Cause Haun and her husband Gang Chen are the founders of See Kai Run®, a children’s footwear company focused on offering

See Kai Run

both style and healthy comfort. After the birth of their first son, Kai, for whom the company is named, Cause became frustrated by what was available and was motivated to be a pioneer in the industry, developing kids’ shoes that were not only “fun and sophisticated” but also uncompromising in safety and support for little ones’ developing feet. Thus, in 2004, See Kai Run® was born, starting at small boutiques in the Seattle area to great acclaim and growing at an impressive rate. The shoes can now be found across the country and even the world, including in countries such as China, Israel, and New Zealand. Each of their shoe designs has received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance, and the company now has three categories of footwear, addressing the needs of different ages: Smaller (0 to 24 months), See Kai Run (6 months to 3 years), and a new line, Kai (2 to 6 years), coming August of this year.

Here’s what one tester mom had to say:

“My son has pretty much only worn Smaller and See Kai Run shoes. The shoes really hit the mark… He seems to be so comfortable in them, and the styles are so unique without being over the top. I think my husband wishes they made dad versions! J I’m psyched to hear that they’re expanding to the bigger kid shoes so I can keep my little guy looking stylish and feeling comfy as he starts school in a couple of years!”

Here’s what Cause had to say to Modern Hippie Mag about the company, its charities, the shoes, and how See Kai Run® fits the modern hippie mentality…

What did you do before starting See Kai Run?

I have a degree in International Business and spent most of my career working with non-profit educational foundations to bring international exchange students to host families in the U.S.

How did you go about launching the company?

It was a small project at the beginning.  I had the idea to sell these great shoes to local boutiques and consignment stores in Seattle. It literally exploded across the country within months, and I thank my lucky stars every day!

What’s involved in creating shoes that look good, are made well, and are good for kids’ feet?

Ensuring they are good for kids’ feet has been figured out. Our shoe shapes are wide enough to allow the toes to fully spread out. The soles are made in a way that allows the most flexibility while protecting feet from the elements. The choice of leather uppers with leather lining makes the shoes breathable for those sweaty little feet. We make sure the collars and tongues are padded to prevent any red spots or “break-in period.” There should never be a break-in period needed for shoes!

I also believe we’ve done a very good job ensuring our shoes are made well. They have a hand-crafted quality to them, and our quality assurance program is quite rigorous. Because of that we have a very low defective rate and completely stand behind our product.

The most fun part is creating a shoe that looks “good.” I do my best to design shoes that I would want to see on the shelf and buy for my children. Part of the reason I took a chance in starting See Kai Run was that I did not see a lot of footwear on the market that appealed to me. I try to create unusual color combinations and styles to offer another choice to parents!

What are the materials used in the shoes?

We use a combination of different types of all-natural leather for the uppers and for the lining. We ensure that the meet all of the non-toxicity requirements in the U.S. and in all parts of the world, including the more stringent EU standards.

What is required to become approved by the APMA?

A lot! From their website: “The APMA Seal of Acceptance Program recognizes products which have been found beneficial to foot health and of significant value when used in a consistently applied program of daily foot care and regular professional treatment. The Seal is awarded to a product after the Committee on Podiatric Seals, a standing committee of the APMA, scientifically evaluates and determines whether the product allows normal foot function and promotes quality foot health. Additionally, evidence of usefulness and safety must be established, either by an appropriately recognized laboratory or clinical investigation, or by the product’s meeting certain physical standards applicable to materials, footwear, insoles, hosiery, equipment, or pharmaceuticals. Companies must provide research documentation, information on intended use, patents, composition, and evidence of quality control procedures for each product. A detailed scientific evaluation is conducted by each committee member on every product. The committee then sends its recommendation to the APMA Board of Trustees, which has the authorization to either accept or reject the recommendation.”

Your Smaller, soft-soled line ends at 24 months, and the See Kai Run, harder-soled line starts at 6-9 months. Why the overlap here? What do you recommend for parents when they’re looking to buy either from the Smaller or See Kai Run lines for a 6- to 24-month old?

