August/September Newsletter 2015

Vital Ones,

This month, we harvested a few of the little pomegranates that grow on a small tree in our backyard.  The fruit reminds me that even in the midst of a drought, something juicy can grow.

Five years ago, in the midst of a recession, we moved from our ten by ten foot stall in the Merchant’s Mart and planted seeds in this new, larger location a block away, where we represent a range of hemp products—greeting cards, face and body products, accessories—and now share the fruit of our own hempy labors with you. Debuting this week in our store and at two festivals: 100% hemp linen anywhere pants in new colors, zip hoodies and workout shorts.

To make hemp clothing and other hemp goods, we harvest fields of hemp, and preserve forests of trees—all vital for the future of life.  Did you know that for every ton of hemp we harvest, it sequesters 1.62 tons of CO2?  At Vital Hemp, we believe in Global Cooling.  Cool the globe with us.

Someone once said that the whole forest is contained in the seed. These intelligent seeds also remind me of the true genesis of our company, when we discovered the fertile soil of the green business community at our first Green Festival in San Francisco in 2002.  Since then, Vital Hemp has opened wholesale accounts across the country and ‘round the world, just as the Green Festivals have also grown in numerous cities.

This weekend, we welcome the Green Festival to Los Angeles. If you’ve never been to a Green Festival, you’re in for a treat.  In the midst of so much bad news about our climate and future, it’s great to connect with a community of businesses and organizations dedicated to a happier, sustainable future we can share and want to see. 

If you want to change your career, or try the latest eco-friendly scooter, or taste some phenomenal fair-trade chocolate (and so many other organic yummies), come for an afternoon.  Plus, it’s cool in the convention center.  Use code XLA15MER8 to get $5 off the $12 entry.  Here’s the link for the discounted tix:

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-festival-los-angeles-2015-tickets-14885112773?aff=es2   

Also on Sunday, find us at the 31st Abbot Kinney Festival.  We’ll be across from the Beer Garden Stage, so come by and say hello.

http://www.abbotkinney.org/

Henry David Thoreau once wrote:

“Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.”

When I look back on the history of Vital Hemp, I am so grateful to those who have had faith in the seed we planted and continue to nurture. We are especially grateful to those who supported us in funding our Seed Round. We are closing the seed round in October, looking forward to our Angel Round. Please contact us if you’re a lover of Vital Hemp and want to participate in our future.

We have a vision for Vital Hemp that extends farther than our store, the stores we serve, and our current fanatical customer base. The vision includes developing new categories beyond the stylish basics we already produce—undergarments, socks, denim, and outerwear—domestically-produced styles that prove refined fashion and sustainable style can coexist.  As we expand our offerings, we also intend to broaden our reach, planting seeds in fertile markets that are ready for our goods.

Curious to learn more?  We’re here for you.

As ever, thanks for being vital,
Ron Alcalay
Founder/CEO/Hemperdasher

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