October 22, 2024

Expectations Vs. Reality of Fair Trade Manufacturing with Ari Louise of Glean & Grace

57 minutes

In episode 105, hear the step-by-step timeline that Ari took to design, launch, and produce her first product for her historically-inspired maternity brand Glean & Grace. In our conversation, she reveals the ways the process didn’t go as planned, but how it has been rewarding and encouraging nonetheless.

Ari is a trained tailor turned sustainable clothing designer. Ari and her husband have 2 kids, a 3 year old and an 18 month old. She uses historic patterning and modern design to create beautifully functional clothing for mothers who want to feel like themselves again.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How working with a factory was different than Ari expected

How Ari got connected with her factory and fabric supplier

What Ari sent to her factory to get started

How Ari’s perspective on designing clothing changed when she started making clothes for others instead of just herself

Why historical maternity clothes are a key source of inspiration for Glean & Grace

The exact timeline it took to launch Glean & Grace’s first product

Why Ari is thankful she didn’t meet her day-of-launch goal

What Ari is planning to do differently for her next collection

People and resources mentioned in this episode:

Glean & Grace website

Glean & Grace Instagram

Motif Handmade - fair trade handwoven fabrics

Thanapara Swallows - fair trade factory

Fashion Brain Academy - Jane Hamill

Mrs. Emily brand

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