My Story
I learned how to sew almost 20 years ago, while working as a prosthetist and orthotist (a person who makes artificial limbs). This was my profession until 2022, when I quit my job to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. That turned out to be, a turning point in my life. For many of you who have done a major thru-hike, you know it changes your values tremendously.
Now, I thru-hike, and I make clothing for active people (and their dogs) who value USA-made craft products that fit, function, protect the environment, and don't exploit the most desperate people on our planet.
I have no respect for outdoor companies who come up with concepts only to have somebody in a far away country, design and make it for them. Calling them "partners" does not mean they are not responsible for the degradation to the environment they cause, and the labor laws they bypass. They in-effect launder their abuse and wash their hands of it by calling them "partners". To me, this is not craftsmanship, nor is it an ethical way of existing on this planet. If we really love the environment, and we value humans and their skills and contribution, then we should show that with our actions.
I come up with concepts, then I make prototypes in my studio. I test these items myself and on other long-distance hikers and their pets, to be sure it does what it needs to do, and is designed and made to the highest standard. Once we have a product dialed, I release it and make it for you myself in Bend, Oregon, using USA-made materials whenever possible
Giving Back
Trail Angeling and giving back
I am a Pacific Crest Trail angel. I am fortunate enough to live in a trail town, and get to host hikers in my home, was well as deliver trail magic straight to the trail. I am also a member of the PCTA, Oregon Natural Desert Association, and Tahoe Rim Trail Association. I donate photos to the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the Oregon Natural Desert Association. I am a photo contest judge for Oregon Wild. I volunteer to judge photos for the WILD DESERT calendar. I am in training to be a Sawyer for maintaining trails.
I do these things because I want to do them and that's where my values lie. I do not donate a percentage of my profits to support the groups building and maintaining trails because, I do not want to take YOUR money and and use it for the causes I decide on. You keep your money and support what you believe in. I will support directly, the causes I believe in regardless of whether you buy something from me.
1% for the planet is, firstly, not enough. Secondly, basically saying I'm only going to do something good for the planet if I can make you pay for it, and by pledging it, it increases my sales enough to offset the one percent. Garbage. That isn't ethics that's just more corporate game playing and greenwashing.
It's important to me that you know by supporting me, you are supporting trails, the hiking community, and public lands in general but without me having to pledge your money to do it.