I’ve had a long holiday, no blogging, not much working but a lot of thinking and decision making. Business wise, 2011 was a great year for me, I got some wonderful stockists, great press and a load of really lovely customers (from this I have now deduced that my target market is “awesome, gorgeous, super nice people”) but as thoughts turned to 2012, a new collection and moving forward I knew something had to change.

Previously the most important aspect of my business as I could see it, was to produce things locally and make the most of local craftspeople. The quality of my products was/is paramount. My clothing is 100% natural and made under fair conditions, my screenprinting is done up the road from me by an absolute pro using waterbased inks and will wash a trillion times (ok I haven’t counted, but trust me it is A class) and for a time, I was very proud of what I was making. But, when they say ‘ignorance is bliss’, they aren’t lying. I was remaining ignorant to the actual reality of cotton production, the use of pesticides and the effect this has not only on the planet but the farmers, their families and their health. ’100% cotton’ is a phrase that has instant connotations of ‘natural’, ‘good for us’ and ‘quality’, when in reality it is anything but.

I’m not stupid, I know that organic cotton and alternatives are expensive, more difficult to obtain and limited in range for many peoples use. But as one person who is in charge of EVERY aspect of my company, working on a relatively small scale with the ability to produce and print my own products, why wouldn’t I take that extra step to improve my products?

Turns out, going down the organic route is proving to be a slow and difficult process but I won’t give up until I get what I want. My new designs will be made soon, and it is my absolute mission that they benefit absolutely everyone involved in their production. Don’t worry, I’m not going all earth-mother on you, they’ll still have the same edge and vibrancy.

I’m not writing this to preach, but to share what’s been buzzing around in my head this last month and let you know what’s coming. I’d really love to hear your thoughts, opinions and experiences on the subject.