After spending over 20 years working for some of the world’s biggest companies—Nike, Amazon, Eddie Bauer, Nordstrom, and Nilit—I thought I knew the ins and outs of the apparel industry. So, when I decided to start two companies at once, EarthFirst Consultants® and eavolu®, I figured the transition would be seamless. Little did I know, the real adventure was just beginning.
When I launched eavolu®, my intention was clear: to lead the apparel industry by example. I wanted to show that sustainability isn’t just a marketing buzzword—it’s a series of conscious decisions, small steps taken with purpose. From using reclaimed and deadstock fabrics to choosing compostable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping, every choice was about doing the right thing for the planet, with the resources I had.
But no amount of experience could have prepared me for the journey ahead. Starting two businesses at once, especially during one of the most uncertain times in history, was an eye-opener. Like many, I had to navigate through COVID, the smoke and wildfires of 2020, and the turbulence of political and economic unrest. On top of that, I found myself in one of the hardest moments of my personal life—caring for my dying parent. The process was long and emotionally draining, managing two households while trying to push the business forward. It was overwhelming, and the grief was indescribable. Still, I kept going, even when every step felt like it was taken in the dark.
Recently, I took a camping trip with a friend in the Arapaho Range of the Colorado Rockies. It wasn’t the kind of camping I was used to—there was no reserved campsite, no amenities in place. Instead, we hiked through rugged terrain, across creeks, and up hills to find that pristine destination, untouched by human hands. That’s been my journey with eavolu®—no pre-set trail, just a rugged, unpredictable path that I had to carve out myself. And like that hike, every step forward with eavolu® has been a battle against mosquitos, jagged rocks, and uneven ground. I’ve tripped, fallen, and been bitten more times than I can count. But every fall has taught me something invaluable, and each time I’ve picked myself up, a little more cut up, a little rougher, but stronger and wiser for it.
eavolu® was created with the idea that each style would be a part of your wardrobe for years. Every decision, from using reclaimed and deadstock fabrics to choosing Lenzing’s eco-luxe fabric, known for its eco-friendly commitment, was about making long-lasting, versatile, and premium clothing. Our minimalistic designs focus on creating transitional pieces that can be worn in multiple ways, providing maximum style with minimal impact on the environment.
What kept me going were the trail angels I met along the way. Just like the wildflowers blooming above the tree line on that hike, these brilliant, passionate individuals appeared when I needed them most, and they are the ones who made eavolu® bloom every season. They are my wildflowers, the reason eavolu® continues to grow, even when the path was toughest. These people care deeply about sustainability and innovation, and their contributions have been nothing short of indispensable. I could not have created eavolu® without them.
They didn’t just walk beside me—they helped carry the weight of eavolu® on their shoulders, especially when I didn’t have the strength to do it alone. That weight, like the heavy backpack I carried on that hike, grew heavier with every step. There were times I stumbled, times when the load seemed too much, but these incredible individuals stepped in and lightened that burden, ensuring that eavolu® stayed on course. Their unwavering support, creativity, and passion are what kept the vision alive and moving forward. Together, we have pushed through every challenge, and because of them, eavolu® has not just survived—it has thrived.
Now, as I enter year four of this adventure, I’m still hiking toward that crystal-clear lake at the end of the trail. Yes, I am seeking a full-time corporate role to bring in some much-needed income, but I know that eavolu® is in good hands. The view from here is breathtaking, and I believe the destination will be worth every step.
The journey with eavolu® has taught me that innovation and collaboration are key to building a more eco-conscious, earth-friendly future. It’s not just about me; it’s about the creative minds at work to make a more sustainable world. There’s a community of people and brands who believe in ethical fashion, resourcefulness, and circularity—and they’re making an impact, one step at a time.
Now, I’m inviting more brands, partners, and collaborators to join us on this journey. Together, we can create something greater than any of us could do alone. eavolu® is proof that small, intentional steps can lead to big change. Whether you’re a small brand just starting out or an established company looking to embrace more eco-friendly practices, there’s room for all of us to thrive—and there’s no better time than now.
If you share our vision for a more sustainable world and are interested in collaborating or exploring opportunities as a partner or investor, I’d love to connect. Please feel free to reach out at kirsten@eavolu.com.
The adventure is just beginning. Let’s take the next step together, and make this world a better place, one garment at a time.
To everyone who has walked this journey with me—thank you. You are the trail angels who believed in eavolu® and helped make all the difference.