Within the high cost world of an ethical clothing brand

Many facets of the apparel industry can be inexpensive and easy, even if ethics and organic fabrics are not your priority.

Little Yellow Bird Founder and General Manager Samantha Jones has decided to take the hard way.

For Jones, raw materials and expensive suppliers on the other side of the world are just some of the costly challenges she faces with her sustainable and ethical clothing brand.

“We can not do quick sampling because we only source 100% rainfed organic cotton and our suppliers are in India. The minimum orders from our suppliers for organic tissue are huge, “she says.

Saying no to synthetic fabrics and cheap plastic packaging has earned the two-time finalist of Women of Influence in New Zealand’s garment industry, while leaving a positive impact on the environment.

“In the early years, all our products were individually wrapped in plastic. That’s how most brand products come in, which seems crazy.

“After many negotiations and deliberations from our suppliers on the assurance that the stock was not damaged, we agreed to send our tied products with twill tapes. That means that last year, more than 183 kilograms of plastic were prevented from entering New Zealand, “Jones said.

Samantha Jones

Jones was inspired by the creation of Little Yellow Bird, specializing in hospitality and corporate uniforms, after leaving the military.

“I was so excited to finally have the choice of what I was wearing for my corporate wardrobe but found out that the options were really limited,” she said.

She started the business in 2015 while studying at the University of Canterbury and now has more than 400 clients. The company has also diversified into baby clothing and an online e-commerce store offering basic t-shirts and dresses.

“I travel to India several times a year, but we have someone who works there full time as a quality controller. In New Zealand, there are only three of us working full time in the company and most of our team and advisory board are women, “said the Westpac client.

Inside the Samantha Jones factory in India

Little Yellow Bird is developing its business and is aiming to raise $ 300,000 for a PledgeMe campaign and has already raised more than half.

The company offers partial ownership of the brand for only $ 500 and full voting rights for all shareholder decisions for anyone investing $ 35,000 or more.

Jones said that there were times when she thought her business would not work, but said that it is the belief in her ethical product that makes her move forward.

“For those who are waiting for the perfect time in their lives to start a business, there will never be one. Start right now, “Jones advises other budding entrepreneurs.

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