Where Did The Idea Come From?
"The idea really started after we moved to Germany. I was home with my 1 and 2 year-olds and trying to navigate the day with sanity and enthusiasm. Between early mornings (like 5 am every day with my son), early bedtimes and lots of time spent kneeling, reading books and making snacks, I felt like I wanted better “house clothes.” Putting on makeup and getting dressed for the day wasn’t really my style to begin with. I knew that wasn’t what I needed to make me feel “better”. I’ve always been a jeans and tee girl, but jeans and tees aren’t that comfortable at home. Anyway, that year I asked my husband for a “nice” set of Pajamas or a loungewear set for Christmas. Something I could move in, wouldn't make me sweat and had no synthetics. I said I needed to be able to wear these all day if I have to… Needless to say what I got wasn’t what I had in mind 😉. That is what sparked the idea."
What is Something You Wish More People Knew About Slow Fashion?
What is your background?
"I am actually a CPA (although I gave up my designation in 2021) and not a designer. I got my accounting designation in 2003 because it was a career I knew I could always fall back on. That is the most conventional thing I did. The minute I had my designation, I left traditional accounting roles and instead went to work as a bike guide in Europe (following the tour de France) and then working in non-profit and other industries. Eventually landing in fashion wholesale for a brand that was pioneering natural clothing for the outdoors."
What is The Hardest Part of Running Hernest?
"There are challenges in all areas of the business. I think it all comes down to trying to grow sustainably. The fashion industry is very old and there are ingrained ways of doing things and coming at it from a baseline of sustainability is really difficult because nothing is very conventional and we’re always challenging the status quo, from supply chain to marketing. I spend my days trying to ensure what I'm putting out into the world is aligned with hernest values - it takes constant re-thinking and educating each person that plays a role in that"
What is The Highlight of building Hernest?
"There are two things that bring me lots of joy. The first is customers. I love when I get positive feedback about how Hernest has brought joy to someone’s life and taught them about slow fashion along the way. That is just the best and that is a big part of WHY I continue to push through. The second is knowing that I’m trying to do something innovative and aligned with values and practices that put people and planet first."
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