our third status update

Welcome to Yannai’s third status update. We have a lot to fill you in on. If you recall, we highlighted two significant decisions in our last update. The first was our commitment to local craftsmanship, choosing to produce our socks right here in Toronto. The second was our successful partnership with organic cotton suppliers who share Yannai’s dedication to sustainability and quality.

When we decided to pursue our dreams with Yannai we promised that we would personally bridge the gap that our customers would have with their clothing when they wore one of our garments. True to that promise, last April, we embarked on a journey to Peru to meet our suppliers face-to-face. The trip unfolded into an unforgettable three-day tour, offering us a firsthand glimpse into the journey of organic cotton, from seed to yarn. It wasn't just about understanding the process; it was about engaging with the farmers on the fields, addressing our crucial inquiries, and witnessing the substantial, positive influence our supplier has within the local community.

During our visit, we uncovered some truly inspiring practices and initiatives:

1. Organic and Regenerative Farming Journey: We traced the entire journey of organic and regenerative cotton, from seed to yarn, gaining an appreciation for the meticulous care and sustainable practices involved in every step.
2. Supporting Environmental and Community Health: On our visit, we saw our supplier’s role as more than a business; they’re a community cornerstone, actively transitioning farmers from conventional cotton to organic and regenerative farming. This transition is crucial as it cuts down on harmful insecticides, safeguarding farmer health and the environment. Plus it’s economically sound, farmers earn more by selling organic cotton at a premium vs. what conventional cotton was sold for.
3. Innovative Pest Control Methods: Natural solutions like molasses traps and pheromone disruptors are used to tackle pests like the pink worm, a notorious threat to cotton crops.
4. Empowering the Local Community: Our supplier’s impact is deeply woven into the local fabric, with initiatives like establishing daycare centers for the children of the community.
5. Circular and Sustainable Systems: Excess cotton waste finds new life in mattress fillings, and cotton seeds are transformed into cottonseed oil, ensuring every part of the cotton plant is honored and utilized, reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable, circular economy.

During our trip, we had the privilege of connecting with other apparel brands, diverse in size but united in vision, each with its inspiring journey and a commitment to sustainability. It was truly enriching to exchange stories and insights and witness the passion and dedication that drive our supplier and these remarkable businesses. We made sure to document every moment of this experience. Dive into our journey and join the conversation by checking out our Instagram: @yannaitoronto

Post Trip:

As we navigate the intricacies of building Yannai, Nero and I are also juggling our professional careers. I've just completed my Master's in Environment and Sustainability and have started my journey as a Sustainability and Climate Change consultant. Meanwhile, Nero continues to make strides in the real estate sector (P.S. He plants 100 trees for every house sold).

Balancing our day jobs that we are passionate about (which also happens to be our primary source of income), means that we don't have the luxury of dedicating ourselves to Yannai full-time. So we're learning to embrace the slower pace of nurturing a brand that stands firmly on the pillars of sustainability, ethics, and transparency.

In recent months, we have been laser-focused on launching our Yannai socks on Indiegogo, and we're now nearing the final stretch. Our upcoming goals/ include finalizing samples for all four socks, finalizing our partners for our donation initiatives, ramping up our marketing with compelling visual content (photos and videos), and collaborating with a consultant to amplify our Indiegogo campaign, ensuring we reach our goal and share our vision with the world.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Stay tuned for more updates soon!

We are nowhere close to perfect, but we are trying our best! If you have any questions or concerns related to this article please reach out to us at sourcing@yannai.ca. Your feedback is valued and encouraged!