It was just two weeks ago that we sent out smoke signals in hopes of connecting with some of California's most inspiring individuals and organizations- and we were thrilled with the response. Below are some of the highlights. Our adventures started down in San Diego at Dr Bronner's Magic Soap HQ. This family business has 150 years of soap making under their belt and a history worth making into a movie. We were excited to meet David Bronner, current president and 5th generation soap maker. After speaking with David we were inspired by the many progressive milestones this soap company has achieved and continues to have on its radar. Before we left, David connected us with his friend at Livity, a lifestyle and eco apparel company. On the way, we stopped for a coffee break with the wonderful Amrit Richmond, Art Editor of GOOD magazine- a unique quarterly magazine that has become increasingly well know for their telling infographics. Next Stop was Livity. Upon arriving at their beautiful HQ tucked away in the forests of Topanga, CA we knew we'd like these guys. We met much of the team including, including founder Isaac Nichelson who had recently participated with David Bronner in a brilliant display of civil disobedience for legalization of [industrial] hemp. We saw this as a great example of two progressive companies, only linked by their values and the unique uses for industrial hemp as key sustainable resources for their organizations. As a result of meeting with livity, looks like we are one step closer to incorporating Hemp fabrics into upcoming Holstee apparel :-) We then hopped onto Route 1 enroute to San Francisco. While there we met Architecture for Humanity founder and TED presenter, Cameron Sinclair to learn about their work re-building destroyed community centers in India and even building new soccer fields in Africa and a skateboard park in Afghanistan. One of the Archechects, we met was also helping to build a completely recycled, self sustaining boat called, Plastiki scheduled to travel around the world in the coming months. Any extra space in Cameron's office is opened to fellow social enterprises. One we definitely want to acknowledge is Lulan founded by Eve Blossom (also a Ted presenter as of 2 weeks ago). Eve has created what is probably the most thoroughly sustainable textile company we have come across. She found her business with intentions of combating human sex trafficking which has reportedly multiplied as result of the world economy. Through Lulan, she has been able to rehire hundreds of women desperate to support their families, but Eve doesn't stop there. Eve uses Lulan to help subsidize housing and education for the womens' families. While in San Francisco we got the chance to meet up with fellow entreprenuer, Mike Del Ponti, founder of Sparkseed. An innovative incubator and investor for socially focused student entrepreneurs. With Mike we met together with the fun folks over at Virgance - its amazing to see how entrepreneurs all over are working hard to do well, by doing good! Overall, the trip was a true inspiration. Oh and special thanks to our cousin, Omead for lending us his hybrid auto for the trip - only 4 fill ups of the tiny 10 gallon tank the whole trip!