The world today is often concerned with what we put into our bodies, hence why many foods have become organic, or at least have an organic option. But what about clothes? Kyle Smitley (age 26) did exactly this with her clothing company called Barley and Birch. She makes children’s clothing from 100% organic cotton and water based inks. In this way, no parent should worry about where there kid’s clothes are coming from because, unfortunately, many are made in sweatshops with unknown chemicals.
I work at Polo Ralph Lauren Children’s Store in New Jersey, and I love seeing Smitley start a company like this. While it may be a small movement, I think it is important to know what type of material your clothes are being made from. Smitley only does children clothes, but imagine what type of movement could be started if she starting making teenage/adult clothes as well?
Plus, look how cute these are!
Her website can be found here: http://barleyandbirch.com/.
Such a simple idea, and it definitely meets the customers who want to have the assurance of safe, nontoxic clothing. In some ways, it seems that this wouldn’t be as effective of an idea for adults or teens though, because washing them would be a good way to get rid of the harmful chemicals. He saw a need, and sought to match it, and that really fits an entrepreneurial mindset.