cayla o'connell & knickey
From Fashion Design to Sustainable Undergarments
we're creating space for the brains behind the brands we love, and asking good questions along the way. the result is a deep dive into the how and why of brand-building, from blueprints to launch day, customers as community and the detours in between. big lessons, easy listening.
In this episode of Read Receipt, we are excited to welcome Kayla O’Connell Davis, co-founder of Knickey, a brand dedicated to cleaning up the fashion industry one pair of underwear at a time. With a rich background in fashion design and extensive experience across various roles in the retail sector, Kayla became acutely aware of the environmental and labor issues plaguing the industry. This realization led her to create Knickey, focusing on combating pollution, reducing waste, and preventing forced labor. Join us as Kayla shares her entrepreneurial journey, the story behind Knickey, and her vision for a more sustainable future in fashion.
Tune in to discover how Kayla turned her passion for sustainable fashion into a brand that offers eco-friendly, comfortable, and stylish undergarments.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation!
the Show Notes
Summary:
Kayla O’Connell Davis, co-founder of Knickey, shares her inspiring journey from a background in fashion design to creating a sustainable undergarment brand. Knickey focuses on using high-quality, eco-friendly materials to produce comfortable and stylish underwear, addressing environmental and labor issues in the fashion industry. Kayla discusses the evolution of Knickey, the importance of sustainable practices, and the challenges of building a brand in the competitive fashion market. The conversation explores her entrepreneurial experiences, the development of Knickey's products, and her vision for the future.
Keywords:
sustainable fashion, entrepreneurship, brand building, eco-friendly undergarments, Knickey, Kayla O’Connell Davis
Takeaways:
- Kayla O’Connell Davis’ journey from fashion design to founding Knickey is driven by a passion for sustainability and ethical production.
- Knickey focuses on creating high-quality, comfortable undergarments made from eco-friendly materials, promoting overall well-being and environmental consciousness.
- Building a brand involves understanding market needs, listening to customer feedback, and maintaining a clear vision.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges, but also opportunities for brands like Knickey to adapt and thrive.
- Kayla’s dedication to sustainable practices and innovative product design drives the success of Knickey.
Sound Bites:
- "Knickey started as a way to create sustainable undergarments that combine comfort and eco-friendliness."
- "Our goal is to provide high-quality, comfortable underwear that people can trust and enjoy."
- "Building a brand requires understanding market needs and staying true to your vision."
- "The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of adaptability and innovation in business."
- "Knickey is about providing sustainable, stylish undergarment solutions that people can trust and feel confident using."
Chapters:
00:00 - Kayla’s Background and Journey-
Kayla introduces herself and shares her journey from fashion design to founding Knickey.
08:01 - The Inspiration Behind Knickey-
Kayla discusses the personal and professional experiences that inspired her to create Knickey and the early days of the brand.
12:30 - Transitioning from Fashion Design to Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneurship-
Kayla explains her transition from various roles in the fashion industry to starting a sustainable undergarment brand and the lessons learned.
23:17 - The Importance of Eco-Friendly Materials and Sustainable Practices-
The conversation delves into how Knickey emphasizes eco-friendly materials and sustainable production in its products.
25:30 - Challenges and Opportunities During the Pandemic-
Kayla talks about the challenges of pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic and the opportunities it presented.
27:26 - Commitment to Quality and Innovation-
Kayla highlights Knickey’s dedication to creating high-quality, comfortable undergarments.
31:23 - Building a Strong Brand Identity-
The discussion explores the importance of a strong brand identity and connecting with consumers authentically.
36:02 - The Vision for Knickey-
Kayla shares her vision for the future of Knickey and her goals for the brand.
47:37 - Patience and Persistence in Entrepreneurship-
Kayla emphasizes the need for patience and persistence in achieving long-term success.
51:43 - Final Thoughts and Insights-
Kayla wraps up the conversation with final thoughts and valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.