The choice between Smaller and See Kai Run is really about the function required by your little walker or pre-walker. If your little one had not learned to walk well or is just getting started walking, Smaller is the best choice. It provides the most flexibility while those muscles are still developing. The rubber sole runs throughout the length of the shoe, with two pads poking through the suede to provide traction. The Smaller sole provides enough protection for light outdoor use. You would want to choose the See Kai Run line when your little one is spending a lot of time walking or running outdoors.

What has your charitable involvement been like?  I know you donate to Soles4Souls – How did you select Soles4Souls as one of the charities you participate in?

When I heard about Soles4Souls, I thought it was a perfect fit (no pun intended)! It is an awesome organization that started with a real, tangible need. There are 300 million children in the world who have never owned a pair of shoes. And it’s really not about comfort – it’s a matter of preventing injury and disease. Children in some parts of the world must walk through very dangerous environments.

Soles4Souls was started by a former footwear executive who knew about all the waste in the footwear industry: overstock, samples, getting put in landfills! He has grown this organization that collects unwanted footwear, both new and used, and delivers it to people who can use it. See Kai Run has donated thousands of pairs over the years, starting over four years ago. Give them your unwanted shoes (www.soles4souls.org)! J They will be put to good use!

We also donate to local organizations. One in particular speaks to me: Westside Baby (www.westsidebaby.org). They work with social service agencies around King County (where Seattle is) and collect new and used clothing and gear for children who need them. Another big focus for them is collecting diapers for babies. Fortunately, our government-assistance programs help with food for children, but unfortunately, not with the necessity of diapers. You can imagine what that would do for a struggling family to not be able to have diapers. It has a ripple effect on the family’s entire well-being.

How does See Kai Run embody the “modern hippie” way of thinking?

That’s a great question. Well, most obviously, we want to create footwear that is appealing to individuals unsatisfied with the status quo of children’s footwear, i.e., offering more sophisticated and unusual designs than what is widely available. I try to push the envelope a bit each season. We have created a great company environment – a small group of committed employees that are excited by what they do. I believe we’ve fostered this environment by encouraging our employees to truly be themselves. We’ve allowed our employees to bring their babies to work for up to one year, and that has also fostered an environment of humanity and spontaneity. It’s hard to take yourself too seriously when there is a baby in your midst! And our company donates at least five percent of our profits to charities helping children.

Lastly, what do Kai and Ocean (Cause’s children) say about the shoes?  Do they have any input in the new designs?

They’ve always been around shoes. Whenever I make a comment about two colors looking nice together, Kai’s retort is, “Why don’t you make a shoe with those colors?” And Ocean is currently learning his way around Photoshop “designing” shoes. It’s fun!

Ellie

Ellie P. Campbell‘s eco-interests range from natural and organic foods to skincare products, clothing and other useful gear. She is a freelance photographer, editor, writer and graphic designer. Find her beautiful photography at www.elliepcampbellphotography.com. 

Modern Hippie of the Month: Cause Haun of See Kai Run is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Dean

Dean Stubbings is the owner, founder, and designer of Madera Furniture, using recycled/salvaged wood he creates one-of-a-kind furniture. His storefront/workshop is located in Fairfax, California.

When did you start “thinking green,” and what inspired you to do so?

In 1994, I got a job at Urban Ore – a salvage company in Berkeley, California that specializes in recycling. I worked for them on and off for about six years, and it was all I needed to accept the green way of life. People could go there to buy bathroom fixtures, wood, nails, furniture, books, doors… all from demo jobs, including some of the best in old building demos. This experience really taught me the meaning of the saying, “One person’s trash is another’s treasure.” I remodeled my first house using 80% recycled materials, some of which were purchased from Urban Ore.

How does being a “modern hippie” speak to you personally?

I try to implement green philosophies in my daily actions and pass them onto my four-year-old son. I bring my son to work, so he gets to hear the “sales pitch” often – artisan furniture made out of reclaimed/recycled wood. He especially likes that some of it comes from dumpsters. He’s fascinated with trash bins! I’m not sure how many other kids his age know about recycled wood.

Tell us a bit about Madera Furniture and how the company embodies eco-friendliness.

I make artisan furniture (both indoor and outdoor) out of salvaged wood, with all eco-friendly finishes and stains. I have been known to “dumpster dive” for wood. I use local vendors for supplies, local recycled wood, and all-natural products.

coffee table

How did you get started with furniture building?

