All-Time Favorites
About Consumer Behavior, Sustainable Choices, and Lifelong Companions
When it comes to PR, our fearless leaders Mandie and Luiza are pros at curating standout campaigns and timeless strategies. But what about their personal favorites? In this exclusive interview, we’re flipping the script and putting them in the spotlight. From their all-time favorite products to how they approach mindful and sustainable consumption, Mandie and Luiza share insights into what inspires their buying choices, while also acknowledging the areas where they encounter challenges and limitations.
Philip: What are your all-time favorites and why?
Mandie: For me, it’s definitely my Red Wings. I love the quality, the philosophy, and the people behind the brand. My first pair of Red Wings was the Pecos, which I saved up for and bought in my early 30s. They were my companions at festivals and concerts. Today, I mainly wear the Carrier, the Moc Toe, and the Silversmith. My Moc Toes are nearly a decade old, and I recently had them restored. They just keep getting better with age. The fact that we’ve been able to work with Red Wing Heritage for years now is a true gift for me. I also adore the knitwear collection by Thinking Mu. Their pieces are made in a small atelier near Barcelona, and I’m drawn to their design, quality, and the sustainable, local approach. Last but not least, I’m a fan of Norwegian Rain’s winter and raincoats – fantastic cuts and fabrics, with a great team behind them. I bought my first poncho years ago in Bergen directly from T-Michael and Alex. It’s an absolute art piece. My winter must-have is the Padded Harmattan Unisex Cropped jacket.
Luiza: One of my most loyal companions is my Hermès Evelyne bag. It was a very special moment in my life when I was able to fulfill this long-held dream with my first paychecks in my mid-twenties. It has been with me ever since. Another highlight in my wardrobe, alongside my trusted staples like my Red Wings, my black Thinking Mu trousers and cashmere socks from mell-o, are my Mavi jeans, which fit me perfectly. I’m particularly proud of my leopard-print denim jacket from Mavi – it’s my absolute favorite piece, which I love pairing with dresses or skirts, or even styling casually. To match, I also own the leopard-print jeans – a real eye-catcher. I’ve already planned to wear this set for my next Fashion Week look.
“My first pair of Red Wings was the Pecos, which I saved up for and bought in my early 30s. They were my companions at festivals and concerts. Today, I mainly wear the Carrier, the Moc Toe, and the Silversmith. My Moc Toes are nearly a decade old, and I recently had them restored. They just keep getting better with age.”
Mandie
Philip: Sustainability is very important to you in business. How do you approach sustainable shopping in your personal life – whether it’s for clothing, food, or gifts?
Mandie: I’ve been mindful about this for many years now and have developed a sort of guideline or concept for myself:
- I shop very consciously and avoid impulse buys.
- I mostly shop second-hand.
- When I shop outside of second-hand, I make deliberate choices to support small or local brands that align with my values.
- I buy groceries exclusively from organic stores or markets.
Luiza: Sustainability has become a way of life for me since the birth of my second child 11 years ago, and it’s reflected in many aspects of my daily life. I try to shop consciously, focusing on quality over quantity. I’m mindful of where products come from and the materials used. I especially appreciate vintage pieces – whether in clothing or furniture. I love combining these vintage treasures with current brands and items to create something truly unique. When it comes to groceries, I prioritize regional and seasonal products that require as little packaging as possible. I also pay attention to the ingredients in products, as I aim to provide my family with a healthy and conscious diet. For gifts, I always try to choose something personal and sustainable that will be truly appreciated. I’m a big fan of giving practical items that the person really needs or wants, rather than something that might just gather dust.
“It’s also important to me to show my children that consumption doesn’t always have to be quick and convenient. It’s about appreciating what you have and making thoughtful choices about what truly matters. I know it won’t always be perfect, but I firmly believe that the choices we make today lay the foundation for a better future.”
Luiza
Philip: How does the digital world influence your consumption habits – when it comes to social media, online shopping, or digital products?
Luiza: The digital world has significantly influenced my consumption habits. As a working professional and a mother, my time is extremely limited, so I rely almost exclusively on online shopping – a blessing and a curse at the same time. It gives me the freedom to browse whenever it fits into my day- late at night when the kids are asleep or during the rare moments I have to myself. I’m not restricted by store hours, I don’t have to deal with crowded shops, and everything is just a click away. However, this freedom also has its downsides. The endless selection, constant availability, and perfectly curated images on social media can be overwhelming and tempting, leading to purchases I don’t truly need. Sustainability and quality are important to me, so I try to make decisions that align with my values. While online shopping has made my life easier, it also challenges me to reflect more and question whether my purchase decisions are the right ones.
Mandie: I try to take my time with purchase decisions and order online as little as possible. If something catches my interest, I research local or in-store options first. For books, I usually place orders through local bookstores. That said, I do sometimes get tempted when I can’t find a local alternative, and the algorithms don’t help with that. The last time this happened was with Happy Ears earplugs. Since then, I’ve been sleeping like a baby.
Philip: Are there areas where you find it difficult to make sustainable consumption choices?
Mandie: Absolutely. Sports clothing is a real challenge.
Luiza: Yes, there are definitely areas where it’s challenging for me to make sustainable decisions. Electronics and tech products are a particular difficult, as they often become outdated quickly and the options are constantly evolving. As a mother of two, I also find it hard sometimes to prioritize sustainable or second-hand brands when balancing practical concerns like durability and price. Another example is food. While I try to ensure my family eats healthily and sustainably, it can be challenging to always stick to regional and seasonal products. Sometimes, convenience products are just the most practical solution. Even if things don’t always go perfectly, I believe every small step counts. For me, sustainability is a continuous journey, about constantly reevaluating and consuming mindfully without putting too much pressure on myself.
Philip: What responsibility do you see for Press Factory in promoting mindfulness and sustainable consumption in communication with clients and partners?
Luiza: As part of Press Factory, I see a significant responsibility to not only embody mindfulness and sustainable consumption in our own actions but also actively promote these values in our communication with clients and partners. I believe that as a company, we have both a platform and a voice to drive change. We can demonstrate how mindful consumption and sustainable choices are possible in both personal and professional contexts. Personally, it’s a heartfelt mission of mine for us as a company to actively take responsibility. It’s about fostering dialogue with our partners and clients, raising awareness about topics like sustainability and mindfulness, and contributing positively to the future together. We all have the opportunity to make the world a better place, and as a company, we have the responsibility to reflect that in our communication and actions.
Mandie: I believe all communicators and marketers have a responsibility. We’re fully aware of this and aim to use our influence to help shape a better future. We’re just one part of the puzzle, but I firmly believe that even small contributions make a difference.
Philip: Do you have specific intentions for making your consumption habits even more sustainable or mindful in the future?
Mandie: I don’t have concrete intentions, but I strongly believe that interests evolve with life’s journey and shift over time. For instance, I’m far more excited today about pursuing a new course or degree than investing in a fashion trend.
Luiza: Yes, I’ve firmly resolved to make my consumption habits even more conscious and sustainable. I want to buy less but more intentionally – and encourage my children to shop second-hand more often. Additionally, I want to repair things rather than immediately replace them, whether it’s electronics or clothing. It’s also important to me to show my children that consumption doesn’t always have to be quick and convenient. It’s about appreciating what you have and making thoughtful choices about what truly matters. I know it won’t always be perfect, but I firmly believe that the choices we make today lay the foundation for a better future.
