7r]

These brands put the sus in sustainable

[@sarahsnowsoup]

HEY I'm Canadian, it's relevant to me ;)

[@monicahendricks8563]

But one thing you don’t understand is us plus size people turn to fast fashion because it is the only way we can get stylish fashion and especially in our size. We have very few places to shop because name brands do not make our size, I wear a 20. I would rather have name brand clothes but I can’t afford to pay $125 for one pair of jeans. For the plus size community nothing is going to change as we don’t affordable, fashionable clothing.

[@melstephen5191]

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