We know small steps lead to big changes, and these six role models prove it. From connecting urban communities with nature to making plant-based meals accessible to picky eaters (and hungover college kids), we’ve chosen the Wild Ones of Winter 2022 for using their areas of passion and expertise for the greater good—and for letting good grow wild, wherever they are.
The Ocean Protector: Rhonda Harper
As the founder of Black Girls Surf, Harper’s mission is twofold: encourage women of color to cultivate their own relationship with the ocean, and inspire them to help protect it. With a mix of surf workshops, community meetings, and shoreside meditation, Harper ensures the ocean is safe and loved by the next generation of wave warriors.
The Style Source: Hillary Taymour
“Sustainability is a journey,” says Taymour, but her clothing label Collina Strada is moving at warp speed thanks to fans like Lorde and Kim Petras—and pieces made with plant cellulose, upcycled fabrics, and recycled denim that reduces water usage and manufacturing energy. Most important: her Euphoria-worn designs look and feel great.
The Vegan Pioneer: Chloe Coscarelli
Food is life—and Chloe Coscarelli makes plant-based comfort food that we live for. From her famous cashew mac and cheese to her award-winning almond flour cupcakes, this chef and entrepreneur is showing foodies worldwide that a plant-based diet isn’t just about kale and quinoa; it’s also about harm-free milkshakes and vegan meatball subs that are better for our bodies and the planet.
The Planetary Influencer: Leah Thomas
Biodiversity and human diversity must go hand-in-hand, and Leah Thomas—aka @GreenGirlLeah—is fighting to make sure environmental justice and social justice work together for a better future. With thoughtful discussions on her website and a new book out this March (order it here!), Thomas is proof that personal and planetary wellness are vital to social change.
The Secondhand Princess: Jamie Xie
You may know Jamie Xie from her appearance on Netflix’s Bling Empire, but street style blogs know her as something else—the influencer who knows “no new clothes” is a super chic mantra. Xie pulls jaw-dropping vintage looks from Balenciaga, Moschino, and Mugler, and encourages her half a million fans to raid eBay and thrift stores themselves.
Want to nominate a Wild One for our Spring 2022 list? Email us or DM us your favorite people.