Ambassador Spotlight Series
with Pumulo Kasaji
Pumulo (Lo for short) is one of the Ambassadors in our new program, the Worn Well Collective. We are so thrilled and honored to be working with her and so many other talented creators in the slow and ethical fashion niche. Shop Pumulo's looks and enjoy her story!
Name: Pumulo Kasaji
Hello, my name is Pumulo (Lo for short) and I am 26 years-old. I immigrated to California with my parents and sister when I was eight years old. I live in Omaha, Nebraska with my girlfriend and our two dogs Buddy and Meli. I recently completed my degree in English Communications. On a good day, you can find me binge watching a KDrama, reading a book, or exploring thrift shops (pre-pandemic)!
City: Omaha, Nebraska
IG Handle: @pumulokasaji
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style has changed so much over the years that I don’t even know anymore. I have tried to not box myself in with different styles once I realized that there was no right or wrong way to have style. Modern would be the only word I can really think of just because my pieces have been made in the past decade or so.
What are your current hobbies, projects, or things you’re learning?
I am a serial hobbyist who never actually finishes any of them. While I’ve picked up a lot of hobbies over the years, the pandemic has made me double my hobby list. Currently, I am embroidering, reading, rollerblading, and making clay earrings!
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style has changed so much over the years that I don’t even know anymore. I have tried to not box myself in with different styles once I realized that there was no right or wrong way to have style. Modern would be the only word I can really think of just because my pieces have been made in the past decade or so.
What are your current hobbies, projects, or things you’re learning?
I am a serial hobbyist who never actually finishes any of them. While I’ve picked up a lot of hobbies over the years, the pandemic has made me double my hobby list. Currently, I am embroidering, reading, rollerblading, and making clay earrings!
What got you started in the slow, sustainable, and ethical fashion niche?
I had first started my Instagram because I loved playing around with clothes and style. More than that, I LOVED shopping, which I later realized was a big problem for not only me, but the environment as well. Fast fashion was something that was affordable to me as a college student. I never really stopped to think about what went into making my clothes, sustainably or ethically.
It wasn’t until I got more into Instagram that I discovered some great creators who really opened up my eyes into how it all works. I started looking more into how my clothes were made and how the people who made my clothes were paid, which led to finding more sustainable brands.
While sustainable clothes may not be as easily affordable to some, there are other ways to consciously consume fashion. Thrift shopping is one way that people don't normally have to spend too much money.
What is your favorite Tradlands piece and why?
My favorite Tradlands piece is the Field Chore Coat in Classic Denim. It is such a great piece and it really pulls any outfit together. I feel like it’s a dressier jean jacket. I love that I can fit many layers under it for a chilly day or wear it casually over a light dress. It goes so well with everything!
What are your fashion/style/lifestyle influences or inspirations?
I’ve found myself really in awe of the many creators I’ve discovered in the slow style/sustainability/second-hand fashion niche on Instagram. It is such a great community of caring and creative people. I’ve made friends with people I’ve admired through the screen. There is always an opportunity to learn something new and the support that I see and get from people in this community is inspirational and amazing!
What is your favorite Tradlands piece and why?
My favorite Tradlands piece is the Field Chore Coat in Classic Denim. It is such a great piece and it really pulls any outfit together. I feel like it’s a dressier jean jacket. I love that I can fit many layers under it for a chilly day or wear it casually over a light dress. It goes so well with everything!
What are your fashion/style/lifestyle influences or inspirations?
I’ve found myself really in awe of the many creators I’ve discovered in the slow style/sustainability/second-hand fashion niche on Instagram. It is such a great community of caring and creative people. I’ve made friends with people I’ve admired through the screen. There is always an opportunity to learn something new and the support that I see and get from people in this community is inspirational and amazing!
What advice would you give to someone looking to join or learn more about the slow/ethical/responsible fashion niche as motivation or reassurance?
Some advice I would give to anyone who was interested would be to find the right people to follow on social media. It makes a big difference to be able to see firsthand the changes people are able to make in their fashion choices. Also researching companies to see what their values are and what they’re doing as far as standing up for workers' rights, diversity and equality, as well as their approach to sustainability. It might seem overwhelming at the beginning but once you find the community and know more, it gets easier and is such a fun space!
What other projects or things are you looking forward to this year?
I recently started a series where I sit down with people and talk about their sustainable journeys. While it’s a great excuse for me to sit down with friends and chat, it’s also a great way to see that everyone’s sustainability journey is different and not a one-size-fits-all. I hope to continue this project this year and learn more about sustainability beyond fashion!
Thank you so much, Pumulo!
Check out more of her style and ethical fashion interviews on Instagram. Also feel free to support Pumulo by using her link for 15% off your first purchase:
PUMULO15
Stay tuned for our next interview coming up soon. In the meantime, shop Pumulo's style!
Shop Pumulo's Style
101 Button Up
Martine Sand
Monty Turtleneck
Black Stripe
Chore Coat
Classic Denim