Slow fashion with The Slow Mode

Kaitie Manani is the woman behind The Slow Mode, an online store filled with a curated selection of slowly-made fashion, home and beauty pieces from all over the globe.

In this interview we chat to Kaitie about her journey so far, the yearning for more purpose and meaning in your work and knowing you are more resilient than you ever realise.

Q1: Hi Kaitie, welcome to the Woman Of Series! Can you tell us what it is you create?
The Slow Mode is a curation of slowly-made fashion, home and beauty pieces from all over the globe.

Q2: When did you start The Slow Mode? What inspired you to go down this path?
The Slow Mode launched 3 years ago, after 7 years of building my previous swimwear business Vamastyle. I was left feeling so overburdened and stuck in a stressed state with what I had created. I was yearning for more purpose and meaning win my work, that aligned with my personal beliefs.

But all of the stress I had poured into this business took it's toll on my body big time. For 5 years I had been "coping" with a mix of thyroid, fatigue and autoimmune issues, but a severe adrenal fatigue crash was the final straw that flattened me to the floor so hard, it was frightening.

I was a hairline away from a complete adrenal failure (i.e. - hospital) - suffering from panic attacks, raging cortisol - wired all night and exhausted all day, extreme fatigue, nausea and vertigo. The list went on and on.

I couldn't ignore any of these symptoms any longer. Change was needed. I needed to find my SLOW and get back to a nourishing, nurturing and creative flow for my mind, body and soul.

During this healing time, Vedic meditation was (and still it) my lifeline connecting me back inwards, allowing deep healing and recharging my over worked liver, thyroid and adrenals gently.

The Slow Mode concept came to me during a meditation session. I knew it was exactly the right type of business that was nurturing, a creative community involved. A place where you can find a hand-picked selection of unique fashion, home and beauty brands with thoughtful details all made "slowly" with meaning and purpose.

As well as providing wellness guides: sharing stories of healing and advice from wellness warrior I've connected with, by sharing their own healing stories (along with my own) and helping other optimise their own health journey.

Q3: Talk us through your creative process. How do you reach your signature style?
I’m constantly searching for under the radar labels that have been made-slowly, resonate with The Slow Mode values and work in beautifully with the other pieces I’ve curated for The Slow Mode.

Q4: What single tool or strategy have you found invaluable to your business so far?
Offering a variety of small batch production labels, constantly keeping the labels refreshed and updated.

Q5: What is your big hope and dream for your work?
I’d love to support more women within The Slow Mode studio. Alongside supporting more female run businesses that fit with The Slow Mode principles.

Q6: What are your top 3 superpowers?
Creative, Adaptive, Laughter

Q7: We’re all about women inspiring women. Who inspires you?
My mum!

Q8: What advice would you impart on the next generation of women, and women in business?
You are always more resilient than you ever realise and give credit for.