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Nosilla Organics: Organic Prints and Colors as Bright and Bold as the Kids that Wear Them
Homebase: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada Sizes: NB to 4T; Wholesale prices: $6 - $17 Some businesses begin with an "Ah-Ha" moment that leads to a fast launch, others, like Allison Grace's Nosilla Organics develop, well, organically - a germ of an idea that evolves into a fully formed concept over time.
"For years I was an account manager for an international giftware company," says Allison Grace, "and during my travels I noticed that there were very few companies offering organic, fairly traded clothes for kids. What organic children's wear I did find, seemed to be lacking the bright, bold colors I wanted for my own little guy. A move to a new city and a work sabbatical gave me the time to reflect on what was important. Having grown up sewing and designing my own clothes for fun, I decided to leave my profession and, in 2007, I launched Nosilla Organics, a line of clothes that is both socially and environmentally responsible."
Finding organic goods was as important to Grace as creating an ethical work environment. "The fair trade aspect of the business is very important to me. When starting Nosilla, I needed a guarantee that the workers in our facilities as well as the farmers producing the cotton were being respected and paid fairly. From cottonseed to snap application, I needed a guarantee that through the whole chain, everyone was getting a fair deal. This guarantee came from Fair Labeling Organization International (FLO), a nonprofit group working in developing countries to support producers, workers and their families. FLO's rigorous audit system, which tracks products from farm to finished product through quarterly audits of both factory and manufacturer, verifies industry compliance with International Fair Trade criteria," says Grace.
As a savvy businesswoman Grace understands that while good intentions are commendable, it's the item's appeal that ensures the sale. "Really, our goal is to make great clothes that people love and it's just a bonus that they are organic and fair trade," she says.
Nosilla Organic's current collection of playwear can be worn in all seasons. The colors are rich and bright and the patterns are bold enough to make an impact yet easy to mix and match.
Great graphics, easy shapes and an earthy color palette makes the girls' collection pop.
It's easy to pair the striped tee and hat with the stone colored drawstring pants, and thanks to the lion's coordinating colors the tee works with the pants and striped hat. Easy!
Thanks to organic cotton and playful patterns these one-pieces are must-have sleepwear.
For 2010, Grace says, "expect adorable dresses for spring and a layette collection for fall. "I am inspired every day by things I see when out and about, whether it's a piece of art or tableware! I became a mom for the second time in September so baby Ava is proving to be the best inspiration ever."
Elegant lines and a beautifully drawn pattern takes this charming spring 2010 A-line from the playground to the party.
NOSILLA ORGANICS contact: Allison Grace tel: 866-480-6145 email: info@nosilla.ca
Originally published January 2, 2010
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