This week we're proud to share sisterhood member Lindsey Klein, a Los Angeles based fashion designer that inspires women to live their dream life through fashion. Creator of Liberated Society Fashion and also Fred and Far's marketing coordinator, in this interview she shares her advice on what joy is, living a life full of joy, and how important it is to prioritize your joy.
How do you define joy?
To me, joy is a feeling of bliss that happens naturally and effortlessly when living in alignment with who you truly are. It is a conscious state of being that we must decide to experience.
What brings you joy -- either on a daily basis or bigger picture?
On a daily basis - my morning routine of drinking coffee, journaling, reading a book on self development/spirituality, and meditating. I find this simple practice brings me so much joy and contentment, and sets my day up for success.
On a bigger picture - connecting with others whether that be with friends, new people, or strangers just passing by in the market. Having deeper conversations about things that truly matter and inspiring others to live their dream life, especially through my clothing brand Liberated Society.
Have you ever become disconnected from your joy? Were you able to reconnect? How?
Yes, I was very lost after college. I did exactly what my parents raised me to do - went to college, got a 4-year degree, got a full time 9-5 job, and was extremely unhappy. The first few years during my fashion design career were very challenging and I couldn’t figure out why I was so unhappy when I did everything I was supposed to. I kept myself busy all of the time by overworking and partying which left me feeling even worse. After experiencing extreme burnout and feeling like my job made me not want to live, I knew something needed to change but didn’t know how. Then the pandemic happened and I got laid off from my job - which was the biggest blessing in disguise. At the time I thought it was the end of the world but I got the break I so deeply needed and was able to transform my life. I invested in a quantum business and soul coach, who has completely changed my life by guiding me to live a life filled with joy, effortless bliss, and living in alignment with who I truly am - not who I should be for others. Shout out to Katherine Wehler ( @katherine_wehler on ig) for impacting my life in such a positive and powerful way. I now prioritize joy in my life every day, some days it's something small like going to my favorite coffee shop, other days it's bigger life changes like changing careers, moving, or letting go of people or things that no longer serve me.
How do you maintain your joy when life gets in a rut, or you experience a setback?
I used to distract myself when this happened, but now I honor my emotions and what I’m going through even if it’s unpleasant. I believe everything happens for a reason so I try to learn from the experience. When life gets in a rut or I experience a setback, instead of trying to immediately become better or bounce back to normal, I just do one small thing that is a step above what I’m experiencing. For example, I was recently feeling very down and had a lot of limiting beliefs coming to the surface about my career and what I’m doing with my life. So instead of trying to solve such a big picture issue, I spent my time relaxing by the pool and soaking in the sunshine while reflecting on all of the things that I have accomplished so far in my life. It’s easy to be our biggest critic but to live a life of joy we must be our biggest cheerleader.
What does joy feel like in your body? How does it manifest when you're experiencing it?
Joy feels like jumping out of bed in the morning with excitement to experience this beautiful life another day. This manifests as the good getting better because when you feel good and focus on the good in your life it truly only gets better. Our thoughts are so powerful at dictating if we experience a life full of joy or despair. It’s all about mindset and what you choose to believe and think.
How has joy impacted your decision-making when it comes to your life choices?
After spending most of my life living and doing things for others which brought me only burnout and stress. I now only do things that bring me joy and I do not settle for less. Life is not meant to be about how much suffering we can handle, but truly about how much joy, fun, and bliss we can experience - individually and collectively.
Tell us about three things in your life that bring you immense joy:
- Being part of the Fred and Far team - this was my first job out of the fashion industry and it is so rewarding working for a company that impacts people's lives in a powerful and positive way. I am so grateful to be able to work closely with Melody and be part of this self love movement!
- My cat, Jax. If a cat can be your soulmate then I think he is mine. I got Jax when I was in college and he has helped me get through some of the toughest times - heartbreaks, life changes, and overall navigating my twenties. Which by the way is such a weird time!
- The sun 🌞 which might be strange, but whenever I’m feeling down I love to go to the pool or go on a hike and be in the sun. It instantly makes me feel better and being outside is good for clearing my head.
Tell us about your work?
My passion is my women’s clothing brand called Liberated Society that will inspire you to live your dream life while looking AND feeling your best.
What inspired you to do the work you’re doing?
I have always been obsessed with fashion from a young age (shoutout to my stepmom Sam for inspiring this, and for my mom and dad always being my biggest supporters). I love what the power of a good outfit can do, and have always been passionate about helping other women feel this. However I realized I’m here to do more than just design pretty clothes, I meant to uplift and inspire others to live their dream life. Living your dream life is achievable for everyone and I want to inspire that through Liberated Society’s messaging and mission. My vision is to have Liberated Society become a completely sustainable, made in Los Angeles, size-inclusive brand, and change the fashion industry for the better.
When was the last time you had to be super brave?
Leaving the toxic fashion design career I was in and taking a leap of faith that something better was out there for me. Saying no to things that make you unhappy can be scary sometimes, but following what brings you joy can ultimately be very rewarding. So take that leap!
What does choosing yourself mean to you?
Choosing myself means doing what’s best for me and what makes ME happy. I have realized recently how essential this is and that it is not selfish to do so but essential.
How do you practice self love and care on a daily/weekly basis?
I practice self love and care by honoring how I’m feeling and what I need each and every day. Also showing myself the compassion that I so easily give others.
What is your advice to your 10, 18, and 25-year-old self?
10 - Don't be so shy and make some friends! It's okay to feel different from others.
18 - Get to know yourself and what you truly value. Don't continue being friends with people who don't value you.
25 - Enjoy life more and don't be so serious about everything. Success is what you define it.
What is something you're willing to be vulnerable about with us?
It’s okay to not be ok. Life can be hard, confusing, and scary sometimes but instead of distracting yourself from these feelings, honor them and learn how you can overcome them. We are spiritual beings having a human experience - that means experiencing the good, the bad, and everything in between. Living in alignment is key to experience more good than bad though, and don’t forget to have fun and enjoy life along the way!
Anything you have going on right now that you want to promote or share?
Liberated Society has new curated clothing collections that come out every 2 weeks. If you’re ready to start dressing as your dream self then you should check it out at liberatedsocietyfashion.com.
Connect with Lindsey on Instagram @lindseyliberated or @liberatedsociety.fashion.