Chris Simmonds shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Chris , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, collecting art has been a real source of joy for me outside of work. I’ve been spending a lot of my downtime hunting for original or limited edition pieces, especially those with a unique story or perspective. I enjoy learning about the artists, exploring their backgrounds and creative processes. My home has gradually filled up with framed pieces and prints, so I’ve started rotating some out or finding new homes for them to make space for more. It’s a hobby that keeps me inspired and always curious.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a serial entrepreneur and currently the proprietor of two mission-driven companies. The first is Less Than, a zero-waste and refill shop focused on sustainably packaged goods and clean ingredients. We offer a wide selection of liquid and powder products sold by the ounce, encouraging our guests to refill rather than repurchase. This makes sustainability more accessible in everyday life.
The second is Ceremony, a nonalcoholic bottle shop that curates a thoughtful selection of nonalcoholic beer, wine, spirits, bitters, mixers, mocktails, and functional drinks. Ceremony is currently undergoing an expansion to include a full-service nonalcoholic bar and restaurant.
At the heart of both concepts is a desire to support people on their personal journeys, whether that involves living more sustainably or having a more mindful relationship with alcohol. These are areas that are often underserved in many communities, and I am passionate about creating inclusive, thoughtful spaces that help fill those gaps.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful was in high school when I started a screen-printed T-shirt line. I collaborated with graphic designers to develop the imagery and partnered with a local screen printer to produce the shirts. At the time, I was enrolled in a DECA class, and when my teacher found out about my business, she asked me to present it to the class. Sharing how I launched the brand, the steps I took, and the vision behind it was a turning point. Shifting from being a student in the seat to leading the room made me feel confident, capable, and genuinely powerful.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me what it means to build from nothing. It showed me how to create something, even something small, with limited resources, and then to repeat the process until it grew into something meaningful and sustainable. It taught me resilience in a way that success never could. Suffering helped me understand exactly what I was working to rise above, and that the path forward would not be given to me. I had to find it and walk it on my own. That experience shaped me far more than any success ever has.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
In sustainability, one of the biggest lies is the idea that the responsibility for change lies primarily with the consumer. The industry often shifts the burden onto individuals, when in truth, it should be reevaluating its own systems, policies, and practices. Many of the problems it claims to be solving were created by the industry itself. If the approach were different from the start, those problems would not need solving.
In sobriety, the alcohol industry has done an effective job of linking drinking to nearly every life event. It promotes the idea that both celebration and hardship call for a drink. In reality, what people are drawn to in those moments is not the alcohol but the sense of connection and togetherness. That is the real comfort, and the healthier outlet.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember that I spent my life learning and sharing what I learned. I wanted others to have access to the insights and understanding I gained and to see the world through a broader, more thoughtful lens. I hope it is clear that my life was rooted in service and in creating space for others to grow, whether through my current companies or my past work in mental health and fashion. I hope people know that I often went without so that someone else could have an opportunity. That is the legacy I would be proud to leave behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.enjoyceremony.com
- Instagram: @enjoyceremony
- Facebook: @enjoyceremony
- Other: www.golessthan.com
@golessthan on social instagram and Facebook
Image Credits
Less Than & Ceremony
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