Our Founder & CEO, Miranda Kerr caught up with Kayti O’Connell Carr, Founder and Creative Director of the “Clean Essentials” clothing company, MATE THE LABEL.
Read below for Kayti’s interview with Miranda where she shares her passion for non-toxic materials, ethical manufacturing, and the challenges and rewards of being a woman in business…
MK: What does it mean to be a “Clean Essentials” clothing company and why is it important to you?
KOC: Similar to the beauty industry, the fashion industry also has a very dirty or toxic side to it. There are over 8,000 synthetic chemicals being used in apparel manufacturing, which can be endocrine disrupting, carcinogenic, and neurotoxic. Conventional cotton is riddled with pesticides and synthetic clothing is typically made from petroleum, which account for the majority of materials being used on the market. At MATE, we have committed to using Organic, natural, and non-toxic materials and dyes that are healthier for you and the planet. We believe that what you put in and on your skin matters. Our Clean Essentials are designed to be as comfortable as they are sustainable. At the end of the day, every purchase we make is a way to directly affect positive change for a cleaner and healthier planet.
MK: How are your garments ethically manufactured and what does that process look like?
KOC: We are proud to have a super localized supply chain in Los Angeles, where all of our factories are located within 15 miles of each other and our HQ. The close proximity of our partners allows our team to have a hands-on approach to ensure that ethical practices are being enforced. Our partners follow strict California labor laws, abide by hourly wages (versus payment by piece), and provide healthy and safe working environments. MATE’s Code of Conduct for manufacturing will soon be visible on our site, which highlights our standards and provides accountability.
MK: What challenges have you overcome as a woman in business and what advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs?
KOC: Having a startup is like building a ship while you are swimming in the water and it’s starting to storm. There is nothing that can prepare you for the number of challenges that arise on a daily basis while running a business. I think that the most consistent ongoing challenge for me is finding time to turn off and rest (without feeling bad about it). The pressure to “always be on” as a founder is exhausting and it’s important to give yourself a break here and there. I would highly recommend surrounding yourself with team members that you can trust to execute in the areas that are not your strong suit. Delegation is key.
MK: Since we’re both obvious fans of turmeric, I’m curious to know how your skin has responded to the new Turmeric Glow Moisturizer?
KOC: I have naturally dry skin and this moisturizer gives me the perfect glow while feeling super hydrated. I also love the option for a refillable pod!!!
“Our goal is to offer Women everywhere a Clean product that is just as beautiful as it is sustainable. We are proud to be a female-founded company that is predominately operated by Women.”
– Kayti O’Connell Carr
We love that the ‘Clean’ movement has become so relevant across beauty, fashion and so much of everyday life. At KORA Organics, we use Certified Organic products for one simple reason—because what you put on your skin soaks in. Our products are toxin-free, cruelty-free and formulated with highly active ingredients that deliver powerful results leaving your skin healthy, glowing and radiant.
And we are proud to partner with and support businesses like MATE THE LABEL who share our mission to help take care of the planet, and each other.
Love,
KORA Organics
xxx