Urban Ore was kind enough to rent me a space in their huge warehouse. I would buy their wood and make furniture right there on the spot. After many moves and especially after my son was born, I decided that it was time to open up my shop.

farm leaf table

How do you get ideas for your work?

Mainly from custom orders, but I build what I like. It’s usually super rustic.

adirondack and round table

What are the price points of your furniture?

Outdoor benches and tables run about $400 to $600, farm tables are $1,200 to $1,500, and raw edge dinner tables are priced about $2,000 to $3,000.

raw edge table, courtesy meisdesign.com

Where did you get your experience in woodworking?

I’ve been building benches for over 16 years, so practice, I guess!

What other modern hippies inspire you?

Anyone that can find something old and return it to working order. Urban Ore, they inspire me.

What are some eco-friendly products you can’t live without?

AFM Naturals for paint and building products.

Madera Furniture, www.maderafurniture.net, 1587 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fairfax CA, 94930, Get Directions, (415) 516-3567.

Ellie P. Campbell

Ellie P. Campbell’s eco-interests range from natural and organic foods to skincare products, clothing and other useful gear. She is a freelance photographer, editor, writer and graphic designer. Find her beautiful photography at www.elliepcampbellphotography.com. Read Ellie’s other contributions to Modern Hippie Mag here.

Modern Hippie of the Month: Dean Stubbings, Madera Furniture is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Kyle

Kyle Smitley is the owner and founder of barley & birch, a line of planet-saving children’s clothing. Kyle is also a full-time law student and was one of Inc. Magazine‘s Coolest Young Entrepreneurs in 2009.

How did you start “thinking green,” and what inspired you to do so?

I started living a green lifestyle in college when I took my first environmental science class. I think I was just blown away learning about all the effects that humans have on the planet and what will happen if this behavior continues. It was just mindboggling to me. During our first week, my professor asked us to save and bring to class every drink container we used for a week. Then she taught us all the effects of the plastic industry and the 90% of them that will end up in the trash. Needless to say, it made an enormous impact. I chose the field as my major and now, with my degree in environmental science, I carry that education and passion with me everywhere.

How does being a “modern hippie” speak to you personally?

It really exemplifies the sorts of things I have to do and decide on a daily basis. I think part of being a modern hippie is knowing when, where, and how to let both your hippie and modern sides come forth. Both running a business and being in law school are typically full of rules and deadlines, but being involved with the eco-friendly world is full of spontaneity and tree-hugging that is associated with being a “hippie.” My peers in law school are very straight-laced, goal- and money-focused, and all about school, so I really enjoy the concept of being a “modern hippie” because it’s all about being balanced and using your inner mix of being modern and being a hippie to improve your life, your community, and the world as a whole.

Can you tell us a bit about Barley & Birch?

Barley & Birch is a children’s clothing line that was created to give parents a truly organic and healthy alternative for their kids, while using the profits to make the line entirely carbon neutral. We also give at least 15% of the profits to organizations that are changing the lives of people all over the world.

Barley & Birch Spring 2010 Collection

How does Barley & Birch embody eco-friendliness?

We keep our environmental standards exceptionally high where all others cut some corners. We don’t stop at having one piece or even all of them being made of organic cotton. We have them printed with cutting-edge water-based inks with natural pigments. We have everything made in the United States (to avoid the pollution involved with trans-ocean shipping and because we are able to see the working conditions first hand.) We offset every ounce of carbon emissions. As far as being eco-friendly, I can’t think of one other clothing brand that goes to these lengths, which really should be the baseline, when you think about it.

Barley & Birch at Vivi Bambini

What other modern hippies inspire you?

You know, I love reading the blog Recycle Your Day for eco-inspiration. The writer, Leslie, really amazes me. I think I am pretty eco-aware at all times, really, but then I read her blog and she is making her own body cream and taking her own containers to get take out and I am like, “Dang! This woman is awesome! I need to step it up!” And I am always inspired by young women that are doing their part to truly do what’s best for the planet, like Alasandra, owner of Vivi Bambini, a children’s boutique in New Jersey. There are so many young women out there pretending to be green to make a quick buck, and it’s refreshing to find someone doing it for the right reasons.

