Who would have thought trying to create a large-scale natural dyeing capability from scratch - is really REALLY hard.

Today marked the close of what was an EPIC 6 days that made up our natural dyeing workshop. The goal of the workshop was three fold:

1. Train the women we work with in the new natural dyeing process.
2. Test the color fastening of our newly developed technique that uses boiled banana tree as a binding agent.
3. Put our newly constructed hand operated dyeing machine - know from here on forward as "Todo es posible" - to the test.

Check out our highlight reel below and learn a thing or two about the incredible process of natural dyeing.

And stay tuned for our next update when we will be able to reveal the dyeing results! 

On the ground in Guatemala - 

“Everything is possible” is the Spanish phrase repeated daily by our main-man on the ground here in Guatemala - Louis, husband of Michaela, and one of the most inspiring people we’ve had the privilege of working with.

He recited it once again last week as we reached a major milestone in the I AM. production model - our first stainless steel, hand operated dyeing machine was completed that will (fingers crossed!) allow us to scale the natural dyeing process in Guatemala.

The machine was designed by the I AM. team in consultation with dyeing experts in Guatemala and the US, and built by the master when it comes to welding and constructing taco stands in Guatemala.

The result? See for yourself.

In other news.

Challenge #258: Well, the hits just keep on coming. Last week we learnt from our friend Olga (a.k.a the Guatemalan natural dyeing guru) that the binding agent, which binds the color pigment to the textiles, currently used by the women is not sustainable on a large scale and could potentially have a negative environmental impact. This is of course a major concern for us and dedicated to establishing the most environmentally sustainable solution we have made a tough decision - start. from. scratch.

We have organized for Olga to run a 6 day workshop to teach the women a new dyeing process - one that is 100% natural and uses boiled banana trees as a substitute for the chemical fixing agent adopted originally.

This will unfortunately push back the forecasted production of your I AM. yoga bags and straps. Given the increased uncertainty we can’t guarantee a new production date but can promise that they will be worth the wait! We'll keep you closely updated with further progress on the ground.

Remember, we always like you to join in on the conversation – so if you have something to share please get in touch at connect@theiamidea.com or drop by www.facebook.com/theiamidea.

Bring on challenge #259!

Hola Kickstarters!

“Now the hard work begins” – how right we were…

Half of the I AM. team is now back representing in Guatemala where we are re-connecting with natural dying experts to plan and build the machinery required for the dyeing facility.

We were fortunate enough to connect with an amazing women named Olga who, with over 25 years of experience, is THE person when it comes to natural dyeing. When we asked her if she knew of anyone else doing what we`re trying to do she said, “one or two.”

“One or two in Guatemala?” 

“No...in the world.”

Nervous much?

We are hoping to have the first machine ready mid January so we can begin testing and perfecting the procedure to ensure that the color is fastening properly to the textiles. Our artisans have been busy weaving and we currently have around 50 completed weavings which can make around 100 bags! A very impressive start...

Meanwhile back in San Francisco, for those of you that ordered only the Kickstarter tee - it's on its way to you in time for the Holidays! Unfortunately for our international tee backers it won't make it to you in time for Christmas but should arrive in time to ring in the New Year in style.

We're also currently tweaking our website to get everything ready for our e-commerce launch in February - design, code, test and repeat! Regrettably we have noticed while digging around in the back end of our site that our contact form on our website was down for a couple of weeks in October so if you did contact us via the form and you haven't heard back - we are not ignoring you - we sadly never got your enquiry so PLEASE try again.

Design wise we're also working on the swing tickets for our products - we're pushing for something super creative that really tells the story of I AM. so if you've got any great ideas we're all ears: connect@theiamidea.com

We've been getting some great media attention recently and even have an upcoming spread in the March/April issue of an amazing magazine which we're pretty excited about - stay tuned for that one. Check out a couple of our recent online features here:

http://www.getmilkshake.com/weaving_a_change 

http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/i-am 

Well, back to it. If you've got any questions/comments/concerns or just want to wish us a Merry Christmas email us at connect@theiamidea.com

The I AM. Team.

We did it!!

It’s crazy to think that it was more than 12 months ago when the idea for I AM. was first conceived. The road from there has been filled with highs, lows and more challenges than I care to remember. 

Faced with failure, fear and setbacks on countless occasions even getting to the point of launching on Kickstarter was a miracle in itself! Throughout the campaign – nothing went to plan, but a shared belief in the potential of I AM. and the support from everyone we met along the way gave us the inspiration to never give up.

I think it’s fitting, albeit crazy, that the campaign ended with me on a treadmill for 50 hours as it reflects the power of believing in an idea and of making a choice.

I AM. is the idea that our consumer choices can have social impact -- for good! Now, thanks to you – it is a reality.

This never could have happened without the incredible support of so many amazing people. To everyone who posted about us on Facebook, ‘liked’ a link, told a friend, sent an email, blogged about us and backed us, YOU made I AM. a reality! So thank you!

A special thanks to Waylon Lewis and the team at Elephant Journal – the support you showed us throughout the campaign was absolutely incredible and will not be forgotten. To the HUB and fellow Hubbers, we are truly blessed to work amongst such innovative people who continually encourage and support us. Finally, to my sister, colleague and best friend, Jessie - I AM. would never have happened without you! Thank you for being there every step of the way.

Well, as one of our Ambassadors posted on our wall after our treadmill efforts – “now the hard work begins” – and he was right.

I look forward to sharing the I AM. journey with you all. 

This is only the beginning.

Will

I AM. WILL power

“I’m not afraid to die on a treadmill. I will not be outworked. Period.” - Will Smith

Inspired throughout the I AM. journey by the determination and strength of actor, Will Smith, our Will has decided to show his own strength and commitment to the women he promised to help by stepping onto a treadmill, and not getting off until his campaign is funded on Kickstarter. 

10am, November 17th, Will started Walking.

Don't believe us? Well we're live-streaming it all for your viewing pleasure: www.dontletwilldie.com

Watch. Share. Support. And don't let Will die.