About

Creating Sustainable and Ethical Alternatives to Fashion and Life

Sustainable and ethical fashion is not only about the recycled materials, it’s also about greater ecological integrity and social justice. Each piece in our store is handmade in small batches and tells a story. At Arlokea, we dedicate ourselves to thoughtfully sourcing material, artisan groups and suppliers that support marginalized individuals, commit to sustainability and have give- back initiatives that truly have an impact on people’s lives and well-being.

 

How it started

In 2018, our founder Joelle Cowie received the news that she is a sickle cell carrier. Even though she does not have sickle cell, a blood disorder that affects the amount of oxygen that passes through the body and causes episodes of severe chronic pain and organ damage, finding out that she is a carrier changed her perspective on life. She felt a new energy and determination to use her resources to help others.

With a background in supply chain management and her family's involvement with different non- profit organizations, she had the idea to develop a brand centred around recognizing our ethical and social responsibility to contribute to our global community, whether or not we are directly affected by a disease or a particular social issue. This lead to creating Arlokea, an ethical brand designed to champion activists who are working to fight social injustices in their communities.

The non-profit organizations, suppliers and artisan groups that Arlokea work with for production and Giveback Campaigns uphold the same level of commitment to creating social change and build a more sustainable future.

 

Our values

Everything we do here at Arlokea is based on our values. They show us how to make the best decisions with working with artisan groups, suppliers, non-profit groups and our customers.

 

Support Others
Lend a helping hand and make life better for others.
We are determined to help people in need and actively seek different ways to support people in their community. We are open to hearing about new ways to help and work alongside our non-profit partners to choose what to support. Accountability is important so we always make sure to share the impact that Arlokea has with our customers.

 

Commit to Sustainability
Act in ways that are environmentally friendly, sustainable and efficient.
The fashion industry is known to be heavy environmental polluters because of fabric dying, water consumption and production. We actively look for ways to reduce waste, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in everything we produce. 

Build Strong Communities
Work together to encourage each other to grow.
We are proudly connected to communities that seek to uplift, educate and empower others to thrive in their environment. We are stronger as a society when we stand and work together.

Our Social Branches

Here at Arlokea we focus on three key areas.

 

Health

Health is a key priority for us whether it is physical, mental or emotional health. It is essential to support the fight against illness by funding research and supporting individuals and families affected by the disease. We want to promote healthy, happy communities both locally and internationally.

Education

Education has the power to transform society and gives individuals the tools to make informed decisions about their lives. Everyone should be given the opportunity of a decent education. The funds directed toward our nonprofit partners in education are focused on allowing children to stay in school and have an equal chance of receiving a quality education.

Community

Inequality in a community exacerbates social issues and increases incidences of violence, discrimination, and abuse. We must strive to remove barriers that cause inequality in communities and stand for those who are also trying to do the same. The funds directed to our non-profit partners in the community are used to remove these barriers and build bridges through art, sports, and other endeavors.