Today we’d like to introduce you to Eternal Carmé.
Hi Eternal, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Eternal Carmé’s vision was derived by two cats: Nicola Frederickson and Taylor Sims.
We met while completing a farming initiative in Maui, Hawaii in September of 2022. We
were on very different paths, but felt that we met for a very specific reason–to create
sustainably, while lifting up others. We are committed to creating one-of-a-kind denim
pieces by harnessing the artistic talent of our team all while prioritizing sustainability
through the use of as many recycled materials as possible. We believe we have the
potential to ensure some seismic change to the fashion industry, as well as setting an
example of how companies should be investing in their workforce–because you can’t
have one without the other, “there’s no ‘i’ in team,” exists for a reason. We’re not talking
about catered lunches on Fridays or trendy snacks in a break room. We’re talking real,
genuine investments in our people and we’re starting with arguably the most imperative
part: pay. We want the people who work for us to be making a more than livable wage, in
every stage throughout our journey, not just when we begin to see noteworthy profit. We
want to create products people can be proud of and we want the people who are helping
us create them to be even prouder to say that they are contributors to a vision so big we
don’t even know how to put it into words… eloquently at least.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nobody discusses the challenges that come with starting your own business, especially in
a world where trends, businesses and ideas can and do develop overnight. There is a
tremendous learning curve that we have had to overcome since we started this thing three
years ago and we still have so much to learn. Every day we are faced with something new
and although it can feel overwhelming, we have learned to roll with the punches and trust
the process! We both work full-time jobs to support ourselves and the business, however..
sh*t is expensive so in addition to our full-time work schedules, we do all the sewing as
well! The sewing is incredibly time-consuming and we run on fumes trying to keep up
with our vision, but seeing our creations come to fruition makes it easier to pick up and
sew the next pair of jeans. Oh, and our marketing manager, Shelby. She wouldn’t let us
quit, even if we wanted to.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Custom-made, patchwork jeans
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
There are a couple of surprising things about us: one being that we hand-stitch
everything. We find that although it takes a considerable amount of time, it looks way
cool and adds a unique component to our brand. There is something to be said about
owning pieces that you know have been in the hands of the designer. We put our hearts
into our designs and when we use our hands to make them come to life, it adds an
element that sets us apart from the rest, Our other surprising tidbit is that our team
consists solely of three people: Nicola, Taylor and Shelby. We are looking to grow within
the year (specifically in the seamstress department) however, we morally cannot expand
our team until we know we can pay them well, so we really need to keep selling these
pants!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eternalcarme.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eternalcarme?igsh=dnVmd3huNG1wY20z
