Why American Made Matters

I’m an unabashedly proud American.  I was born and raised in the heartland and I’ve spent time all over the US (college in Texas and work in NY).  At last count, I think I’ve been to almost all 50 states.  So, my patriotism, I wear a bit on my sleeve and with Island Contessa, in the label.

I want to be clear.  I have no problem with a global economy.  I think there is opportunity for everyone, everywhere.  What I DO have a problem with is child labor, women relegated to working in unfit and unsafe conditions and everyone being paid slave wages.  There are many, MANY things that can be improved with the US but, overall, we protect workers’ rights.  Some through labor unions and others are improved because of working conditions mandated by the government.

When I first started, I had lots of people try and talk me into making my clothes in China, India, Mexico and more.  It would be much cheaper, I was told.  I have no doubt that is true but at what human cost?  I had some steadfast principles when I was building my business and one of them was my commitment to fair labor and quality goods. I can work directly with the men and women who manufacture my goods.  I get to see them and talk with them.  They are small mom and pop shops who are more like family to each other than businesses.  They take pride in the quality product they produce for myself and other designers.  And yes, they are more expensive than sweat shops in other countries.  That is a cost I am willing to take on for Island Contessa and my hope is that my customers will see the quality and understand that commitment and be willing to pay more.  Because lets face it, as a global community, when we continue to support businesses (i.e. buy their clothes) we are saying with our money that we don’t care how they treat their workers or how much they pay them as long as the goods are cheap to purchase.  And, in the end, we end paying for that in other ways–humanitarian relief, children’s education and shorter lifespans for a whole lot of people.

Whatever you think about the topic and whether you buy Island Contessa; I hope I’ve give you food for thought.  Think about it the next time you go shopping for your favorite blouse or skirt.  And, in the meantime, shop Island Contessa and support a business that supports a good cause!

Happy Monday,

Lori