Julie Allen
Hope Continues
Portland, OR
What is your product(s)?
Hope Continues is our size inclusive (5X-XS), ethically made, capsule collection for the sexy minimalist. Inspired by Greek and Roman Goddesses and embodying the powerful, sensual, gentle feminine energy. Hope Continues inspires humans in all bodies to embrace the Goddess within. With size inclusion, sustainable materials, and ethical production at its core, Hope Continues strives to be a leader in the slow fashion movement. Hope Continues represents hope for a future that honors humans, animals, and Earth.
Where were you with your idea or business before joining Factory45?
I had owned a boutique for about 4 years when starting Factory45. We had recently switched the entire boutique from fast fashion to slow fashion and we were struggling to find size inclusive options in sustainable pieces. I decided to create my own line to fill this need. I had zero experience in creating a clothing line and I wanted to assure it was done sustainably and ethically. Factory45 helped me to know how to do this. The fashion industry is notorious for a lack of transparency, and with the help of F45, I was able to confidently launch a sustainable, size inclusive clothing brand.
How did joining Factory45 help you?
The entire process of starting a sustainable clothing line was outlined and tangible steps were provided in the Factory45 program. Starting a clothing line and wanting to assure it was done with the highest regard to humans, animals, and Earth was intimidating. With the guidance of Factory45, I was able to confidently achieve this goal. A year after joining the program, I launched our brand.
In your opinion, what is the most valuable thing about Factory45?
The fashion industry is not known for transparency. Knowing what questions to ask and having a database of suppliers and manufacturers was so valuable. We cannot do better until we know better and Factory45 helped me to know how to proceed ethically in an industry where that is not the standard.
What were some big or small milestones that you hit after going through Factory45?
The first most exciting thing was getting fabric swatches in. Deciding on what type of fabric to use was when the process became real. After our samples started to arrive, it became clear that we were doing this! Then seeing the full line in all the colors was an amazing experience. Our biggest milestone was the official launch party. A fashion show celebrating humans in all bodies. Seeing the clothing we designed on confident, happy humans was a moment I will never forget.
Please describe your business after Factory45.
I continue to own and operate the Mary Rose Boutique in Portland, OR. We have narrowed down our inventory to only carry a handful of brands that align with our mission of inclusion, sustainability, and social good. The Hope Continues line is in our boutique and it is a dream come true. Seeing the full line and seeing humans wear and love the pieces is indescribable. I am thankful to Factory45 for giving me the knowledge and confidence to develop and launch a sustainable clothing line.
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