Client Spotlight: UpWest

Meet UpWest!

Over the past several months, we’ve had the pleasure of working with one of the coolest, growing sustainable and give-back apparel brands in the industry. Headquartered in Columbus, OH, we’re thrilled to announce our amazing EB 360 partner, UpWest!

UpWest is comfort-focused apparel brand that is making waves in the industry not only for their sustainable practices, but also for their fantastic product and company culture. They have managed to create a brand that is both stylish and eco-friendly, all while fostering an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and personal growth.

Sustainability Efforts

One of the key differentiators of UpWest is their sustainability efforts. They take a holistic approach to sustainability, considering everything from the materials they use in their clothing to the packaging they use to ship their products. UpWest uses materials that are eco-friendly and sustainable, such as recycled polyester and organic cotton. They also work with suppliers who share their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

UpWest is also dedicated to reducing waste and minimizing their carbon footprint. They have implemented several initiatives to reduce waste, such as using recyclable mailers and encouraging customers to reuse their packaging through their partnership with Give Back Box.   They also launched a garment take-back program in their stores with the goal of upcycling or donating used clothing items to keep them out of landfills.  Additionally, they have partnered with organizations like One Tree Planted to help offset their carbon emissions and plant trees in areas affected by deforestation.

Inside UpWest

What stands out most to us about UpWest is their kind nature and positive company culture. They foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and personal growth, where employees are encouraged to share ideas and take risks. They also prioritize work-life balance, offering flexible schedules and remote work options. At UpWest, they believe that progress > perfection.  Giving back is truly part of the UpWest DNA, and they make time quarterly to serve the community in a variety of practical ways.

UpWest also invests in their employees' personal and professional growth through training and development programs. They provide opportunities for employees to learn new skills, attend industry events, and receive feedback and support from their managers. They believe in engaging with and supporting their surrounding communities, and partnering with brands who hold similar values.

Take Your Career to the Next Level with UpWest!

Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the UpWest team and can attest to how incredible of a company they are to work with. They are focused on making a positive impact on the environment, and their commitment to sustainability is woven into everything they do. If you're looking for a company that is making a difference and genuinely values their employees, UpWest is definitely a brand to keep on your radar.

Client Spotlight: THE GREAT.

We are fortunate to partner with some of the most innovative, inspired brands in the fashion, home, and beauty industries. Before we can begin to find the most authentically fit talent for our clients, we value the time it takes for us to learn the backbone of the brand and to gain a full appreciation of the story behind it.

Recently, our team had the incredible opportunity to speak with friends, business partners, and visionary storytellers, Emily Current and Meritt Elliott. For over 20 years, the duo has continued to be inspired, taken risks, and grown the business together. This is the story of how they came to build their fully realized women’s lifestyle collection, THE GREAT.

Both undergraduates at UCLA and lovers of classic Americana style who shared an appreciation for vintage denim and denim culture, Emily and Meritt bonded quickly. Their creative partnership led them to a career of dressing red-carpet celebrities, styling editorials, art directing advertising campaigns, and in 2008, launching CURRENT/ELLIOTT, their vintage-inspired apparel brand that was later sold in 2012.

Over the next several years, both women worked with Kate Spade New York, became members of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), entered the home arena with PB Teen, and launched their own coffee table book, ‘A Denim Story: Inspirations From Bellbottoms to Boyfriends,’ which is now on its third reprint.

This unwavering bond has continued to lead Emily and Meritt on many creative adventures together, one of which we are thrilled to be a part of. We’re teaming up with this inspirational dynamic duo as they embark on one of their notably greatest achievements since 2015, their women’s lifestyle brand known as THE GREAT.

Inspired by timeless Americana style, THE GREAT. offers a collection of elevated, stylish, and high-quality pieces. Rooted in classic fit, care, and quality products, owners and leaders Emily and Meritt continue to manage all creative direction and design to celebrate and innovate dressing their customers for their most authentic and joyful moments of their life.

Emily and Meritt lead by example with their commitment to creating a collaborative, upbeat, and transparent workplace for their employees. Encouraged by a strong work-life balance, the team at THE GREAT. believes in working smarter not harder.

With four retail stores and a huge growth trajectory generated in authenticity and word-of-mouth, THE GREAT. is available in over 200 of the world’s most premier retailers and has plans to grow its omnichannel its foot print over the next couple of years.

We’re thrilled to partner with this incredibly hard-working team as they bring a unique flare to classic Americana style all while creating a workplace that prioritizes the health, happiness, and productivity of their employees.

 If you’re interested in joining their team of visionaries, check out the jobs we’re working on for THE GREAT.

Client Spotlight: 7 For All Mankind

Inspired by innovative denim and united by community, 7 For All Mankind ‘was the first company to bring premium denim to scale, putting L.A. on the map as the fashion authority of the west coast staple.’

Since their start in 2000, 7 For all Mankind, also often referred to as Sevens, has remained a key player in the premium denim industry. We’re excited to partner with their team as they continue to drive change in the world of sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and as they continue to ask the important question, “how can we do better?”.

Better For All Mankind

With the belief that every person should have 7 pairs of denim, one for each day of the week, they also believe that sustainability should be a way of life. Sevens has kept their focus on three areas of improvement: materials, manufacturing, and of course, mankind. Their sustainable choices are rooted in their materials. Their team prides themselves on their commitment to source responsible materials from around the world, including recycled yarns, hemp, and more. When it comes to their manufacturing processes, they work with their supply chain partners to best reduce emissions, energy, and water usage. Lastly and potentially their most notable commitment is to their people, to mankind.

https://www.7forallmankind.com/sustainability-page

Commitment For All Mankind

A favorite among celebrities, fashion editors and stylists, 7 For All Mankind’s denim has become a closet staple for many around the world. Their success, however, can be attributed to more than just their innovative style and fit. 7 For All Mankind’s commitment to social responsibility and goal of making continuous progress towards fair wages and better working conditions is what separates them in the industry. With a belief that people are what make them successful, 7 For All Mankind has a robust social compliance program, built upon their corporate code of conduct, that is dedicated to ensure that their workers, across all aspects of the supply chain, have ‘fair working conditions, are treated with respect and dignity, and are working in safe and secure environments.’

In 2019, 7 For All Mankind joined over 100 other apparel and footwear brands and signed the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s Responsible Recruitment Pledge to ‘address the risk of forced labor in the supply chain.’ In honor of the pledge, 7 For All Mankind has partnered with their global supply chain to create conditions that ensure that ‘no workers pay for their job, they retain control of their travel documents with full freedom of movement, and all workers are informed of the basic terms of their employment before leaving home.’

The Future For All Mankind

We are excited to partner with a company that is as passionate about sustainability and corporate social responsibility as 7 For All Mankind. With over 100 retail locations worldwide, a robust eCommerce business, and availability in luxury and high-end retailers across the globe, 7 For All Mankind is paving the way for sustainable and social responsibility in the fashion supply chain. As they continue their journey and innovations, we’re excited to support the growth of their team. If you’re excited about 7 For All Mankind’s mission and share a similar passion, check out the job opportunities with 7FAM here.

Client Spotlight: Tommy John

Makers of the most comfortable underwear on the planet, our our newest client is a lifestyle brand that is challenging the meaning of comfort in both men and women’s fashion. You know them best for their ultra-comfortable underwear, socks, loungewear, and apparel, but what you may not know is the courage, drive, and innovation that has led them to great success. We’re thrilled to share our newest EB 360 partnership with the exceptional team at Tommy John.

A First for Everything

Tom Patterson was a medical device salesman frustrated by his bulky undershirt, he set out to create a better one. With no prior design experience, Tom and his wife, Erin Fujimoto, decided to risk it all for the sake of one thing: comfort. A company built on firsts, Tommy John successfully launched in their men’s line in 2008 and later their women’s line in 2018. Today, Tommy John now has 5 store locations and is available in nearly 3,000 points of wholesale distribution, and if you ask them, they’re only getting started.

#WorkAtTommyJohn

With their proprietary fabrics, innovative fit, and problem solving functionality, it’s no question that Tommy John delivers exceptional products. Their success, however, can be attributed to more than just that. The team at Tommy John wears 5 values at their core. They strive to:

• Be humble

• Be adaptable

• Be curious

• Be mindful

• GDS 2.0 (Get Shit Done, on the next level.)

What do these 5 core values look like every day for the team at Tommy John? You can always see what their team is up to by visiting their hashtag, #WorkAtTommyJohn. Rated impressively on Great Place to Work, some of Tommy John’s employees’ most favored qualities of the brand are their genuine and supportive leaders, strong company culture, and overall fun atmosphere.

“I’d say we’re humbled every day by the people who show up here and work so hard.”

— Erin Fujimoto, Co-Founder & Head of Merchandising

Future-Focused

As we team up with Tommy John and support their vision for growth, we’re on the lookout for talent that is equally as committed to their values. The team at Tommy John is made up of go-getters, people that are ready to roll-up their sleeves and dive into any task at hand. A positive attitude and a love for the brand is key, as is a drive for innovation and an appreciation for collaboration. 

Tommy John is building their dream team of people who are passionate to ensure longevity of the brand. We are eager to integrate our teams and to support their heightening success as they continue to ‘help make the world a more comfortable place.’

Check out the opportunities we’re working on with Tommy John.

VP of Sales

Director of Strategy

Client Spotlight: Mizzen+Main

Meet Mizzen+Main

One of the greatest pleasures of our job is working with brands that are equally as innovative as they are dedicated to creating a strong, supportive company culture. For the past couple of years, we have had the absolute pleasure of joining Mizzen+Main on their impressive journey of rapid expansion throughout the U.S. An audacious group, Mizzen+Main has no intentions of slowing down anytime soon. If you’re ready to take the next step and join a team with this much drive, the time is now.

Don’t Sweat It

Back in 2005, Kevin Lavelle, an intern in Washington D.C. at the time, witnessed a hurried congressional-staffer run up Capitol Hill. A bystander, Lavelle couldn’t help but notice the sweat fully drenching this rushed businessman’s dress shirt and thought, ‘there has to be a better way.’ Years later, in 2012, Lavelle executed that better way and he named it the Leeward: Mizzen+Main’s OG men’s performance dress shirt.

Mizzen+Main dress shirts are made of lightweight, breathable, sweat-wicking, wrinkle resistant, and active stretch material that can also be machine washed—making ironing and dry-cleaning chores of the past.

But they do more than just dress shirts. They’re bring off the clock comfort to every hour of the day with pants, polos, and pullovers that every guy’s hanger would be proud to hold.

Conquer. Comfortably.
At Mizzen+Main, comfort is at the center of everything. Step into their headquarters in Dallas, TX, and you’re sure to find the laid-back, roll your chair over, let’s film a Tik-Tok together, type of crew. Their goal is to achieve a level of comfort among their employees that reflects in the product they sell. Authenticity is at the root of their well-deserved success.

In order to achieve this level of comfortability, they’ve structured their business around five core values:

1. We’re People First: Whether we're clothing them, caring for them, or working with them, people are our top priority.

2. We Have Commitments: We’re committed to following through. We’re committed to each other. We’re committed to you.

3. We Think Big: Why set goals that you know you can meet? Audacious isn’t our middle name, but it should be.

4. We Act As Owners: We work like Mizzen+Main belongs to every single one of us. Because honestly, it does.

5. We Never Settle: Good enough isn’t good enough. We seek to surpass our own expectations every single day.

“We’re all about the moments that happen at our office but in-between our work—when what we do becomes more than just a duty, a task, or a job.
We find comfort in these moments. Coincidentally, we make clothes that help people feel the same.
”

— Mizzen+Main

Walking the Talk

For Mizzen+Main, implementation of their core values is key. One of their most applaudable commitments to their community is through their partnership with Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF), an organization that provides rehabilitation and training to veterans and people who have endured life-altering injuries. Making a positive, lasting change in their community and in lives of so many is their ultimate goal.

To learn more about Mizzen+Main’s partnership with ATF and their mission, click here.

Think Big with Mizzen+Main

Mizzen+Main highly prioritizes the success, enjoyment, and fulfillment of their employees. Through team outings, collaborative workspaces, and an overall family-style workplace, they have created a recognizably comfortable environment for all members of their growing team.

After working with this driven team for over two years now, we can attest to what an incredible group of people makes up Mizzen+Main. We are thrilled to continue our relationship with them as they grow, better their community, and build their impressive brand.

If you’re ready to change course in your career and join the team at Mizzen+Main, there’s no better time like the present.

To check out the jobs we’re working on for Mizzen+Main, click here.

To learn more about Mizzen+Main and their mission, click here.

Client Spotlight: KREWE

It is a transformative time at KREWE, an independent, high-fashion eyewear brand based out of New Orleans, LA. There are many new and exciting initiatives under way.

It is our honor to be a part of KREWE’s journey as they welcome their new president, Cathy Quain. We are excited to support her vision of establishing a strong company culture, committing to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing plans for future growth. We’re thrilled about the opportunity to help build a team who will bring this vision to life.

 KREWE is inspired by the creativity and spirit of New Orleans.  In 2013, KREWE launched its first set of frames out of a mobile cart attached to a bike, and sold at festivals around New Orleans.

Today, KREWE’s omni-channel business includes 4 brick & mortar locations, 9 “Tiny House” concept stores (and growing), a robust ecommerce business, and wholesale relationships with Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and shopbop.

The brand has continued to grow and evolve with an extensive offering of unique, hand-crafted sun and optical frames, designed in New Orleans with the utmost attention to detail. KREWE’s unique approach to eyewear has created a cult-following amongst consumers and influencers alike.  Their frames have appeared in publications from GQ to VOGUE and on celebrities such as Beyonce, Gigi Hadid, Meghan Markle, Carrie Underwood, Hailey Bieber, Zayne Malik, Scott Disick, Adam Huber, among others – including a flight “KREWE” in space!

KREWE’s beautiful headquarters in New Orleans is the home base to 50 (+) corporate employees and 60 (+) in-person associates.   They are a team of smart creatives that foster an environment of communication, growth and individuality.  The Employee Engagement Council and Give-Back partnership through UWSLA are a few pieces that make KREWE’s culture special.  And, their pool-side company gatherings isn’t too bad either….

To learn more about KREWE and opportunities to join their team, visit https://www.krewe.com/pages/careers.

Client Spotlight - SCOUT

SCOUT Bags is a fast-growing Washington, DC-based brand known for stylish, functional, affordable bags. Their versatile products are designed to help modern women contain, organize, and carry all the stuff they—and their families—need to navigate and celebrate their busy days and lives.

Co-founded in 2004 by former Vogue editor and celebrity stylist Deb Waterman Johns, and her entrepreneur husband Ben Johns, SCOUT has quickly become a cult-classic, known for its original, limited-edition patterns and versatile designs that are perfect for anyone. With nearly four decades of experience in the fashion industry, Deb’s creative vision is the driving force behind the dynamic SCOUT brand.

Recently featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, Oprah Magazine, and USA Today (to name just a few), SCOUT aspires to be a national lifestyle brand known as the lifelong quintessential bag source for modern women.

SCOUT has a broad product assortment — bags, accessories, coolers, storage, rugs, and more—and all are available online and through hundreds of retailer partners nationwide.

They also love to give back, and it is built into their DNA—as is a sense of humor and a commitment to authenticity and approachability. To this point, they only use employees and friends of the brand as models in their marketing materials.

You can find SCOUT headquartered in the historic Georgetown on the Potomac River. Outside the doors of the office you will find cobblestone streets, cute boutiques, fun eateries, and busy sidewalks. The team at SCOUT is comprised of fun-loving people who are innovative, collaborative, passionate, and driven. They live by the words creative, adaptable, dynamic, bold, and authentic, and seek these qualities in their current and future teammates.

