#arkitaipmuse Kimi Juan

In our 'Muse of the Month'-series, we're introducing you to the inspiring women that surround us. This month we sat down with #arkitaipmuse Kimi Juan to talk about going waste-free and why less is more.

Hi Kimi, can you give us a little intro to your universe?
I first started out as an all-around photographer doing fashion, portrait and product shoots out of college. I began to realize that travel photography was where I belong, so my husband (who is also a photographer) and I pursued it full-time. We traveled the world together doing work for various tourism boards and hotels from India, to the Maldives and it was pure bliss.

Kimi wears the Bobby Vest & Wabi Pleated Trousers in chocolate

Where is home for you?
The Philippines. Born and raised here!

What do you love most about what you do?
I love that I'm pursuing my passion, that I'm able to travel the world doing what I love the most and it all started through Instagram. This is mostly where I meet new people and brands I'm able to work with. At first, I wasn’t trying to make it a job but I really just enjoyed doing it and everything flowed from there.

How does a typical day look like for you?
Right now, it's really so different than how my days used to look. Before we had our daughter we were barely at home in the Philippines. Our typical days were always so different from each other. We were always on the move, in hotels in another country, photographing and enjoying these amazing places. Now we are at home, taking some time to relax and be with our little 6 months old and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

"I'm really focusing all my energy on being able to be waste-free at some point and to be able to inspire others through social media." - Kimi Juan

What does sustainability mean to you? How important is it in your everyday life?
Sustainability for me is really about being conscious about our decisions and what we welcome into our life. Right now, my main focus is being conscious of the impacts of fast fashion and plastic. I'm really focusing all my energy on being able to be waste-free at some point and to be able to inspire others through social media.

Do you have any eco-friendly life hacks that you could share with us?
I think one of the most confusing things about going zero-waste is the fact that we are presented with so many 'alternative products', that we need to throw this away and buy this other thing, but to me, the most sustainable thing anyone can do is use what they already have.

What’s your motto in life?
Less is more.

What's the most treasured item in your wardrobe?
I have a vintage Gucci bag that my grandmother used when she was younger and she passed it on to me - it's in perfect condition and I will never let go of it. To me, that is the epitome of sustainability, to be able to make things last for generations.

Finally, what are your three favourite arkitaip-pieces?
I love the Clara Flared Trousers, the Xavi Bandeau Top and the Bobby Vest. Love these because they are staple-pieces you can keep in your closet forever and that’s what I'm all about!