Slowly and Simply with Chloé kian
Tell us a bit about yourself (who you are, where you live) and how come to start your Youtube channel?
My name is Chloe, I’m a Swiss Influencer focused on ethical fashion and sustainable living. I started my channel back in 2015 while staying in Tahiti to document my travels.
What can people expect to find on Chloé Kian channel?
Everything related to sustainable lifestyle and well being. I talk a lot about ethical fashion, veganism, zero waste and natural self-care.
At what point did you begin to eat and live more organically and learn about
sustainability?
I went vegan in 2013 at the age of 17 after battling with depression, anxiety and eating disorder for 2 years. It was purely for personal health reasons at first, but the more I learnt about the values behind veganism the less I could envision going back. Going vegan was the change I had to make to start questioning everything I was consuming in my daily life, not only food wise. I got introduced to zero waste lifestyle, fair fashion, and even ethical banking.
You have a very strong connection with outdoor activities and sports. What drives your motivation for to be so active?
I grew up in a very active family and started skiing at the age of 2. I guess it’s in my genes somehow… Being outdoors makes me feel alive and healthy, both mentally and physically. Therefore, I discipline myself to keep up with this good habit.
When did you start practicing yoga and why? How does yoga relate to meditation and how have both practices impacted your life?
I started in 2014 when I first lived in Berlin for a few months. I was always curious about sports and well being so it felt natural for me to give yoga a try. I think meditation and yoga can be practiced together or separately. I also think yoga is a form of meditation in a way as it truly draws your focus back to yourself, to your breath, your inner feels. Yoga and meditation have changed my personality to some extent, or should I saw, soften it… I am a lot more calm and grounded than I used to be a couple years ago and deal with difficult situations in a less compulsive way. I have learnt to appreciate little moments and simple things. It’s forced me to slow down and look inside, which I deeply needed and still need. Along with all the intensive activities I do such as running and the stress and pressure in my work life, yoga and meditation help me find balance, stillness and strongly impact my mental health and clarity.
What do you think about the future of conscious consumerism?
I believe we don’t only have to change where and from who we shop. We should definitely reconsider how much and how often we consume. We should invest more money in less items and focus on the longevity of everything we add in our lives. Finally, we should also consider the after life of the items and products we buy. Are they recyclable, compostable or even biodegradable? Can we return them to the company we bought it from so that they can recycle or repurpose the items? Companies need to start thinking about closed loop systems and circular economy for real sustainable solutions.
Why did you make the choice to live slow and what has changed most in your life
by living this way?
The purpose of living a happy and healthy life motivated me to take according actions. What has changed the most I would say is not just the perception I have on the World but also the way I perceive myself. Over the years I have learnt to be kind and loving to the planet, the animals, the people and myself.
If someone wanted to start living simply, what advice would you give them?
I would encourage this person to reconnect with the things that bring them joy (the people, the activities, the things). Once one reconnects with what truly makes them happy, they are able to detach from unnecessary possessions, unhealthy habits ant toxic relationships. A life without clutter is a simple life and clutter is not only physic.
What would be your favorite place by the sea to live a slow life?
The North Shore on Oahu.
NAME: Chloé Kian
AGE: 23
LIVES IN: Switzerland
KNOWN FOR: Sustainable living and ethical fashion activist
INSTAGRAM: @chloe.kian
WEBSITE: https://www.youtube.com/chloekian
SHOP THE STORY: Chloe wears Celina Overall – Beige Stripes
