Pregnancy. To be honest, it terrifies me. TEN months spent managing an ever-changing body in order to prepare you for a lifetime of parenting, teaching, loving, and coaching an actual human being. I don’t know how anyone does it. Sometimes I wonder why. But the pregnant women and mothers I know have gracefully managed their pregnancies and become incredible, inspiring moms. And babies are pretty awesome… so I know it’s worth it.
But, one aspect of pregnancy that seems incredibly unfair to me is that it is a lot of work. On top of the changing body and the buying all of the things the baby needs, pregnant women are suddenly inundated with all new needs – particularly new clothing and new beauty products that won’t harm the baby. I’ve watched my friends try on clothes and research products – everything feels like a compromise – style or comfort? safety vs. efficacy? How do you choose? It could drive anyone crazy – why should we subject a woman (who could potentially be carrying a future Nobel Peace Prize winner!) to that?
Courtney Klein is working to solve this problem with Storq, a new collection of pregnancy basics. Black and white cotton basics, made in LA, and all natural beauty products (also made in the USA) that are safe for pregnant women. Pregnant women can buy individual items or bundles, and the work and research is literally done for you.
I’m not pregnant, but honestly, I’d love a set like this for myself with non-maternity basics. We make decisions all day everyday, most of them shouldn’t be that difficult. I love that Courtney and the Storq team are redefining pregnancy, making it easier – and more fashionable – for new moms. Thank you, Courtney, for taking the time to answer some questions… Looking forward to seeing what is next for Storq!
Maternity fashion can be pretty bleak. There’s a lot of poor quality and questionable style out there. We saw an opportunity to provide women with thoughtful pregnancy essentials without getting in the way of their personal style.
WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE ESSENTIALS?
We’re in favor of minimal silhouettes, super soft fabrics, and a good shoe.
WHAT IS NEXT?
More chic essentials from your friends at Storq. Stay tuned.
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
We work in SF and NY. We have a lot of Google Hang sessions in Pregnancy Town (you can name your hang, so we do that).
WHERE DO YOU MAKE YOUR COLLECTION?
Our basics are milled and manufactured just outside of Los Angeles, CA. We’re proud to support our domestic garment industry.
WHY IS YOUR COLLECTION DIFFERENT
We don’t like bows. There won’t be any small bows. Also, no tags, fewer seams, fabric that’s soft with lots of stretch, minimal shapes. In short, it’s a comfortable uniform that will take you through all 9 months without breaking the bank.
We’ve talked about a lot of the economic/logic-based reasons for supporting American designers and makers – but when it comes down to it, it’s all about the connection. If you make incredible products but you aren’t very nice or your other business practices aren’t as thoughtful, I’m a lot less likely to continue to support you. But if you surprise me and inspire me, I’ll be you customer and advocate for as long as you’ll have me.
Giejo, Gabby Sabharwal’s swimwear line, is the perfect example of a brand that I love (and an A List brand, of course!). I discovered Giejo last year while searching frantically for a suit for a trip to Tulum. I was getting ready to leave my corporate job and my frustration and anxiety had manifested itself in a pretty significant weight gain (turns out, cinnamon rolls and pizza aren’t meant to be eaten every day! who knew?!). I knew I needed a new suit but I dreaded the experience… swimsuit shopping is not my idea of fun. I came across Giejo and loved the cuts and mixed patterns so I ordered several options and sizes. I was surprised at how good I felt when I tried them on – the fit was great, the material was fantastic, and the pieces were comfortable. I kept my favorites and sent back the rest – and then was shocked to get an email from Gabby herself, asking for my feedback on the fit and if she could help me find what I was looking for. I sort of expected the standard, well you aren’t a model so of course this won’t fit right, and was so happy to find that she really just wanted to understand how her line fit different customers and body types. That email led to a few more and this fall we met while I was in New York to talk about the line – which she has recently expanded to include the best cover ups and beach wear (can we talk about how good this bomber and this dress are? amazing.)
Gabby is incredible – she’s so passionate about her work and about keeping her production local and using sustainable materials (Giejo suits are made of deadstock fabric) and she also has a full time job managing PR for a huge label – it’s inspiring and motivating and I’m so excited to see what she does next!
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
The beach, travel, the world around me, my friends and street style.
WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR LINE?
The idea to create a swimsuit came about really as something that was initially just for me. I was looking to purchase a new swimsuit for my upcoming vacation to St. Thomas with my girlfriends to celebrate my birthday.
WHAT IS THE MEANING & INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR LINE?
[gee-joe] interchangeable and multi-functional swim separates featuring versatile prints and figure-flattering silhouettes that can be mixed and matched for a unique look.
The collection is very reflective of my own personal style. I love to layer and mix and match patterns and textures when I dress and I really kept that in mind when choosing the fabrics and prints for my suits.
Another important aspect in my collection was to create multiple looks with a limited amount of pieces. This stems from my original design inspiration and the ability to mix and match prints. I love the idea of having options because not only can you get multiple wears out of say three pieces, you can also make something our own. You are not committed to a suit that is shown to you in the store. This really allows my client to create her own style, another key element to the giejo girl.
WHAT DRIVES YOU?
My passion for life. Knowing that I am living out my dream. Everyday I wake up and pinch myself that this is really it!
WHAT MAKES YOUR DAY?
A smile
WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE ESSENTIALS?
A killer bag and shoes. Also, my jewelry – each piece has a special story and reminds me of someone special in my life.
WHAT IS NEXT?
I would love to expand into mens and childrens.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
I learn something new everyday – there is always a new challenge.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER ENTREPRENEURS?
Listen to your gut and do what feels right to you – never lose sight of your vision.
WHERE DO YOU DESIGN?
In my head throughout the day. It doesn’t all just happen at once or at one time. I am constantly inspired by the world around me!
WHERE ARE YOU MOST INSPIRED?
New York City. I could spend hours people watching. They are the real people wearing fashion. I always dreamed of moving to this city and I am grateful everyday to wake up everyday and experience what surrounds me.
WHERE DO YOU MAKE YOUR LINE?
giejo is proudly made in the USA. All of our materials are sourced locally in New York City’s Garment District and produced just across the Hudson River in New Jersey.
WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP?
My absolute favorite place to shop is the Barneys shoe section!
WHERE DO YOU ESCAPE?
To the islands – my parents have a place in St.Thomas and St.John, so I have grown up escaping there.
WHY DO YOU MAKE YOUR COLLECTION?
To address everything that was missing in the swim market. I tried to address everything that I felt was missing from the market that my friends and I were looking for, because honestly the giejo girl is me and all of my girlfriends too. We wanted swim that was fashion forward and that would make us stand out on the beach.
WHY DO YOU MANUFACTURE IN AMERICA?
I think it is important to support the industry here. You also have a better understanding of the conditions and can be a part of the process by proximity.
WHY IS AMERICAN MADE IMPORTANT TO YOU?
It helps to support our economy and drive local businesses – I love having the personal relationships with the mom and pop stores in the garment district and my guys at the factory are like family.
WHY DOES MANUFACTURING IN AMERICA SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS?
I have more control and as I mentioned earlier can be more a part of the process. I can just drive through the tunnel and check-in to ensure that production is running smoothly and correctly – you have no idea how much can be lost in translation!
WHY IS YOUR COLLECTION DIFFERENT?
We support sustainable fashion by utilizing vintage and reclaimed textiles in our limited-edition designs.
I think that local businesses and companies that manufacture in America are incredible. But I think that small businesses that manufacture in America that also focus on doing good for others are incredibly amazing.
Enter Half United. Four years ago, Carmin Black and her brother, Christian, founded Half United as a way to merge their passion for style with their dedication to charity work and community service. With just $200, they decided to build a product line and donate half of their profits to ending the fight against hunger. Their expanding product line is built around the bullet necklace, symbolizing the fight against hunger. To date, they have donated 98,676 meals.
I had the opportunity to speak with Carmin a few weeks ago and per usual, my notebook is a mess, with tangential notes written all over the margins. Always a sign of an interview where I connected with the person, and where I left with more ideas and questions than I had when I came in. Carmin is incredibly inspiring and so devoted to fighting hunger. Which is imperative – around the world, 925 million people are hungry (4x the population of the USA) and a child dies from hunger related causes every 13 seconds. This is unacceptable.
Read on to learn more about Carmin… and then please go check out and support Half United so that we can all help in the fight against hunger.
WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE ESSENTIALS?
I love Olivia Palermo’s style and can really relate to the aesthetic she creates.
Leopard loafers, black coated denim with really loud flats, a great black v-neck tee. Really great quality pieces you can wear with anything.
I either wear simple jewelry ( a HALF UNITED fighting hunger piece) or one big statement necklace.
WHAT GETS YOU THROUGH THE DAY? THROUGH THE WEEK?
Coffee. I’m starting to embrace drinking my coffee without cream – you know you are an addict when you don’t need cream!
Journaling or reading a devotional when I wake up. I always have a better day when I do this.
Working out. I feel better and have more energy.
Sleep. I go to sleep early, I don’t care if it’s not cool.
Great music. I love Emili Sande, Lorde, Adele…
Really, having a balance is what matters!
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Other designers – I love the Dannijo sisters, they ferociously advocate for themselves and have a no-excuses approach to their business. Finding fabulous new blogs. The Feed Foundation and the One Project.
The mentors I meet with on a regular basis – they are awesome people that challenge and push me in my business.
I read as much as possible – I learn so much by using Entrepreneur.com as my own personal business Google! There’s so much to learn from what others have already done and accomplished in their businesses, so I try to do that as much as possible.
WHAT MAKES YOUR DAY?
At work: When I see my team working together and coming up with new ways of doing things that are more effective. When I see us working together towards our common goal – to fight hunger.
Increased sales – because this just means that we are increasing the amount of money that we give away!
At home: fun dinner parties, a great date, dinners with my friends, and spending time with my family around the holidays.
WHY DO YOU MANUFACTURE IN AMERICA?
At first we made all of our products in-house. As we’ve expanded, we’ve had some really amazing experiences working with American factories and I love knowing that I can help revive these companies while we also fight hunger. That’s what it’s all about – helping our neighbors and our friends… helping their families. It’s amazing to know that you are providing a livelihood for your neighbors and to think that you can employ people you are also helping.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER ENTREPRENEURS?
It takes a strong conviction to start a business and feel the odds are against you. Don’t be limited by your lack of anything – just believe in yourself and keep doing.
When you put your heart and soul into something, it pays back. When you half-ass something, you get half-assed results.
I hate when people say I can’t or I won’t. We have a list of words we’re not allowed to use at the office. These words are toxic. If you think these words, you’ve already shot yourself in the foot. If you want it, go after it, be relentless; I guarantee, you will get what you deserve.
Thank you Carmin, for taking the time to speak with me and for all of your amazing work!
Katy Skelton launched her collection of gorgeous, modern furniture and home accessories earlier this fall. As a self-taught designer for an Austin-based furniture company, she spent quite a bit of time traveling to overseas factories and learned how products were made. She loved her work but wanted to build her own brand, so she went to SCAD, received her masters in furniture design, and moved to New York to start her business. Read on to learn more about her line!
WHY DO YOU MANUFACTURE IN AMERICA?
It’s important to put jobs back in to the economy. Also, it’s easier to manage product development locally, and there are better standards, social responsibility, and sustainability processes in place in the U.S. My furniture is made by Amish craftsmen in Pennsylvania – we have developed a great relationship, and the makers are so invested in my pieces, which is really exciting.
HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO START YOUR OWN LINE?
I loved my work for the furniture store, but my personal aesthetic was very different from what we sold. I had a lot of freedom and started to pitch more modern designs and they did really well. I wanted to build my own line for myself, where I could control every aspect of the supply chain.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR LINE?
Danish design. Vintage furniture, translated to a modern functionality. Multipurpose pieces – I live in New York so that is very important. Wooden furniture can be so simple and classic, like a great pair of jeans. I want to build really high quality pieces that will last forever. The American-made movement is fantastic – the more people we can get on board and show how amazing American-made can be, the better.
WHERE DO YOU ESCAPE?
I get out of the city. I love to take long weekend hikes and visit the Storm King art center. New York can be so hectic – it’s hard to come up with new ideas, I need to get out into nature to do so. Even a quick visit to the park can help.
WHAT GETS YOU THROUGH THE DAY? THROUGH THE WEEK?
My husband, he’s so supportive and I couldn’t do it without him. I have great family and friends that are super supportive. Taking a little bit of time for myself – I didn’t do that for a long time and I realized that it was so easy to get burnt out. Working for yourself, it’s really easy to never leave the house. Every time I make a sale, it’s validation.
WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE ESSENTIALS?
Comfortable but cute shoes. A new pair of jeans, I love AG. Sofas that don’t necessarily look comfortable but are. Furniture that looks great and is also really functional.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION?
The Future Perfect. Lindsey Adelman. BDDW.
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
From a business perspective, Everlane. They work to be transparent in their manufacturing and with their costing and I strive to do the same. The goal is to make classic things that will last – but you don’t have to pay a lot for them. Also, Emerson Fry – she is an amazing businesswoman, she works hard and doesn’t need any attention for it.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED? WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER MAKERS?
When you are trying to start a design business because you are a designer and you love to design, it turns out that you really only spend 10-15% of your time designing. Starting a business is so much more work than you thought, but so much more rewarding. You have to wear all of the hats – designer, maker, packaging, shipping.
WHAT IS NEXT?
I’d like to grow the company a little bit. I’ve expanded the product line with textiles, and I’ll be adding more furniture to the collection.
Eventually, I’d love to have my own factory and employ more people.
Thanks, Katy, for taking the time to chat! Can’t wait to see what comes next for your line! Follow Katy Skelton:
WHAT/WHO INSPIRES YOU?
Photos c/o Storq. Follow Storq:
