Welcome to the Founder Spotlight series where we get to know a tech founder who is working to create the next billion dollar company. Show your support by sharing her story and increasing the visibility of black women in tech!
Name:
Natalia Allen.
Company name:
LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliaallen/
Twitter — https://twitter.com/nataliaallen?lang=en
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/areclothesmodern/
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/areclothesmodern/
Company description
Natalia, Inc. is an American fashion brand that designs modern clothing using sustainable, technology-driven practices.
We create beautiful, ecological and versatile apparel for the contemporary female consumer with an active lifestyle.
Our zero-waste designs and singular digital manufacturing model enable us to locally produce high-quality fashion on-demand.
To date, the Natalia Allen collection has trended on Oprah, Forbes and FOX Business, as well as influential fashion blogs.
The complete collection is available on the flagship website and select lines are retailing at Lord & Taylor.
The founder, Natalia Allen, is an innovator who has received several distinctions, including Parsons Designer of the Year, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative Professionals.
Where did you get the idea for your business?
While designing for multi-national fashion companies, I was exposed firsthand to — exploitative labor practices, excessive waste and the widespread use of toxic chemicals.
The exposure disturbed me.
As a result, I turned to R&D to develop a better and more holistic method for designing and manufacturing beautiful clothing for women.
In 2014, I founded Natalia, Inc., an American fashion brand that designs modern clothing using sustainable, technology-driven practices.
What is the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur?
Freedom — The freedom to envision and build a values-based organization that has a positive impact on the world.
Responsibility — The leadership skills that I continue to develop as part of building a world-class organization and brand.
Potential — The opportunity to be an owner and to demonstrate the remarkable potential of black women founders worldwide.
What are you an expert in?
To launch my venture I developed an expertise in digital manufacturing, specifically 3-D printing, knitting and weaving.
Every design is programmed by a skilled technician, and made in one seamless step, right here in the United States.
What advice would you give yourself before you started this company?
Start with a great co-founder.
Tell us something cool you recently learned, big or small.
Last week, I attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York. It was an incredible opportunity to learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals. There are 17 goals in total. My team and I, are now committed to advancing goal #12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
I encourage everyone to explore the list and take action.
What’s the biggest thing we can help you with so you can become a billion dollar founder?
If possible, please support my line today. As a thank you, I created a special code for BWTT members. If you’re not able to shop the line, please spread the word.
Next
My goal is to stay true to our philosophy of design and simplicity. However, as the brand expands, I plan to offer additional sizes, colors and silhouettes.
PS
I love this community and what it stands for. We truly are pioneers in this generation.
Thank you, Natalia!
