"Easy like Sunday morning" is no longer just a lyric, it's a lifestyle.
Meet Marisa Melson, Founder and CEO of Easy Sundays. A sustainable and fashion forward clothing brand changing the way we think about sustainability and self care.
Our team was fortunate enough to connect with Marisa and talk to her about the importance of sustainable living, her mission behind Easy Sundays and how her company is putting mental health at the forefront of their brand.
Keep reading and learn how to experience the freedom of Sundays.
Hi Marisa! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us, can you first start by telling us a little bit more about yourself?
Of course, thank you for having me! I grew up on the California coast and spent my childhood at the beach and outdoors. I’ve always known I’ve loved business and have been working since I was twelve years old. My first job was tutoring and then when I was fourteen, I was scouted by a modeling agency here in Los Angeles. That’s when I fell in love with the world of fashion!
Ultimately, I realized I loved working behind the scenes, so I went to college to study marketing and started pitching companies to work together. I took any opportunity I could to learn about what it takes to create a successful brand. Last summer, I took the leap to go out on my own (with the help of my amazing husband) and we launched Easy Sundays!
Where did you get the inspiration from to start Easy Sundays? In what ways has starting your own company impacted your life?
We created Easy Sundays to encourage women to prioritize their mental well-being. The name Easy Sundays is inspired by the sabbath and is meant to encourage people to take time to recharge. When I first started Easy Sundays it was all consuming, I thought about it 24/7 and would wake up in the middle of night and have to right down all of my ideas. I have since learned how to create structure and balance. It takes discipline because at times I want to work on the company non-stop, but I know that it’s so important to set healthy boundaries with work, even if you love what you do!
The Easy Sunday’s mission is to prioritize women’s mental well-being. In what ways do you believe Easy Sundays achieves this mission?
We believe in the idea of active rest, which is doing things that allow your mind to recharge. One way we really encourage that is through spending time in nature and disconnecting from the digital world. Nature and living on the coast heavily influences the pieces we design and the stories behind the products. We also are in the process of building out our blog called The Sunday Journal which provides science backed resources on how to take care of yourself in a practical and impactful way.
What does an everyday self-care routine look like for you? What suggestions do you have for people who feel they are too busy to make time for self-care?
My favorite way to practice self-care is in my morning and night routine. When I first wake up and before I go to bed sets the tone for my days. I like to start my mornings screen-free and away from my phone. The first thing I do when I wake up is drink lots of water and nourish my body and soul by going for a walk and reading my bible. For anyone that says they are too busy for self-care I would say to start small. Set aside five minutes each day to do something that recharges and calms you. I guarantee it will have such a noticeable impact!
We love that Easy Sundays is a sustainable brand, wearing products that not only look good but are good for you is a huge part of the Tini Lux mission as well. What are some simple and easy everyday ways that people can add more sustainability into their lives?
I love this question! I think sustainability can be so intimidating because we always feel like we can be doing more. I try to focus on constant improvement! For me, I believe sustainability is an act of self-care, so I find ways to make it fun and something I enjoy doing rather than a chore. I enjoy composting, growing my own fruits + veggies, shopping local, and making conscious consumer decisions! Taking care of the planet often coexists with taking care of yourself, so invest in the health of both!
What do you think is the key to successful branding? How do you think Easy Sundays differentiates itself from other sustainable clothing brands?
In my opinion, the key to successful branding is creating a story that lives beyond the products. We aim to promote a lifestyle that encourages a clear mind and allows you to feel recharged and engage with the activities that are life giving. Our goal isn’t to just sell sustainable clothing, we are trying to promote a lifestyle that is better for your mind, body, and the planet.
What has been the biggest challenge of starting your own business? What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own company?
Production was by far the biggest hurdle in starting the brand. I had no prior experience making and designing clothing, so I had no choice but to learn as I went. Finding a great factory that aligns with your values and cares about sustainable and ethical practices is no easy feat. Especially, as a new business it’s hard to find great factories that are willing to take on a small, brand new company!
My advice for someone thinking about starting their own company would be ask yourself why you want to do it. If you have a deeper purpose/mission that fuels you, it will make it so worth it despite how challenging it can be. And if you can effectively articulate and translate that messaging into your brand then chances are other people will believe in your vision and want to be a part of it!
