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Staff Favorites: Katie's Q&A

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Staff Favorites: Katie's Q&A

Katie’s favorites embody intentional simplicity—neutral tones, timeless designs, and textures you’ll love for years to come. Her picks are versatile, functional, and beautifully understated, perfect for those who value quality and calm in their space.

What’s your name and role at HumanKind, and how long have you been part of the team?

Katie Nakayama, Ecommerce Sales Associate, Part of the team since 2012 (minus 3 years when I moved away from SLO) 

 

How would you describe your personal style or taste when it comes to fashion, home, or gifts?

I gravitate towards intentional, timeless and simplicity, with a strong appreciation for neutrals, earth tones and texture. I'm drawn to items that are functional, well constructed, versatile enough to use or wear forever. I love solid colors, especially black, which is my go-to and favorite color to wear. My fashion style is minimalist and unfussy.  I'm drawn to solids that have interesting texture or subtle details. One of my favorite pieces from HumanKind is a black sweatshirt with an artsy linework pattern of oyster mushrooms in golden brown. It's simple, striking and just the right amount of color and pattern for me. In terms of home style I like calm, warm, and welcoming. I have dark wood and deep gray fabric furniture accented with pops of green from my many plants. I love being surrounded by greenery, so plants fill every corner of my home. My love of travel also influences my decor. My main wall features a collage of framed pages from a vintage atlas, each one representing a place I've visited or that holds personal significance. 

 

What inspires your personal style or gift-giving choices?

When it comes to gift-giving, I'm especially thoughtful with the little things. I absolutely love all things stationery and send cards ofter–for birthdays, congrats, encouragement or just to say hi, I'm thinking of you. I enjoy finding the perfect card for someone, but also keep a stash on hand for any occasion. I believe fun or unexpected mail can brighten the day of someone I care about. I pay close attention to the details too, from the stamp I choose to the stickers and washi tape I use to decorate the envelope. I appreciate thoughtful personal touches. 

 

What do you love most about working at HumanKind or being part of the fair trade movement?

One thing I have loved being part of at HumanKind and the fair trade movement is seeing how much it's grown over time, both in store and in the world. When I first started at HumanKind, it was a small shop with little foot traffic, and many people who walked in didn't know what fair trade was. Now 16 years later, HumanKind has grown into a vibrant, thriving space with a strong following and a community that actively seeks out ethically sourced goods. It's incredibly fulfilling to have been part of that journey, to witness the shift in awareness and to know that people are increasingly choosing to shop in ways that align with their values. That gives me hope for the future, while also making me appreciate how far we've come. I also appreciate the evolution of the products. The quality design and variety of fair trade goods has improved so much and the look and feel of HumanKind has grown with it. It's not just a place to shop ethically, it's a space that invites people to peruse, to feel inspired, and to experience the joy and creativity behind every product.  

 

What makes shopping at HumanKind different from other stores?

What makes shopping at HumanKind different is the deep care and intention behind every product and every person connected to it. Each item has story–crafted by an artisan, supported by a vendor who values ethical practices, and brought into our shop by a team that truly believes in fair trade. From the makers to the staff and volunteers, all the way to the customers, there's a meaningful chain of connection and purpose. When you shop at HumanKind, you're not just buying a pretty product, you're supporting a non-profit small business that cares deeply about how and where things are made, and the impact those choices have on people, planet and communities around the world. 

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