We had the good fortune of connecting with Madelyn Kelley Boewe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Madelyn, how does your business help the community?
VirtYouUs.com is a sustainable fashion shopping site for shoppers to find many different brands and styles of clothing with the promise that each brand follows our sustainability standards. Sustainable fashion first and foremost puts the Earth into consideration in every part of the manufacturing process as well as the treatment of the garment workers making each item. Many people don’t realize this, but fashion is considered the second most polluting industry in the world. Not only are there high levels of water waste, fiber waste, and CO2 waste; but also the chemical processes prevalent in all mainstream clothing manufacturing produces and uses harmful chemicals that we are then releasing into our waterways, oceans, and that we are absorbing into our bodies every time we wear these clothes. VirtYouUs has made shopping for sustainable clothing that much easier, therefore encouraging the health and vitality of communities around the globe, wild life, and the planet itself.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I was a little girl and was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer always seemed to be, “I just want to make the world a better place.” This rings true still, and shows up in all aspects of my life and business. Every business decision I make, I make from this state of mind and this has served me incredibly well thus far.

The biggest hurdle I have had to jump over so far has been myself: imposter syndrome is such a real battle I think for so many of us, and I remind myself daily that ignoring the self-doubt and just going on anyways is what will make me happiest at the end of the day rather than staying frozen in non-action.

I am most excited about the refurbished website that will be launching soon in the next few months, which promises to make the shopping experience that much easier as well as display that many more sustainable brands and products on the site. A perfectionist at heart, anytime I can make something better and easier I get excited!

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?
I am generally big on spending quality time with friends in relaxed, easy-going environments where there will be no parking anxiety or tons of people. I would stay way far away from any and all tourist traps, and focus the trip on spending time outside and eating good food. I would take them to the hiking trail off of Old Topanga and then over to La Chingona Tacos at Pine Tree Circle for some delicious, organic tacos, followed by a visit to the Well refill shop. Another day or two would be spent on many of the beaches in Malibu with a picnic of food from Erewhon, telling stories, and laughing… Many meals would be eaten at my house with food from my garden, perhaps another day would be spent just at the Calabasas Farmers Market followed by a visit to the French shop a few doors down. And likely another day would be spent meandering through Ojai, hiking, yoga classes at Meditation Mount, and food at the Farmer and the Cook or Boku or Hip Vegan, and acai bowls at Revel Kombucha…

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my supportive and loving husband, my inspiring and strong friends, my parents for sacrificing to send me to a private school that taught me to think outside the box and be creative, and that very school that gave me this confidence and independence: Highland Hall Waldorf School.

Website: virtyouus.com

Instagram: @virtyouus

Facebook: @virtyouus

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