Sarah Armendariz

What is your product(s)?

Cosima is a women's fashion brand inspired by my family lineage of artists and designers. Each collection is designed using prints that began as original artworks, painted by people I love.

The women in my life who inspired Cosima were enterprising and resourceful out of necessity, and this is the way I've approached ethics and sustainability for Cosima. For example, many of the trims used in my Spring 18 collection were deadstock. In fact, the buttons on the Sunsoak Top were originally used to lace up Victorian boots!

Something I'm very excited to be working on right now is an upcycling program for my leftover production fabric. My goal is to help a specific community in the process, and I can't wait to reveal more details as it begins to unfold in the coming year!

All of Cosima's fabrics this season were digitally printed using OEKO-TEX certified inks. All gift bags and shipping materials are made of recycled paper, and I had the manufacturer bulk-pack my production order instead of using individual polybags. So far, I've incorporated steps that I feel are both impactful and cost-effective for a start-up brand, with the intention of taking larger leaps toward becoming a more conscious fashion brand with each season.

Where were you with your idea or business before joining Factory45?

If I remember correctly, I think I used the word “stuck” in my application for Factory45! I had the concept for Cosima, and I'd handed off technical sketches to a sample maker. But at the time I applied for Factory45, my sample maker had taken three months and still not completed a first round of protos for me. My prints were lost in a black hole at the printer, no one could tell me when I would see a strike off. Plus, I had no idea how to tackle the branding and identity for Cosima. I felt totally overwhelmed, but determined to make it happen somehow. That's why Factory45 appealed to me so much–I felt that the program would offer a clear path to launching my brand.

How did joining Factory45 help you?

All of the sudden I felt empowered, instead of stuck. It was a relief to have a comprehensive and organized plan with action items that were moving me forward again. As I've said before, I've worked as an apparel designer for 10 years, and I'd never received the in-depth information Factory45 provided.

I used Shannon's Production Partners database to find an awesome samplemaker's studio. Then I found a great printer that a fellow F45-er had posted on the group Facebook page. On a personal level, Shannon's videos, emails, and her “Real Talk” messages were like a daily vitamin that kept me energized and excited about what I was doing.

In your opinion, what is the most valuable thing about Factory45?

For me, it's the way each of the aspects of Factory45 — community, lessons, templates, databases — work together. Much of the information is something I could act on and implement immediately, and some (like email templates) I've used after the program. The ability to access all the content after the program is incredibly valuable.

What were some big or small milestones that you hit after going through Factory45?

After completing Factory45, I finalized branding and identity, pulled off a photo shoot in the desert (!), and launched Cosima! Most importantly, production was completed this week and I'll begin shipping orders!

Please describe your business after Factory45.

Right now, I'm working hard to build brand awareness and gather a community that loves Cosima. I'm also in the beginning stages of designing my Spring 19 collection, which is my favorite part! I still have a lot to learn (hello social media!) and at times the progress feels slow. I'm constantly reminding myself that everything I need is at my fingertips to use however and whenever I need. And, Factory45 is absolutely one of my most important resources.