Bag Lady Interview: Angela - Owner of MARNē

WHY HOZEN?

When I started doing brand research for a boutique I was dreaming up, HOZEN was the answer to a question I kept asking myself. Where the eff are all of the fashion forward vegan handbags? Don't get me wrong… It's easy to find a vegan bag, but when you look at the entirety of the brand, and what they stand for, it was really hard to find something that was ethically in line with my beliefs AND cute as hell. Discovering HOZEN was such a treat! They've been part of our shop since the beginning and will be forever.

Easy - Comfortable - Wearable. The belt bag has been such a fun accessory to sit alongside a lot of basic pieces that we carry at MARNē. It travels like a champ and pairs well with everything. My dress is essentially a giant hug. Made from 100% organic cotton, Beaumont Organic is new to the shop but an absolute favorite. My slides are Good Guys Don't Wear Leather. They are an incredible ALL VEGAN company that makes quality, cruelty free shoes.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR DOWN TIME?

Spend time outside. The recent events have really given me the excuse to spend as much time as I want on our front porch, the back deck, and long walks with our dogs, Marne and Weston. Pre-pandemic, my husband and I love to go on off-roading trips across the country. With the right vehicle, you get to see parts of the country that most don't. Basically... put me in nature and I'm happy.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

At the end of the day, it is seeing people make different choices because of the shop. When MARNē first started with pop-up shops, people were kept asking "what is sustainable fashion? What is vegan leather?" The list could go on and on. But NOW, there are so many people that are advocates of the shop. They're spreading knowledge because of this space and that motivates me beyond anything else.

FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD?

A recent off-roading trip to Moab really stole my heart. I never thought a place could make me feel so humbled. It's remarkably vast and mostly remote so you really have to unplug to be there. Highly recommend it!

WHAT IS A SELF-CARE PRACTICE YOU DO TO STAY HEALTHY?

Gratitude journaling. Starting my day off with a cup of coffee, my front porch and journaling literally changes everything. When I don't do it, I see a huge difference in my actions and thinking throughout the day. Try it… seriously. Write down three things you're grateful for every morning for a week and see what happens.

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Margaritas and guacamole!!!!!!!!