To learn more about their team, products, retail partners, and life at SCOUT, visit: https://www.scoutbags.com/thescoutstory.

Client Spotlight - House Dogge & FAAS Design Collab

Every so often, we come across a powerhouse designer who can both lead a brand and champion social causes. That is Angela Medlin, founder of House Dogge in 2017, a sustainable dog brand, and FAAS Design Collab, a professional development and design education platform whose mission is to prepare creatives for the fashion and apparel industry. She is a true leader who values diversity.

After 25+ years of designing and leading teams for Nike, Adidas, The North Face, Eddie Bauer, Levi Strauss, and Cross Colours leading and directing global design teams, Angela stepped into her true passions and goals to become an entrepreneur. That led her to founding House Dogge.

At House Dogge, Angela pairs passion for dogs and design, and is creating a brand with a fresh new perspective. “It’s all about the lifestyle of the dog and their human.” The multi-talented creative started with one simple toy, and from there the business grew. Over the last 4 years, the new brand has been featured in over 25 major publications, 3 worldwide TV features, over 10 podcasts, and multiple speaking engagements. In 2020, the lifestyle brand’s awareness exploded after being selected as one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things’. The small Portland brand’s sales increased 3600% in just a few months.

House Dogge now offers an array of product assortments. Medlin keeps the aesthetic modern and minimal. Each product is designed prioritizing sustainability, comfort, and fun. The seasoned designer uses upcycled natural, colored fibers from the fashion industry as well as alternative eco friendly materials such as bamboo, wool, cotton, and more. She attributes her ingenuity and passion for purposeful design to 30 years of athletic and outdoor apparel design experience.

Throughout Angela’s career, she has not only lead design teams but also opened the doors for many who may not have had equal opportunities. Angela also is on the Leadership Advisory Board for Adidas S.E.E.D. School and Executive Leadership Council for NC State College of Design, as Chair for the DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) committee.

Along with Angela’s leadership roles and amazing brand, House Dogge, she also started a nonprofit organization, FAAS Design Collab. At FAAS (Functional Apparel & Accessories Studio), Medlin is paving new paths for diversity in the apparel and accessory design industry. The 3-6 week design intensive program is considered a bridge between traditional design school and industry experience. FAAS is fast becoming a resource for companies to gain awareness of diverse talent for their open roles and positions. They offer comprehensive classes that are grounded in consumer insights.

The program prepares creatives to be ‘solutioneers’ in the product creation process adopted by renowned apparel brands around the world. The FAAS Apparel program partners with Pensole Footwear Academy six months out of the year to instruct best practices for both design disciplines. This ‘learn while doing’ program offers cross category team collaborations that aligns with ‘true to industry’ processes, 1-to-1 mentorship, real-time coaching, and corporate networking opportunities.

Angela strongly believes the future of innovation starts with diversity in design. Whether it’s FAAS Design Collab or a design position with her brand House Dogge, this is just the beginning of what’s possible for the future of currently, undiscovered creatives.

From inspiring people to achieve via FAAS Design Collab, to building a House Dogge assortment that solves problems and improves the quality of life for dogs and their people, Angela proves that you can have a successful brand while also making a positive impact on peoples lives.

Check out the video below to hear more about FAAS directly from founder, Angela Medlin:

Client Spotlight - Free Fly Apparel

Meet Free Fly Apparel!

Free Fly is an apparel brand that was started with a passion for the outdoors, and founded around a life of comfort, simplicity, and freedom. Founders, Tanner Sutton, Jenna Elliot, and Austin Elliot, always asked themselves why there wasn’t a more comfortable performance shirt in the market. As innovators, they decided to create it and bring it to reality.

Together, they set out to create Free Fly Apparel around natural comfort designed for the outdoor lifestyle. They are predominately a DTC business and have a growing, independent base of 350+ accounts. For the last several years they have experienced double-digit growth, and this year they are celebrating their 10-year anniversary.

