Today we’d like to introduce you to Jannet Garibay.
Hi Jannet, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Most of us can speak on how deeply 2020 changed us — I was no exception. After the world came to what seemed to be a suden stop, found myself questioning the direction my career was taking after 10+ years in Sales and Corporate Fundraising. I’d been working for an NGO in the Workforce Development field with green practices that inadvertently taught me alot about sustainability. During my employment there, was fortunate enought to partake in a Executive Leadership Development Program in partnership with USC Marshall School of Business that was the game changes I needed. The program helped completely redefine my values and life mission. Their founder, Dr. Davidds, had us dive into a book, ‘True North’ which helped me gain clarity and new insight on what I wanted the rest of my life to look like. Little did I know, this was a pivotal moment in my career that led me down an entire new plan — and path!
While the pandemic was not kind to many of us, the gift it did give me was time to finally work on that plan I’d developed in the program. Suddenly had the time to focus (since everything was closed!) to launch the business I’d always dreamed of having — one that could make a difference. FInally had the opportunity to put to work for myself the experience I’d gained in sustainability to launch HAUS of TRADE, a business created with the purpose of utilizing fashion waste to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
Since officially launching in March of 2021, designed may pieces made solely from hats that have been donated or even forgotten about amongst fashion pile waste. With the support of great customers, our vision and mission has now expanded into Foraged + Found Artisan Hats and Goods. Incorporating products made from all natural materials handcrafted by our artisans in Mexico, Argentina, and Ecuador. Working with the artisans directly allows me to pay them more than what they would traditionally be paid and allows them to keep more too! Our hats are made with such love that they’re now sold in over 50-boutique stores in the USA, Europe and Australia.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The struggles along the way truly had most to do with quitting my job entirely and depend solely on income from a relatively new, small business. Another challenge has been the importing and exporting process with various countries are our artisan reside in. There has been major growing pains, often times incredibly frightening but all worth it in the end.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At this stage in my life, it’s an honor and truly a gift to consider myself an Artist/Creative. Being raised by Mexican Immigrants and a first generation American, it was made clear by many family and friends that the arts would never be a choice for me and I would never be able to make a living solely from creativity.
Now in my thirties, quitting my FT job and designing hats for a living has been a dream come true! The next phase for me is to be trained by Italian Master Milliners on creating legacy hats from raw materials. It’s going to take a lot of time and not to mention, funds, to be able to take that course but it is my lifelong dream to be trained my master creatives. I want to be able to deliver the best hat designs at reasonable prices to my customers. That shall be Coming soon!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Playing dress up, although really mostly copying my 80’s fashionable older sister! Working with my hands and this may age me — but Home Economics period in High School where I was quite literally forced to sew a pillow turned out to be my all-time favorite class. Who would of thought!
Pricing:
- $75.00 Vegan Leather Hats
- $115.00 Fine Handwoven Palm Straw
- $149 30-50x Graded Wool Hats
- $249 fine wool custom hats
- $350 luxury custom hats
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hausoftrade.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hausoftrade/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hausoftrade/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hausoftrade/
Image Credits
Photography: Lex Pilato | IG Handle @lex__pilato Currently, take most of my photos. =)
