Hi friends,

Last week, we dug deeper into the question of how we can create a world in which less stuff creates more impact - a question that both weighs heavy and also one in which we’re seeking inspiration.

The question we ask ourselves every day - can we advance the artisan sector in a way that doesn’t require them to produce, but rather inspire - is one that may feel novel given the decades we both spent creating stuff. Yet it’s also a question that many other businesses are asking - and answering every day.

This week, we want to spotlight some of those other sources of inspiration. Businesses, people and initiatives that have done exactly what we shared last week - contributed to a world in which we can achieve more impact with less stuff.

Where We’re Finding Inspiration in Doing More With Less

While a Proud Mary fine art print, created on demand through our partner, family-owned print shop in the US, is certainly an ideal gift to do more with less, it’s also not the only way to embody that maxim.

Below, we share just a few of the other businesses and business models that are inspiring us to buy better, do better and live better.

NAMAI

In the world of fashion, a brand we’ve been following - and crushing on - for some time creates true zero-waste, one-of-a-kind quilted jackets from repurposed kantha quilts in India. NAMAI, in their own words, “blends old-world craftsmanship with a new vision for fashion. We don’t chase trends or mass-produce. Instead, we transform heirloom textiles into wearable art—made slowly, sustainably, and just for you.”

Each piece is handcrafted in workshops in Jaipur and Delhi, And the kantha quilts repurposed for each piece carry rich Bengali heritage and can be up to 40 years old. Making old new again. And making what may have been relegated to a linen closet to wear in its full glory.

Refillery Stores

Sometimes the best opportunities for impactful consumption come not from a single brand - but a much-needed concept. And we’ve recently been both fascinated and inspired by the refillery store model.

Refilleries are zero waste stores that allow consumers to purchase a wide range of goods - from food to personal care items - using their own containers rather than purchasing items in single-use packaging. Think soap, nuts, grains, fruit and more all sold by weight - and none of which comes in plastic packaging.

In Benita’s hometown of New York, we’ve been inspired to see more refilleries pop up in recent years - from A Sustainable Village to the Package Free Shop to Precycle.

AMULETS

And in Harper’s current stomping grounds of Bali, we’re loving the jewelry brand AMULETS. Rather than hold onto unsold inventory, the brand melts down old models such that the gold and silver can be repurposed to create the next collection. Additionally, the brand uses a “Vermeil” model in which 18k gold is plated on a 2.5 micron silver model, creating pieces that appreciate as the gold is not plated over brass or steel. And finally, all the freshwater pearls used in the collection are sourced from local waters in Bali.

The result? Beautiful pieces like Florae.

The Manchacha Collection from Jaipur Rugs

Returning full circle to the world of luxury home decor, we were inspired to learn a few years ago of the Manchacha Collection from Jaipur Rugs. Each rug is an heirloom work of art handcrafted by artisans. And each handwoven rug is a vehicle for complete self-expression, created using leftover handspun yarn that would otherwise contribute to post-industrial waste.

Love, want, need. Or is it need, want, love?

Perhaps another paradigm worth turning on its head.

And in closing, our own Flora from the Proud Mary collection that create more in passive income for artisans with less production.

What’s Inspiring Us

It’s so important to stay inspired these days. In closing, here’s a bit of where we’ve been finding hope, beauty and inspiration.

Intellectual Inspiration

Harper: The Great Simplification has been a regular in my weekly podcast rotation for a few years now. Host, Nate Hagens most recently talked about the 3 words “I don’t know” and how the perception of these words could (and probably should) shift from one of weakness to wisdom. I love this. No one has all of the answers. Asking questions and opening up to conversation is so important to gaining knowledge.

Benita: The Economist recently covered how scientists and “seed hunters” in Madagascar are stocking the world’s largest seed bank in an attempt to restore the country’s disappearing rainforest. Over 25% of Madagascar’s forests have disappeared in the past quarter century alone. Their piece and podcast takes us on a journey with the seed hunters cataloging and capturing the DNA of the remaining seeds. It all comes back to the origin of things.

Aesthetic Inspiration

Harper: I’ve always had a thing for Italian designer Daniela Gregis. Her use of color has always been a big inspiration for me. The vibe is always so fresh and creative. You can see her SS26 show in all its glory here.

Benita: Autumn, and specifically that part of autumn that coincides with NYC Marathon weekend, is my favorite time of year in the city. Probably because the city turns into a canvas of aesthetic inspiration with the trees that change color overnight. Captured the below shot on my walk home from school drop off.

CULTURAL INSPIRATION

Harper: This weekend I visited the Arma Museum in Ubud. I am not limited to cultural experience here but was really craving a curated view of Balinese art. The museum had a few textiles but was mostly focused on drawing and painting mediums. There were some beautiful works including a batik piece by Gede Yosef TJ (2025) and my favorite piece in the museum…a wild mixed media piece on canvas by Yogyakarta artist, Lugiono (1953-2016). The Lugiono piece also really makes the case for multi-striped frames!

Benita: Like the rest of the Internet, I appreciated everything - and every meme - that the Louvre heist inspired. But perhaps my favorite creative re-telling came from The New Yorker and cartoonist Ali Fitzgerald. The illustrations are equal parts delicate and comical. Perhaps a fine art print collaboration?

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If you made it this far, we’re grateful for you. And if you didn’t, hopefully that means you’re on ProudMary.co buying some fine folk art for your home and all your inspired spaces.

Till next time. Proud Mary