Sustainable fashion and practices on display at Alma Kids

In a world that’s becoming increasingly reliant on fast fashion, a Langley-based business specializing in sustainable clothing is intentional about slowing down.

Opened in 2022 by mother-daughter duo Diane Sorensen and Berty Hansen, Alma on Anthes Avenue sells a thoughtfully curated selection of men’s and women’s clothing. At the end of last November, Sorensen and Hansen introduced a new shop with fits for children, Alma Kids, in the former In the Country shop.

“Our biggest struggle is getting people to walk up the block,” Sorensen said of the new location, which is a little further up First Street than where tourists may usually venture when visiting the Village by the Sea.

Clothing on the racks is organic, sustainably made and ethically sourced, with natural fibers. This all comes at a cost, meaning a higher price point is the norm.

“Being a young family who lives on the island, it’s hard to find stuff for your kids that is local,” Hansen said.

But wearing environmentally conscious clothing doesn’t have to break the bank. Recently, the store started a trade-in program, known as Give and Grow, for kids’ clothing. Parents can help keep old garments out of the landfill by donating them back to Alma, earning 40% of the resale value as store credit.

“That’s been a big hit actually because kids grow out of stuff so fast,” Hansen said. “Sometimes they barely have a chance to wear it.”

The trade-in program also provides an easier way for more people to access sustainable clothing. Some examples of brands accepted include Nico Nico, LL Bean, Simple Folk and Patagonia, among many others.

Items with stains, excessive wear or odors are not accepted, nor clothing from fast fashion brands or those made with low-quality synthetic materials. Unacceptable items will be donated to local families or organizations in need if not picked up within two days.

Alma works closely with the Mother Mentors of Whidbey Island, which runs a no-cost Parent Pantry. Vintage items given to the Parent Pantry are often set aside for Alma Kids, which donates proceeds from the sales back to Mother Mentors. These items can be more affordable, such as a tiny colorful handknit hat for $10.

Alma Kids has a whole rack of vintage denim, including overalls, jackets and a sailor’s outfit. Some pieces are charmingly and lovingly patched up.

The store is arranged by age range, with different rooms of the historic house – which was built in 1929 and 1930 for the South Whidbey Record founders – representing various age groups. Hansen hopes to carry clothing for kids up to age 11 or 12. All hangers are made from recycled paper.

A new playroom attracts young shoppers. The front room is decorated with wooden toys, from whales to racing cars to cameras. A box set of Beatrix Potter classics and a basket of vintage dolls also occupy the space.

Apart from a few family heirlooms, everything is for sale. One exception to this rule is Hot Dog, an over-100-year-old teddy bear stuffed with straw and wool who has his own bench. The well-loved toy came from a family friend, who received it from her grandmother, who received it from her grandmother.

“I swear he smiles sometimes when the kids start playing with him,” Sorensen said.

Alma means “soul” in Spanish. The name is also believed to be derived from a Latin word that means “kind” or “nourishing.”

It’s a fitting title for a business that seeks to take care of the environment through its initiatives and be a gathering place for the community. Every second Wednesday of the month, Alma hosts a Handwork Happy Hour in the kitchen of the kids’ shop. The RSVP link is available under the Events tab on the website, almalangley.com.

Don’t want to come in and shop? This spring, the business launched a way to shop online via the website.