The Story Behind Haus Von Eden: Curating editorial that champions sustainability in fashion and design

It all started in 2019, Kodzia and Melodie, two inspiring social entrepreneurs who, upon completing their business administration studies and working in large corporations, across Germany, China, and London realised their shared desire to make a positive impact and founded Haus Von Eden.

An online magazine set out to change the perception of sustainability from outdated and eco-centric to desirable, aesthetic, and even luxurious upgrades to lifestyle. Their editorial focus: making sustainability an integral part of daily life, especially in influential areas like fashion and design. For this article, we talk with founders Kodzia and Melodie about how they define sustainability, how much it impacts our lives, the growing opportunities in sustainability for entrepreneurs, and what the future holds for the industry.

Navigating sustainability can be tricky, as many associate it with sacrifice and restrictions. This misconception poses the greatest challenge and opportunity for Haus Von Eden, a future-focused digital magazine on a mission to shift the narrative from sustainability as a sacrifice to a liberating lifestyle that sheds excess while positively impacting the planet. Their goal is to convey sustainability as a journey, not a destination. Initially complex, they’ve simplified the narrative over time, finding a middle ground, a practical path toward sustainability, showing it's not about sacrifice but about a better way to live.

“In the midst of these challenges, it's crucial to recognize that living sustainably and consciously is an incredibly liberating feeling, especially in today’s hustle culture, where society is addicted to consumption,” explains co-founder Kodzia Edenharder.

Amid the glamour for more, the principle 'less is more' rings true, offering a refreshing perspective on a lifestyle that embraces simplicity and purpose. As we all navigate this intricate landscape, Haus Von Eden invites everyone to reconsider their habits and gain awareness of the bigger picture. Determining true values, independent of factors such as status or productivity, not only makes life much more accessible but also aligns with Haus Von Eden’s editorial vision.

“Living sustainably isn't just a personal choice; it's a collective journey. By adopting values that transcend the superficial allure of constant consumption, individuals can recognize that each small change, when made collectively, can have a significant impact.”

This realization becomes the cornerstone of the ethos championed at Haus Von Eden, where the team believes in the power of small, mindful choices to drive positive change on a larger scale.

There's another challenge in the realm of influencers, a powerful force for positive change. Many major brands pay sustainable influencers to promote their conscious collections, creating a dilemma of greenwashing and deceptive advertising. “Take H&M or Shein, for example – their conscious collections may not reflect an overall commitment to sustainability. This challenge stems from the misconception propagated on social media that these brands are genuinely sustainable. At Haus Von Eden, we tackle this issue head-on by being discerning about our collaborations, with zero tolerance for greenwashing. This commitment not only defines our brand on social media but reverberates throughout the fashion and design industry, solidifying Haus Von Eden as a trustworthy and influential name.” says Kodzia

Navigating sustainability can be tricky, as many associate it with sacrifice and restrictions. This misconception poses an entrepreneurial problem at Haus Von Eden. They are on a mission to shift the narrative from sustainability as a sacrifice to a liberating lifestyle that sheds excess while positively impacting the planet. The goal is to convey sustainability as a journey, not a destination. As it can be initially complex, In Haus Von Eden, they have simplified the narrative over time, finding a middle ground and a practical path toward sustainability, showing it's not about sacrifice but about a better way to live.

"We define sustainability as more than a buzzword; I believe it's the very foundation upon which our entire existence rests, influencing regulations, industry practices, society, and our daily lives alike. It forms the base of our future. It's imperative that individuals pause to reflect before consuming, and brands must shoulder the responsibility for the impact their products or services leave behind," says Melodie.

In the midst of these challenges, it's crucial to recognize that living sustainably and consciously is an incredibly liberating feeling, especially in today’s hustle culture, where society is addicted to consumption. Amid the clamour for more, the principle 'less is more' rings true, offering a refreshing perspective on a lifestyle that embraces simplicity and purpose. As we navigate this intricate landscape, I invite everyone to reconsider their habits and gain awareness of the bigger picture. Determining true values, independent of factors such as status or productivity, not only makes life much easier but also aligns with our vision at Haus Von Eden.

As industry leaders, they emphasize the concept of circular economy: “A circular economy not only lessens environmental impact but also contributes to economic resilience - a crucial aspect for our future. Embracing a circular economy aligns with our vision at Haus Von Eden, where we strive not just for sustainability but for a holistic approach that intertwines environmental consciousness with economic sustainability.” says Kodzia. “It's a paradigm shift that challenges traditional modes of production and consumption, offering a blueprint for a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the planet. As we navigate this complex landscape, we encourage everyone to explore the profound impact of these seemingly small choices, recognizing their potential to shape a future where sustainability is not just an idealized concept but a way of life.”

What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in the sustainability space in the coming years, both in the lifestyle industry and in general?

“We perceive the sustainable transformation of the industry as a significant challenge, yet at the same time, it presents a tremendous opportunity. Acknowledging the complexity of this transformation, it's evident that it cannot happen overnight. While regulations play a pivotal role in expediting the process, corporations need substantial resources and knowledge to effectively and sustainably overcome this challenge.” agrees both women and go, explaining Haus Von Eden has launched their B2B platform this year, dedicated to guiding business professionals in their transformative journey. “The platform seeks to inspire and impart knowledge through various resources, including Sustainability Masterclasses, Case Studies, and News. Additionally, it offers valuable Business Intelligence in the form of a comprehensive database. This database features over 1000 solution providers across Europe, each contributing innovative approaches that drive forward the sustainable transformation.”

“What we believe has truly impacted society and caused a real disruption in our daily lives is the innovative sharing and resale models emerging in various industries.” explains Melodie  “The adoption of these models not only prevents the unnecessary creation of new products but also significantly reduces waste, thereby saving valuable resources. Interestingly, these models go beyond environmental benefits—they empower individuals to earn money while contributing to the circular economy.”  While groundbreaking innovations like CO2 capturing, 3D printing, and vertical farming are still finding their way into the mainstream market, Haus Von Eden underscores that is crucial to recognise that innovation remains key to fundamentally recreating systems rather than just tweaking existing ones.

“I believe that sustainability is generally underrated. When your work revolves around sustainability, you might assume that the entire world is engaged in discussions about it. However, I often receive a reality check when people I speak to have never even heard of the things that define my sense of being.”  says Kodzia Simple day-to-day choices, such as our mode of transportation, the foods we consume, the frequency of clothing purchases, and the energy we use, all wield an incredibly significant influence on sustainability. “As for industry leaders I like to emphasize the concept of circular economy. While reducing, reusing, and recycling are commonly discussed, Kodzia highlights that circular economy goes beyond that by reducing environmental impact and contributing to economic resilience - and this is what we need for our future.

As a final advice from Haus Von Eden Kodzia encourages to entrepreneurs and to everyone who is considering to live more sustainably “Start! And you will see how much you can achieve. Don't be afraid to fail; even if you do, learn from it and improve. Surround yourself with smart individuals who think differently than you and involve them in decision-making. Collaborate with your competition; forming collaborations and synergies are the keys to success.“ The transformative journey of sustainability in our lives and business does not have to be hard but requires courage and initiative.

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