Meet Jeanne De Kroon, founder of Zazi Vintage: a luxury ethical fashion brand working for sustainability, women's economic + social independence. Today she shares the story behind Zazi Vintage, her love for Yin yoga + what truly nourishes her mind, body + soul.
- Hi Jeanne. We would love you to tell us little about your journey and the story of Zazi Vintage.
I started my company called Zazi a year ago which turned in to a platform that combines all my dreams of working with the most amazing women in small villages on sustainable development and simultaneously operates in the luxury fashion market by making crazy coats from old carpets found in dusty mountains by local partner families and fund girls education projects. It grew from one girl ironing dresses on her yoga mat (me) at home into a real company within the past year, and right now operates in many central asian countries, India, Nepal and Afghanistan.
- How do you find your daily source of golden balance?
My golden balance mostly comes from my little sacred morning routine. I like to wake up early and start the morning with Yin yoga and put on some music from the Huni Kuin tribe from the amazon. I have my little rituals (includes drinking coffee and eating dates with almond butter) but more importantly, my best days are when I start writing down my intentions after a short yin yoga session. I also love running in the woods every morning. My days in general are quite full with busy city life and coordinating my company at this stage so these 2 hours in the morning that I take for myself are the thing that keeps me balanced and happy.
- How important is self-care to you, and do you often implement it into your regular rituals?
Its essential! I am an only child so understanding the self and the way that this Jeanne body and mind works has been the most exciting journey of all journeys. I think in modern day society we don’t take enough time for ourselves and it is only in the times that you can reflect that you find the most special powers you have. I guess this is where my morning routine comes from. I haven’t always had the easiest path (like everybody) and have seen dark days and depression without purpose and play. Implementing rituals that create awareness of your own body and mind and your perception of the world around you gives space to grasp the reason behind it all.
- We know nourishment from the inside out is fundamental to you. How do you practice this every day?
I practice nourishment in many ways but I still believe that the most important thing you can feed yourself is to be surrounded by people that give you energy, life and light.
- What are some of your favourite ways to wind down?
Yin yoga! And I am trying out a lemon water fast now using Wunder Workshop over the next week. I think fasting is one of the most magical things so far like all things that work on our ‘yin' energy.
- Ingredients-wise, what are your three non-negotiables in the kitchen?
I always add turmeric to my daily routine. I have been spending a lot of time in India the last years as I am working with different women empowering NGOs where the women told me about the benefits of drinking golden milk in the evening and whenever something in your body or mind is not working.
I also love anything green and adding almond butter on every fruit possible.
- Now tell us, do you have a guilty pleasure?
DATES AND ALMOND BUTTER !
- What is your favourite way to use turmeric, be it in your beauty regime or recipes?
I of course love turmeric lattes (especially the Golden Shrooms one) but I also love mixing water with homemade fennel and hops drops and some turmeric honey from Wunder. It has been my favourite summer drink!
- Matcha or turmeric latte?
Turmeric of course