Meet Klaudia Naqvi | Entrepeneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Klaudia Naqvi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Klaudia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I started as a copywriter/editor for tech companies in their business-to-business sectors and also collaborated with various clothing labels. Over the years, I learned a lot about what it means to create and communicate a business narrative. Combining my love of storytelling with an increasing awareness of the state of our environment, I saw firsthand how businesses often fall short in fully grasping the power they hold in the context of sustainability and ethical consumerism.

As I delved more into this, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, reshaping our lives and priorities. For me it became apparent more than ever that our world needed more than just a business-as-usual approach. The changing climate, coupled with the pandemic, magnified the urgency for a mindful shift in my daily live and the choices I make as a consumer.

This realization fueled my commitment into a new endeavor – a fashion line committed to environmental consciousness, with a specific emphasis on mental health, recognizing the profound connection between the two.

Three dollars from every item sold contribute to initiatives supporting climate solutions or mental health initiatives.

I discovered that within every story, there exists a common thread linking environmental responsibility, mental health, and the transformative influence of businesses. Our choices, both in terms of what we wear, what we consume and how we communicate, contribute to a larger collective narrative. The goal is to create a narrative that promotes environmental consciousness, resilience, and a future characterized by increased awareness of the impact our actions have on our surroundings.

What should our readers know about your business?
‘Feels and Seas’ is a lifestyle/ apparel brand with a deep focus on rekindling our bond with the natural world. What makes us different from other brands is our strong commitment to being environmentally conscious and compassionate. We’re all about redefining fashion responsibly by crafting in small, purposeful batches with recycled and organic materials. Each purchase at ‘Feels and Seas’ chips in $3 to support initiatives for emotional well-being and climate change solutions.

The road to where we are now wasn’t without its challenges, but it’s a testament to our resilience and the lessons we’ve picked up along the way. Our strength lies in recognizing the link between emotional well-being and our planet’s health, especially in the face of a changing climate. We’re genuinely excited about the positive impact we’re creating and the mindful choices our community is making.

In a world often filled with mindless consumption, we aim to redefine what conscious clothing truly means.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Monday: Start the day with breakfast at Coral Tree Cafe, followed by a serene meditation session at Lake Shrine. In the afternoon, embark on a late hike at Mandeville Canyon in Brentwood (a 2-hour round trip). Wrap up the day with a delightful dinner at Sushi Fumi in West Hollywood.

Tuesday: Explore the Huntington Library Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, immersing in its vast art collection and stunning gardens. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through Old Pasadena and cap the evening with dinner at Il Fornaio.

Wednesday: Begin with breakfast at Great White on Melrose Ave, then wander through the trendy Melrose Ave. Later, visit the iconic Stahl House in Hollywood Hills (reservations required). Cap off the day at Griffith Observatory for a mesmerizing view of the night sky.

Thursday: Lunch at Grand Central Market in Downtown LA, followed by gallery-hopping in the arts district. Explore either MOCA or The Broad and wander through ROW DTLA. Finish the day with dinner at LA Cha Cha Chá.

Friday: Take a scenic stroll at Lake Hollywood, followed by shopping in Franklin Village and Los Feliz. Enjoy dinner at Fred 62 diner and catch a movie at the charming Los Feliz Theatre.

Saturday: Experience a coastal drive, stopping at Point Dume and spending the day at Lechuza Beach. Conclude the day with a delicious meal at Cholada Thai Food in Malibu.

Sunday: Head to Melrose Trading Post for unique vintage finds. Wind down the evening with drinks at Zinque on Melrose.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Reflecting on my journey, the driving force that fueled my determination to always move forward was the power of literature and its guiding role through challenges I have faced. In moments of uncertainty I consistently turned to books, finding a renewed sense of clarity within their pages. In this context, a special shoutout goes to ‘The Overstory’ by Richard Powers. This exceptional work has been a guiding light in my recent journey. Its profound exploration of environmentalism, skillfully entwined within a captivating storyline, has inspired and motivated me. The way Powers addresses environmental themes in the book has sparked new perspectives and a deeper understanding of the world around me. Books, like ‘The Overstory,’ are a testament to the idea that storytelling can be a powerful ally, offering insights, inspiration, and motivation in our personal and professional growth.

Website: www.feelsandseas.com

Instagram: @klaudianaqvi

Other: instagram for feels and seas: @feelsandseas