What are some eco-friendly products you can’t live without?

My coffee thermos. It might not jump out at you as being eco-friendly, but when you think of the amount of waste that it prevents, it’s really incredible! Other than that, I love my compostable garbage bags and my CSA membership, so I am supporting local farms and cutting down on the incredible amount of fossil fuels that go into conventional off-season food consumption. All of these things make an enormous difference and are so very simple! It’s awesome!

Where do you get the materials for your clothing?

Everything is sourced from the United States.

Where is the clothing manufactured?

It’s milled, dyed, cut, and sewn in the same town in North Carolina. Making this happen was incredibly difficult to do, and it has huge environmental benefits. It’s also great that every single person in our chain knows one another and one another’s families. It is so neat!

Is every material used in your line sustainable?

Absolutely. If we hit an obstacle and doubt the sustainability of a facet of a new idea, it’s trashed. We don’t move forward with any concept that we couldn’t hold up to any of our customers and say “Look, it’s perfect.”

Solomon in Orca Shirt, Spring 2010 Collection

What are the price points?

Our pieces range from $25 to $60.

Where can people buy Barley & Birch clothing?

We have brick-and-mortar retailers all over the country, and our products are also sold online at great stores like fawn&forest, Ruby Pinwheels, or Keki Baby.

For what ages are the items available?

Our items are for children ages 3 months up through 10 years.

What is your background that led you to starting Barley & Birch?

I received my undergraduate degree from DePauw University having majored in Environmental Science and Philosophy with minors in Spanish and Chemistry. People teased me at the time, but every single subject had come in handy in the development of my business.

What are some of your other activities/hobbies?

I love to surf. I could surf all day. I also live for yoga. It truly ends up being the only moment of my day that my mind is silent and I am not stressing about work or school or saving the planet.

I know that you have a personal connection with what’s going on in Haiti. Can you tell us a bit about the time you spent there?

When I first traveled to Haiti, I was 17. My main purpose on my initial trip to Haiti was simply to deliver rice and water to schools all over the countryside and in the mountains, where there is little to no access to fresh drinking water. I fell in love with the country and, years later, I created Barley & Birch with the goal of being able to fund schools and clinics in Haiti. I’ve since been able to do that and continue to make wonderful friends there while helping the country that inspired me to work hard to change the planet.

How are you involved now?

We send money and in-kind donations to schools and clinics that I’ve worked with personally and see a need with. This sort of aid will all change now, after the earthquake, and we are all scrambling to figure out the status of our schools and friends and determine the most effective way for us to help now and long term.

What can we do to help?

Fortunately, there are many ways for people to help out. I can’t say enough good things about Oxfam, as they have an incredible reputation all over Haiti and Central America for the strength of their staffers and their ability to give aid exactly where it’s most needed. Another great group is MADRE, a group that focuses on helping women in nations like Haiti. I have worked with these organizations personally in Haiti and Central America. The best part about these two groups is that they have solid infrastructure and relationships that have been in place for over 30 years. In times of crisis, like now, that pre-existing infrastructure is crucial. There are lots of great groups that are really coming, through, from what I have been told, such as Doctors Without Borders and Save the Children, which are truly saving lives every minute in Haiti at the moment.

barley & birch – conscious by nature, www.barleyandbirch.com

Ellie P. Campbell

Ellie P. Campbell’s eco-interests range from natural and organic foods to skincare products, clothing and other useful gear. She is a freelance photographer, editor, writer and graphic designer. Find her beautiful photography at www.elliepcampbellphotography.com. Read Ellie’s other contributions to Modern Hippie Mag here.

Modern Hippie of the Month: Kyle Smitley of Barley & Birch is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Ellie is a freelance editor, designer, and photographer. She was the managing editor for Positive Change magazine as well as one of the magazine’s photographers; she also contributed a monthly healthy eating column, In Good Taste. Ellie has spent the majority of her full-time work as an editor and writer. She is an accomplished photographer with a focus on portraits, events and weddings. She also offers graphic design for marketing/branding, advertising and for personal events. (www.elliepcampbell.com)

My mouth is watering in anticipation!  Welcome aboard Ellie!

Let's Talk about Food! is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag