Impact

Progress Not Perfection

As a small, woman-owned business, we try to lead with compassion, create quality products that last, and make thoughtful choices that treat our planet and the people involved in our work with dignity. We know our ideals do not always perfectly align with the reality of how we wish the world worked, but when we discover a better way of doing things, we do our best to make changes.

Sometimes that looks like finding ways to reduce plastic packaging, choosing more responsible materials, or working with vendors who share our values. These improvements often happen one step at a time, as we find the resources and opportunities to make them possible.

Running an independent fashion company means resources can stretch pretty thin, so we focus our efforts where they can have the greatest impact. First and foremost, we weave our values into the everyday decisions behind our business, from the materials we choose to the people we partner with. When we can, we also love supporting local organizations doing important work in our communities.

Below are a some definitions of the certificates and standards we reference on our product pages and packaging, as well as a few nonprofits we have worked with repeatedly and believe deserve a spotlight and support.

MATERIAL STANDARDS

GOTS

The Global Organic Textile Standard is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, as well as chemical use.

AZO Free Dyes

AZO-free dyes are synthetic dyes that do not contain harmful nitrogen-based compounds known as AZO compounds, which can release carcinogenic substances.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

This sets the benchmark for textile safety, from yarn to finished product. It certifies that the article is harmless to human health and complies with global regulations and standards.

The Good Cashmere Standard

The Good Cashmere Standard was created to improve the welfare of cashmere goats with respect to the Five Domains of Animal Welfare as well as the economic, social and ecological conditions experienced by cashmere herders, their families and communities in Inner Mongolia.

Responsible Wool Standard

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a voluntary standard that requires all sites, from wool farms to the seller in the final business-to-business transaction, to be certified. RWS farmers and ranchers are evaluated against animal welfare, land management, and social requirements set in the standard.

Forest Stewardship Council

Globally, FSC's “check tree” logo is the most recognized and trusted consumer symbol for forest products. Their certifications ensure the product comes from a sustainably managed forest.

Algae Ink

Algae Ink is a revolutionary ink that uses algae cells for pigments, making it safer and cleaner to work with and more compatible with recycling and composting. The process to make its Algae Black™ pigment sequesters more carbon than is emitted.

SOCIAL STANDARDS

Fair Trade™

Fair Trade Certified™ is an award-winning, rigorous, and globally recognized sustainable sourcing model that improves livelihoods, protects the environment, and builds resilient, transparent supply chains.

SEDEX/SMETA 4 PILLAR

The SMETA audit is designed to help protect workers from unsafe conditions, overwork, discrimination, low pay, and forced labour. These audits are closely aligned with the standards put forth by the International Labor Organization.

SA8000 Standard

The world’s leading social certification program. The SA8000 Standard and Certification System provide a framework for organizations of all types, in any industry, and in any country to conduct business in a way that is fair and decent for workers and to demonstrate their adherence to the highest social standards.

HIGG INDEX

Our largest vendor has Higg score of 87.91 in 2018. The Higg Index is an apparel and footwear industry self-assessment standard for assessing environmental and social sustainability throughout the supply-chain.