Culture & Life at Free Fly

Free Fly has a creative, hardworking and easygoing crew of 20 people (and growing) who love the outdoors. Their driven leaders bring their passion and an openness to learn and grow, and they really want to help their team experience a life of comfort, freedom, and adventure.

The team at Free Fly works hard and plays even harder. From morning surf sessions, to afternoon fitness classes, to boat rides along the Intercoastal Waterway, to backyard happy hours, and competitive ping-pong tournaments, they love to live life to the fullest.

When the teams at Free Fly are not outside experiencing life and practicing the lifestyle they design for, they are working hard in their headquarters in downtown, historic Charleston. They also have an oh-so-cute office English bulldog named Arnold who will bring a smile to their face each day.

Experience Life More Comfortably

Free Fly’s stylish product lines are ecofriendly and super comfortable. Their innovative solution to creating the most comfortable performance shirt is Bamboo! Their custom bamboo blends are created from their mission to bring natural and sustainable material to life while keeping a focus on comfort and freedom. Free Fly inspires the enthusiasts who enjoy life on the water.

“Along the way, we’ve hand-selected a team that challenges the norms of the performance clothing industry by making custom Bamboo products that are simple, purposeful and allow everyone to experience life more freely and comfortably.”

— Free Fly Apparel

From their people to their product, Free Fly is an incredible and innovative brand that is continuously growing. Interested in joining their visionary team? Click here to check out their open roles. And to learn more directly from Free Fly watch their video, from Sun Up to Sun Down.

Client Spotlight - Lollygag

Meet Lollygag!

Lollygag is a fresh ecommerce lifestyle brand serving up a curated product assortment along with delicious recipes.

Created by the Dynamic Design Duo, Kiko & Leo, Lollygag launched this year with a lot of “blood, sweat, and a little tears”, all while having fun along the way to bring cool, tasty, and happy products to your home. Lollygag is all about bringing people together around a table to make everlasting memories.

Lollygag’s website features an array of products that will speak to many people, no matter their style. There is something for everyone on this site. We especially love Lollygag’s online shop, which has a vintage section of cool and unique products that can easily blend in with new pieces.

Lollygag - Hollywood Glam Tableware Set

Lollygag’s products are created by artisans locally and all over the world.

While curating a unique product assortment, Lollygag values sustainability, and prides itself on being eco-friendly.

The team at Lollygag put great thought and care into their packaging materials… and where they end up once customers receive their order. Even better, they wrap as much of their orders as they can with 100% recyclable, biodegradable paper products by Geami. They fill the void spaces in packaging with recyclable brown paper. Additionally, their tape is a reinforced kraft paper that is eco-friendly and recyclable. All practices we hope to see more companies embrace.

Lollygag - Marcus Matte Black Mug Set

If you are coffee lovers like us, then you definitely need to check out Lollygag’s mug assortment. The Marcus Matte Black Mug Set (pictured above) is one that will elevate your next breakfast or brunch. Even working remotely, a matte black mug is so 2021.

From dinnerware, drinkware, and flatware to linens, placemats, and kitchen accessories, Lollygag has a curated assortment for all styles.

Click here to visit their website to take a look at their product collection!

Lollygag Recipe - The Seoul Bowl

At Lollygag, it’s not only about great products, it’s about amazing recipes that bring these pieces to life. Inspired by a blend of their travels and family meals, these tasty recipes seamlessly share the spotlight with the items they are served on. You can visit their Recipe Guide for fun recipes that will have you cooking in style.

“Inspired by my love of Korean BBQ and my Japanese roots...this next-level Asian-fusion rice bowl will totally knock your socks off- Perfect for spicing things up any day of the week!”

— Yukiko, Lollygag Founder

Lollygag is a labor of love. You can see it in the product assortment, the attention to detail, and the love poured into the recipes. You can see it in the idea that gathering together with family and friends, over an amazing meal, is what life is all about.

Kodudos to Kiko & Leo… and Kai… at Lollygag. A team and brand to keep your eye on.