During these times of uncertainty, we like to share ways for you and our community to stay connected to nature anytime and anywhere to prepare, comfort and inspire.
Nature Is Waiting
Fjällräven's Guide program partners with people in our community who embody the values of our brand – have a passion for nature, a deep regard for sustainability, and respect for humans, animals and our environment.
Each one of our guides hold different backgrounds and experiences and cherish sharing knowledge and passions with others through events, education and exchange of stories.
"Inspiring the world to walk with nature” is more than our mission- it’s an invitation to get closer to nature by joining our guides in our brand centers and communities as they teach us how to connect with nature in our own unique way.
In his own words, please meet our Fjällräven Chicago Guide, Abie Vasquez.
As a city dweller all my life, nature holds a deep and unique importance to me. Growing up on the streets of Chicago there was a lack in the traditional sense of nature - with an absence of trees and grass and very few wild animals to be seen. I longed to experience the wide open spaces of the great outdoors. Yes, Chicago offers pretty magical views of cityscapes, yet I found myself interested in other landscapes and highly curious about the mystery of nature in general.
In my youth, I was the "wild" one. Waking early with the sun and fueled with curiosity, I would venture out to the local city parks and forest preserves where I would roam and explore. It was in these adventures where I found peace in the noisy and often chaotic environment of Chicago.
Today, I own AlphaBomber Productions, a large-scale mural and art production company. A big part of my focus as an artist and nature lover is on beautifying and bringing nature to Chicago's south side neighborhoods that I grew up in. Our mission is to provide spaces and inspiration to the community where the mystery and acceptance of nature can be experienced.
Beyond leaving behind a piece of art for the neighborhood to enjoy, we always leave the area looking better than it did before, pulling weeds or planting trees and flowers when possible. I know how sacred a green space can be, that small bit of nature in these areas can change people’s lives. I have seen and personally experienced the impact it has in the city. My mission as an artist in Chicago is to share nature with my community whenever and as much as possible.”
As a Fjällräven guide Abie combines his love of nature and community with his creative passion as an artist and owner of Alphabomber Productions. Abie’s goal is to empower his neighborhood to seek out what adventure in the city looks like and to recognize that the simplicity of nature can bring joy and healing anywhere. Through community projects, events and partnerships with organizations like the Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, AlphaBomber Productions makes world-class artworks accessible for all communities to enjoy. These projects not only beautify the neighborhood and surroundings, they also help to establish these areas as landmarks and points of interest, as well as giving the people a sense of pride with a taste of nature.