Kristy Carabello and Stef Emery started Orgotton in 2009 with the simple mission to “create luxurious clothing with a transparent and traceable business model that is good for both you and the planet”. From screen printing tees in their parent’s basement, these two sisters are now taking the world of sustainable fashion by storm with their classic, multi-functional clothing that is created – from design to production – in Philadelphia. I really admire these two ladies because they prove that with hard work, determination, and an insane amount of passion, your dreams can come true (and can also be made out of sustainable and eco-friendly materials). Keep reading to find out more behind the inspiring Orgotton story:
What inspired you to create your own clothing line?
When we first started out in 2009 we were buying clothing wholesale and screen printing them in our parent’s basement. After a while we decided we wanted to have more control of the style’s we were selling. We thought there was a need for clothing that was both sustainable and stylish so that led to us start our own line. As sisters, we always wanted to start a business together and we saw a need for stylish, fun clothing that was made from sustainable fabrics.
What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting Orgotton?
We taught ourselves how to do everything from incorporating our business to screen printing, and buying clothing wholesale. We wouldn’t change a thing! It was a great learning experience and every mistake was used as a tool that we learned from.
What sparked your interest in creating eco-friendly products? Why is this important to you?
The answer to this questions is two-fold for us. We wanted to make products that were good for both people and the environment. Kristy has a degree in Marketing and Management and is licensed as an Aesthetician. She brings a focus to the “people” part of our mission. Stef graduated with a degree in Geography and Urban Studies and has worked on various urban farms so she brings the focus to the “planet”.
Kirsty: As a licensed Aesthetician I know that skin is the largest organ on a persons body and that it absorbs everything it touches. Pairing that with the knowledge that cotton is widely sprayed with pesticides and considered ‘the dirtiest crop’, why would you not choose organic (cotton)?”
Stef: Consumers can feel good about wearing Orgotton clothing because they know where it was made, who created it, and they can trust in the dedication and quality we put into our work.
It is important to us that our company follows ethical and sustainable practices and leaves a small footprint.
What is the most rewarding part of running your own business?
Kristy: One of the most rewarding things for me is getting to work with my sister. Yes, we really do get along! I also love the process of seeing our ideas come to life. When I picked up our very first round of samples I felt like I was giving birth, like I was seeing my baby for the very first time!
Stef : To be able to use my creativity and see the process of our ideas become actual, tangible products.
Orgotton is all about turning basics into everyday luxuries… how do you do this in your own life?
This is a great question! From fresh cut flowers in the house to using lavender essential oil on our pillows before bed, going to the local coffee shop for my favorite latte, or purchasing food from a local farm stand. We think it’s so important to take small things that some people may glance over and make them a daily gift to ourselves. It’s all in the details!
I love the concept of hangtags that grow wildflowers when planted – SO neat! Is there any significance behind the choice of seed?
We’re so excited about our hangtags! We’re debuting our first line of clothing and we believe in ethical fashion and slow fashion. We wanted to create basics that every woman should have in her closet. And we wanted our customer to be able to “grow” her sustainable clothing collection with us. And what do people normally do with a hang tag? They throw it out! With our tags there is no waste!
There are different options that you can choose from but we just loved the idea of wildflowers. And if for some reason the tags do get thrown out I hope that one day we see wildflowers growing in landfills everywhere. “grow your sustainable clothing line with orgotton”
What advice would you give to women looking to break into the fashion industry?
Don’t quit. It’s not all glamorous. if it’s your passion don’t stop until you get to where you want to be. Never, never, never give up.
For styling tips and to see see what these ladies are up to next, follow Orgotton on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!