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July 18, 2019

WHY HIPPY?

We’re often asked where the name Hippy Feet comes from. To address some of the assumptions we’ve heard…


 No, the socks aren’t made from hemp.

 Yes, our staff bathes regularly. 


So where does it come from? 

 

We look to the original hippie movement with rose colored glasses, drawing inspiration from its best parts. Young people stood for the ideals of love and progress. Music and art were as vibrant as ever, and change was in the air. These ideals are timeless - so we look to preserve them.


We take care of our planet through our use of organic and recycled yarns. We wear the title of “Tree Hugger” with pride. Sustainable business requires a sustainable environment. If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out our blog post on Hippy Feet’s environmental impact - your support has had a tremendous reduction in the amount of water and synthetic materials used when compared to traditional sock companies.


Peace, love, and empathy drive us. These are the principles that our work is based in, and we look with admiration to a generation of young people 50 years ago who stood up for what they believed. They spoke out against what they believed to be unjust, and it’s this action that inspires us today. 


Their skepticism of corporations and government called for a new system. Similarly, we believe a better way of doing business is possible. Companies must build up their communities and the people around them. We do this through our support of homeless youth, but we challenge other companies to stand for what is right as well.   


While the Summer of Love and the events of the late 60s and early 70s pre-date our team members at Hippy Feet, we’re proud to say we each have a hippie or two in our family tree. We look to them and the change they stood for, knowing progress is possible.

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FATHER'S DAY - GIFTS FOR MINNESOTA DADS

May 19, 2019

FATHER'S DAY - GIFTS FOR MINNESOTA DADS

In our home state of Minnesota, Father’s Day is more than simply a day for dads - it’s an event that marks the best of what midwest summers have to offer. It’s the time to enjoy the natural beauty of our home state with all the growth and new life that spring has delivered. Now, we feel this beauty can all be enjoyed while wearing a pair of Hippy Feet socks. We’re big socks and sandals fans, afterall.


We may also be a bit biased.


As you’re looking for a way to thank your Dad for the cringe-worthy puns and embarrassing dance moves, check out the items below. We’ve put together some of our favorite Father’s Day gifts from Minnesota companies.

 


Great Lakes Northern Outfitter - Dad Hat

 

Great Lake's Blue Dad Cap

 

The name says it all. Whether you're hanging by the dock, out on the boat, or playing golf, the Harriet Island Hat has you covered for just about every occasion. Available in a variety of colors.


Kind Lips - Lip Balm

 

3 tubes of Kind Lips raspberry lip balm

What says summer better than a glass of raspberry lemonade? Kind Lips Raspberry Lemonade lip balm keeps lips from getting chapped during a day in the summer sun. They donate 20% of sales towards anti-bullying efforts and they use organic ingredients - making them a favorite of everyone at Hippy HQ.

 

 

The World Needs Your F*cking Ideas

 The World Needs Your F*cking Ideas book cover, written by Ben VandenWymelenberg

The perfect gift for big thinking dads with an entrepreneurial spirit. Author and founder of Woodchuck USA, Ben VandenWymelenberg, recently released The World Needs Your F*cking Ideas. In it, he details how he built his company and how your idea might just save the world.

 

Woodchuck USA - Wood Cufflinks

Woodchuck Wooden Cufflinks

 

A fresh spin on a classic gift, Woodchuck USA's cufflinks add a natural touch to formal outfits. Woodchuck is dedicated to bringing nature back into people’s lives and plants a tree for every product sold. To date, they’ve been able to plant over 1.6 million trees.

 

 

Bizzy Coffee - Cold Brew Concentrate

Bizzy Coffee Cold Brew Concentrate pouring into glass

Bizzy Coffee for busy dads. Bizzy makes the #1 best selling cold brew coffee on amazon. Pour it over ice or add it to hot water and have a ready to drink cold brew without the long prep time of making your own.



Benjo’s - Shoelaces

3 pairs of Benjo's shoelaces

 

What’s almost as bad as boring socks? Easy. Boring shoes. Let’s face it, a lot of dads could use a few pointers when it comes to fashion, and a pair of Benjo's shoelaces becomes an easy way to add a pop of color to an old pair of shoes.  


Hippy Feet - Socks (of course) 

 

Merino Wool Socks

 

This year, our go to for Father’s Day gifts are our Merino Wool Hikers. Each pair is made in the USA from a non-scratchy merino wool blend. Just don't let dad wear these with sandals...

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PROTECTING THE PLANET

April 15, 2019

PROTECTING THE PLANET
For us at Hippy Feet, environmental sustainability is essential. 

We have the responsibility to be kind to the Earth whenever possible, and we look to incorporate environmentally friendly practices throughout the operation of our business. 

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POP-UP EMPLOYMENT HITS THE ROAD

March 27, 2019

POP-UP EMPLOYMENT HITS THE ROAD

 "Life House appreciates the opportunity Hippy Feet extended to the youth we serve. Pop-up employment while short term offers youth a safe way to earn needed income." - Luke Morcomb, Life House

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REFLECTIONS FROM THE FOUNDERS

March 18, 2019

REFLECTIONS FROM THE FOUNDERS

 We’ve recently had a number of customers ask more about the people behind Hippy Feet, so we thought this would be a good opportunity to reflect on some of the things we’ve learned in the years since we started.

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#STEPOUTSIDE FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

August 23, 2018

#STEPOUTSIDE FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
The sun is shining bright, warming your skin. A calm breeze kisses the back of your neck, you can feel the soft blades of grass tickle in between your toes, sending shivers up your spine. In moments like these, it's nearly impossible not to smile. There is something about being exposed to nature that brings about an undeniably strong feeling of joy. There's no question that being outdoors has a positive effect on a person's mood, especially here in the midwest, where the brutal cold of our long winters forces its inhabitants to enjoy every bit of warm weather our climate has to offer. 
But just how effective is nature on mental health? New research shows that exposure to grass, flowers, trees, and wild animals may be a method for coping with anxiety and depression. What’s defined as ecotherapy - the idea of connecting with nature as a mechanism for a positive impact on your well being - isn’t a new idea, rather is one that has been around since the early 80’s. In 1984, Edward O. Wilson published a book, Biophilia, explaining his theory that our affiliation with nature is rooted in our biology and genetics. During the same time period, Japanese doctors began prescribing “forest bathing” as a method for optimal health. Up until now, there hasn’t been much factual based evidence to back up these theories. 
In April of 2016, a team at Harvard University conducted a study to show the relationship between exposure to nature and mortality rates. Out of the 100,000 female nurses studied over an 8 year period, they found that those living in the greenest areas had a 12% lower mortality rate compared to those that lived in the most industrial areas (vice.com). In an effort to explain these findings, the Harvard team collected information on diagnosed depression and use of antidepressant medication among the women they studied. They discovered that the nurses who were exposed to more green areas had lower levels of depression and improved mental health, which explained nearly 30% of the benefit from living near nature vs. in more built out and industrial areas. 
These results proved Wilson’s theory of biophilia to be true, according to Peter James the organizer of the Harvard study. “There’s a direct cognitive benefit and restorative quality of being in nature, that we’ve evolved in nature and enjoy being in nature,” says James, who goes on to explain that moving out of the city into the countryside isn’t the answer. With 84% of Americas living in urban areas, the study suggests that even the little things, such as exposure to tree-lined streets, or public parks, can have a significant benefit for mental health (vice.com)
This study isn’t the only research that Harvard has conducted to prove a correlation between nature and mental health. In 2010, they published findings from various studies that showed an outdoor lifestyle will lead to more exercise, increased levels of vitamin D, improved concentration, quicker healing times, and higher self-esteem, all of which lead to overall higher levels of happiness and improved mental health. 
So what does all of this mean for you? Its simple: get outside as much as possible. With mental health-related illnesses on the rise, we should make regular attempts to seek out the healing abilities that nature has to offer. it is important that we not only take care of our physical bodies but of our minds as well. 
While the weather still allows it, we encourage you to #StepOutside, soak up sun, and enjoy what mother nature has to offer. Go for a run, lay out at the beach, take a hike through the forest, anything activity that's an excuse to get out of the concrete jungle and into the great outdoors. Do this, and your mental health will thank you. 
Sources: 

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OUR EMPLOYMENT EFFORTS

July 12, 2018

OUR EMPLOYMENT EFFORTS
When Hippy Feet first launched, we operated around the buy one, give one model to donate socks to the homeless community.  It wasn't long before we realized that by donating socks, we were treating a symptom of homelessness (the symptom being that socks are among the most requested article of clothing at shelters). While having dry, warm, and healthy feet are pivotal to anyone's overall wellbeing, we determined we could, and needed, to do more than donate socks. 
Hippy Feet’s vision has since shifted, focusing on providing employment for young people affected by homelessness. The way that we do so is through a program we call “Pop-up Employment.” The Pop-Up Employment program works directly with non-profit partners to bring paid jobs conveniently to drop-in centers where youth are receiving services such as food, education, case management, and in some cases, transitional shelter. Bringing employment opportunities directly to the places where homeless youth seek support ensures a safe and healthy environment for our workers, as well as supervision and assistance from our non-profit partners themselves. With this employment model, we offer youth an hourly wage to package each pair of Hippy Feet socks and in the process, provide basic skills and job training. 
The reason we focus on youth (ages 16-25) for this program is that we find this age group offers the most potential and ability to grow. While we believe in creating equal opportunities, we see young people as being the greatest investment, as their age offers them the most promise for a positive future. 
Since beginning to offer weekly Pop-Up Employment opportunities at Youthlink a year ago, we have had the pleasure of working with approximately 30-35 different young people experiencing homelessness. In the process, we have learned a great deal about youth homelessness, the barriers that it creates, and significant benefits that having a job can provide an individual.
Together, shelter and employment are two key ingredients that positively influence the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. Without shelter, homeless youth may find difficulty in finding a job.  Limitations such as lack of a physical address or picture ID, unstable living conditions, no access to transportation, little-to-no work experience, and in some cases, a criminal record, can make it immensely difficult for anyone to find job. Without a job, they face difficulty finding shelter, due to restricted income. Shelter and employment are so closely interconnected; in many situations, one cannot work out without the other. 
Our Pop-Up Employment programs exist is to offer a limitations-free form of employment that will benefit young people in need. We will employ anybody who is willing to work, no background checks, no experience necessary. The path to full-time employment is a long one and we stand to provide the first steps. Not only do our youth workers leave with money in their pocket, but they leave with added experience, valuable work and life skills, a reference for their future forms of employment, and most importantly, confidence. 
In the nearly 600 hours of employment that Hippy Feet has provided in last year, we've learned that the path to sustainable, full-time employment is a tedious one, but with patience and continuous support, it works. Out of the 30-some employees that we have worked with to date, at least 10 of our youth workers have been moved into transitional housing.
Hippy Feet is incredibly proud of what our youth workers have been able to accomplish thus far and look forward to all the great things they will do in the future. We are excited to continue to employ and grow our existing employment structure so that we are constantly adding stepping stones to the path that leads to full-time and sustainable employment. 

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