Carmen Gallagher from Solely Co
Meet Carmen!
Today I am so excited to introduce you to Carmen Gallagher, fabric engineer and founder of Solely Collective, a blog and podcast that helps educate others about how to shop in a way that is sustainable and ethical, particularly when it comes to larger organizations and their production process.
Becoming a smarter and less wasteful shopper is something I have personally started prioritizing more over the past year, and learning from Carmen has helped open my eyes to parts of the fashion industry that I never considered.
Keep reading to learn more about her experience in the fashion industry and how you can shop in a way that is ethical and sustainable.
Tell us about yourself!
Hi I’m Carmen. I‘m extremely fascinated by life and people yet I love a good giggle and iced chai latte. My current life’s dream is to move to a cute little cottage in the English country side with my husband and adopt dozens of fluffy dogs...All while running my own textile-related business and gluten-free tea house.
What inspired you to start the Solely Co brand and podcast?
Initially, I started my blog which back then was named “Dreams of Linen” as a portfolio to show when interviewing for jobs in the apparel industry. I used this as a place to share my expertise in textile science and sustainable fashion. Since then it has evolved to Solely Collective, a place where I talk about conscious living ranging from how to be a better consumer to how to take care of what you already own. The podcast happened because I realized I can talk better than I write! This platform allows me to explore more introspective topics that are unrelated to conscious living but more towards becoming a better version of who I am today.
What is your favorite thing about the work that you do?
I can answer this in many ways. My favorite part about the work that I do for Solely Co is hearing people’s stories. I want to educate others and teach them “how to fish” for themselves vs telling them what to do. Hearing people say that they committed to second hand shopping or that they simply read the care tag on their shirt because of my blog is why I do what I do. My favorite part of my day job as a fabric engineer is that I truly truly love everything about my job. I can talk about fabric, how clothes are made, and everything about the fashion industry ALL DAY LONG. I’m waiting for that giddy feeling to go away, but it’s stronger than ever.
How has your job of working as a Fabric Engineer for Target influenced the way you approach fashion in your own life?
Oh man. I used to think that fashion brands were either good or evil and nothing in between. I used to think that if someone was not labeled as “ethical” or “sustainable” they were automatically “bad” and that corporations were also evil in nature. Now working for a Fortune 500 company and seeing how the sausage is made (as my husband puts it), I’m realizing that accessibility is fundamentally ethical and sustainable. My responsibility as someone in the apparel industry is to bring ethically and sustainably made products to everyone—not just those that can afford a $270 linen tunic. Because I believe that my actions are a representation of my convictions, I’ve vowed to not buy things that are expensive or inaccessible to others. I want my life and my work to say, “this is for you too.”
How have you grown as an individual throughout the experience of managing your own brand?
I am extremely lucky to have Solely Co be something I do for fun and not my day job—therefore I can focus on creating what I would personally want to read, learn and listen to. That has helped me let go of this expectation of having to be an influencer and have a huge following. If 20 very committed people read and listen to my work, then I succeeded. I realized that creating a community is more influential than thousands of followers.
What would be your biggest advice for someone who is looking to become more intentional in their approach to shopping and fashion in particular?
The biggest advice? It’s all about the LITTLE things. Big, meaningful change happens in small increments. Your actions truly add up, so start by looking at how and why you consume fashion. Sometimes the way we approach fashion is out of habit and/or through expectations we didn’t establish for ourselves. What I mean by that is that we are influenced by media or by what others may think as fashionable instead of being influenced by things we care about and things that represent our true selves. I think it’s important to start off by asking yourself “why do I wear what I wear?” and have that answer guide you in your shopping approach. Like most things, it starts with your heart and intentions.
Who is someone in your industry who inspires you?
ALEXA CHUNG *heart eyes* She’s the reason why I got bangs in middle school and she’s still my ultimate definition of cool. She has taught me that being your quirky, unapologetic self is more magnetic than beauty. Also, her puns are unmatched. That’s #goals
What’s next for you? Any big plans on the horizon?
I’m starting to sew again after taking a 6 year break—so wish me luck! My big plan for the coming year is that I want to write *the* ultimate fabric guide. Anyone reading this, you now have permission to pressure me to get it done!
How can we keep up with you and all the amazing things you’re doing?
You can find my podcast “Solely a Podcast” on any streaming platforms and all of our other work on solelyco.com