Big Changes for Us and for You: We’re Leaving Facebook and Instagram
Here’s a little something from our recent client photo shoot with Angela. You can see more of the action and hear her experience working with Poplin virtually on this short video. Angela’s hair and makeup by Hanna Mazur, Photo by Chamonix Films and styling by Poplin. Awesomeness provided by Angela.
I know, we’ve always got exciting developments over here. And that isn’t stopping now. In fact, these are some VERY big updates and I’m happy to share them with you first.
Like any good team meeting, let’s start with some big celebrations, shall we? Poplin celebrated eight years of personal styling in October. Huzzah! I can’t possibly thank this community enough for propelling me through eight years of adventures, creativity, connection and the opportunity to make an important impact in the lives of others.
Values-Based Styling
You, of all people, Dear Reader, understand that this is a values-based business. Poplin is not about elevating your personal style to impress others or satisfy the patriarchy. It is about looking and feeling like your authentic self so that you can have confidence to do what you are meant to do in the world. It’s about expressing yourself without even speaking. It’s about knowing who you are at any size, at any age, at any time in your life.
During the styling process, it’s most obvious that we focus on values when it comes to sustainable pieces or secondhand clothing. But that is also the case with intentional shopping: buying what flatters your frame, is authentic to your personal style and is within your color story. Finding new ways to wear pieces (hello, Outfit session) is another way to express your values by buying less and still experiencing the joy of a new outfit. You get me.
Values-Based Business
Over here, in Poplin Land, it’s about making choices everyday that reflect our values and show you, the Poplin Community, who we are. Mostly, those decisions are behind the scenes and not something that might be visible to the outside world. This one is bigger and is going to impact you, Dear Reader. I think that’s a good thing.
As of January 1, 2022, Poplin Style will no longer be on Facebook or Instagram.
“Thirty-two per cent of teen girls said that when they felt bad about their bodies, Instagram made them feel worse,” While we can’t control the models that are showing off my favorite pieces, we’ve been proud to share images of real women on Poplin’s social media and the website over the years. This is not enough. Yes, of course, there is good that comes from connecting on social media. And yes, absolutely, every company has negative aspects. As the founder of this values-based business, it’s clear to me that the values of Facebook and Instagram are just too far from my own and I can no longer participate in making them stronger. If we want to see changes, we must make them ourselves and the most powerful way to have an impact is to leave the platforms.
This decision has been a long time coming. Yes, the “Facebook Files” are drawing more attention to the practices of these companies and that helps solidify that this is the right time for this change. I am confident that this will open up new spaces for connection. Until then, we’ve got a plan!
Poplin photo shoots are fun. You know what else is going to be crazy fun? Our Slack Channel. Can’t wait to see you there! Angela’s hair and makeup by Hanna Mazur, Photo by Chamonix Films and styling by Poplin. Hilarity provided by Angela.
Welcome to a More Intimate, Authentic Poplin Community
If you know me, you know we’ve got plans!
The first places to go for Poplin are our bi-monthly newsletter and the blog. So please be sure you are on our email list. It will matter now more than ever. Additionally, over the next couple of months, we’ll continue to amp up our presence on Pinterest to make finding inspiration fun and easy for you. Those will be good places to find the latest blog posts, client testimonials and must have pieces. But wait, there’s more.
Starting next month, we’ll be launching the Poplin Style Slack Channel.
If you are on Slack for work, you can just add our channel to stay in touch. If not, this is a fun, no pressure introduction to the platform that you can access on your phone or computer. Think of it as the AOL Instant Messenger from a lifetime ago — only easier to use and with more capabilities. Don’t worry. We’ll walk you through it as we get closer or you can watch this three minute video now. Full disclosure: I have yet to master Slack, so we can experiment together.
I LOVE this plan because it will help build a stronger Poplin community as you will all have a chance to get to know one another in an authentic way that doesn’t feel performative or in search of likes or traffic. When I am creating Uber Wishlists, I often find pieces I adore — just not for that client. Now, I can post those finds to Slack and Pinterest. So, you’ll see fun spur-of-the-moment options pop up on the channel. We’ll also have regularly scheduled Q+A including, “How do I make this piece work for me?” and tips on having a smaller carbon footprint while still experiencing the joy of fashion.
Last week a client texted me about a book that has an entire chapter on “The Bikini Industrial Complex”. Then I saw another client and mentioned it when she quickly added, “I just read it and sent it to several friends!” That’s the sort of thing that will come up on Slack. I’ll be able to post images everyday, just like on Instagram. You can ask questions directly to me or the group. Like, do you have a favorite camisole for wicking sweat away and preventing underarm stains? And we can all chime in. (Here’s mine.) You can also control how often you are being notified of updates to help manage your time in the way that is best for YOU. Get the idea. It will be fun. It will be easy. And it will be real.
Next Steps
As a kid, I thought that if everyone just mailed in a couple of dollars to the government, we could all pay off the national debt in a day. Yes, I thought about the national debt as a kid and yes, my idealism started young, too. While that may not be in the cards, I am a true believer that we each do our part to make the world better and collectively we all feel the benefits.
Moving forward just keep your eyes peeled. First and foremost, make sure you are on the mailing list. And please encourage anyone you know who may rely on social to keep up with us to hop on the mailing list, too. If you aren’t already following Poplin on Pinterest, please do that.
More than anything, just give yourself a giant virtual hug from me. And, please know that this is a decision that’s best for me and my community. Still on Facebook and Instagram or working at Facebook or Instagram? I’m not judging you. I get it. That’s the Poplin way. If we all live by our own unique values, the world will be a better place, even if those values aren’t always the same…. especially if those values aren’t the same.
I appreciate you supporting this business for the past eight years and can’t wait to unveil the rest of this master plan as it unfolds. Have thoughts, comments or questions? Please reach out! As always, it’s important to me that everyone feel included. If this feels daunting, don’t worry. I’ve got you.
P.S. If you aren’t on the email list, this is a great time to sign up. Get 6 weeks of style tips to your inbox as a bonus for being here. Already on? Please share Poplin with a friend.