Designing With Gratitude
- Nov 19
- 2 min read
By Jamie Banks
Gratitude has always been my creative fuel. I started Change of Scenery out of gratitude—for the incredible women I design for, for the opportunity to build something from scratch, and for the simple joy of making clothes that help women feel genuinely happy. There’s nothing better than seeing a woman slip into one of our dresses or swimsuits and instantly stand a little taller. That’s what keeps me going.
Our brand was born to make life easier for women who do it all. She’s busy, she’s caring for everyone else, and she rarely takes a moment for herself. I design with her in mind—pieces that make packing, dressing, and feeling confident effortless. It’s my way of saying, “You deserve to feel like yourself again.” That sense of ease and joy she feels? That’s what I’m most grateful for.
Gratitude has also shaped how I think about building a responsible business. At Change of Scenery, sustainability isn’t a marketing word—it’s a mindset. I believe in making the best possible choices with the least impact on the planet. We produce thoughtfully and responsibly, with swimwear made from recycled materials, fully recyclable packaging, and fair factories that prioritize ethical practices. We’re also proud members of 1% for the Planet, donating a portion of every sale to environmental causes that protect the natural world that inspires us.
But for me, sustainability goes beyond materials and manufacturing. It’s about education and community—sharing what I’ve learned and helping others make more mindful choices. Whether it’s mentoring young designers, supporting local schools and organizations, or connecting with other founders to exchange ideas, I see giving back as part of my responsibility. The more we educate, the more collective progress we make.
I’ve learned that gratitude and sustainability go hand in hand. Gratitude teaches us to value what we have and to consume less. Sustainability challenges us to slow down, think more deeply, and create with intention. They’re both rooted in awareness—and in fashion, that awareness has the power to transform not just what we make, but how we make it.
As we enter the season of thanks, I feel deeply grateful for this work. For the late nights sketching prints that remind me of faraway beaches. For the women who trust us to be part of their happiest moments. For the chance to use design as a way to connect, uplift, and inspire.
I may design clothing, but what I really hope to create are moments of joy—for our customers, our partners, and the next generation who will carry this work forward. Gratitude is where it all began, and it continues to guide every stitch, every choice, and every conversation along the way.
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