The founder of ethical fashion brand Community Clothing on feeding his pigs, why he doesn’t feed billionaires and why money isn’t the key to happiness
What’s your morning ritual?
On work days I’m up at about 6am. I feed my pigs, Hazel and Acorn, and fill their water, and then drive over the Bowland Fells to the factory in Blackburn where Community Clothing is based. I enjoy the ritual of saying hello to everyone on the shopfloor (I know things are OK if I get a cheery ‘hello’ back) then I’ll make a brew and get started on the day.
I feel optimistic about …
A growing thoughtfulness about what we buy and who we buy it from. So many people who’ve read my book [Less: Stop Buying So Much Rubbish: How Having Fewer, Better Things Can Make Us Happier] tell me it has changed the way they think about shopping, how they’re choosing what to buy based on the good it might do for others, and that makes me very proud.
What makes you angry?
The crazy greed of some people. Treating millions of people, and the planet, like shit so you can send a bunch of idiots into (sort of) space boils my blood.
If I wasn’t a writer I’d have liked to become …
Being a writer might be nice. I’m a clothing designer who does a bit of writing, who otherwise might have become a gardener.
The habit that has served me best in life is …
Working hard, and never compromising on the quality of the things I do.
What brings you joy?
A homemade packed lunch up a hill on a sunny day.
Treating millions of people, and the planet, like shit so you can send a bunch of idiots into (sort of) space boils my blood
When things get tough I …
Work harder.
The book I wish everyone would read is …
Small is Beautiful by E. F. Schumacher. Written 60 years ago, its message is more pertinent and important than ever.
The big thing I’ve changed my mind about in life is …
Money bringing happiness. Enough is important, but a lot is irrelevant to me. The things that make me happy are mostly free, or very inexpensive.
’I’ve built the business I would want to work at and buy from, and I think a lot of people feel very passionately that what we’re doing is good,’ says Grant
The thing that motivates me most of all is …
Making a lasting success of Community Clothing. I’ve built the business I would want to work at and buy from, and I think a lot of people feel very passionately that what we’re doing is good, so I want to make sure it’s built on solid foundation so that it continues to thrive well after I’m gone.
My parents taught me …
To value things. Our house was filled with really good quality things that we looked after and kept forever.
I’d like to tell my younger self …
Keep those Vivienne Westwood pirate trousers, even though you’ve worn them to death, they’ll be worth a few quid one day.
What makes you laugh?
I am a pretty jolly person and I find the fun and the funny all over the place.
Patrick Grant is the founder of for-profit social enterprise Community Clothing, which is currently running a crowdfunding campaign with Crowdcube. To find out more, click here
Photography: Community Clothing
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