Female Founders Leading the Charge in Sustainability

Words Codi Chen | Photos Eric Morales & Baptiste Despois

Delve into the inspiring stories of five visionaries who are committed to thriving in their businesses while maintaining a sustainable mindset in the products and services they offer to the East Austin community and far beyond. These trailblazing entrepreneurs are not only redefining business success but are also making significant strides toward a healthier, greener future. From innovative fashion lines and boutiques that champion ethical practices, to a nonprofit yoga program dedicated to accessibility for all, each have unique journeys, challenges, and triumphs. These women and their dedication to sustaining communities exist because of you—the consumer. Join us as we celebrate their commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable world, one conscious decision at a time.

Sustainable Serenity

Sustainability comes in all shapes and sizes, but Sana Yoga founder Linda Natera’s main focus has been on the health of her community. She understands that while not everyone can afford certain luxuries, their mental health and wellness should never be something that is sacrificed. She is dedicated to providing accessible and sustainable yoga practices to underserved communities in hopes of creating a stable future, starting with mindset, movement, and intentions.

Her journey into the world of yoga began when someone close to her was diagnosed with mental health issues. Seeking relief from the daily stress of navigating the mental healthcare system, she attended her first yoga class. The profound sense of peace she felt at the end of her Shavasana session was unlike anything she had experienced, inspiring her to learn more about the practice.

Reviving Fabrics

While designing apparel for major brands like Carolina Herrera and Anthropologie prior to opening HarperSage, Meghan Herman consistently received feedback that she needed to “femme” up her designs. As an avid soccer player and fashion enthusiast, she hated that women were consistently put into one box rather than celebrated for the multifaceted beings they are. This passion for an inclusive mindset and creating sustainable options for women has been the driving force behind her incredible brand.

When starting her clothing line, Meghan was certain about several things. First, she wanted to combat the ever-growing piles of textile waste in the fashion industry. HarperSage sources mainly “deadstock” fabrics, which are leftovers from larger brands’ canceled orders or excess production often destined for landfills. “Brands will throw away huge piles of stock if the color isn’t just right, or the weave isn’t to their liking. I personally go and hand-source these fabrics to design into them, giving them new life,” Meghan explains. By producing their line in small batches, HarperSage avoids excess inventory while also adding to the uniqueness of each piece.

Small World, Big Impact

Tucked in East 6th Street, Bibi Kemper’s Small World Goods is not only a collection of incredible boutique finds, but it’s also a testament to the power of craftsmanship, sustainability, and the importance of ethical business practices. Bibi’s mission is clear and unwavering: to create a welcoming space that showcases products from around the world from businesses that put people over profit. 

People and making connections are the most important things in the world,” Bibi emphasizes. “That’s how we’ll make a difference. It’s important to look at the materials we’re working with, but even more so, the people behind them. We want to ensure that people are treated fairly, earn livable wages, and have the chance at a happier life because of stability and opportunity. Lifting up those who haven’t had many opportunities is at the heart of what we do,” Bibi explains.

Baby Steps

Lola’s Classic Babies has carved a niche in the world of retro and vintage baby wear, blending pop culture charm with a solid commitment to sustainability. Lola’s not only offers a stylish range of baby clothing and accessories but also addresses the pressing issue of waste in the garment industry. By changing the way we shop, we have the power to make a change in our community and beyond. 

The company’s dedication to eco-friendly practices took a significant leap forward through its partnership with Austin Creative Reuse Center. Initially, Lolita Rodriguez, founder of Lola’s Classic Babies, began participating in the Reverse Pitch Program when faced with the challenge of dealing with textile waste. Lolita proposed a solution: transform excess material into beautiful, functional products like baby bow ties. “I wanted to create something unique and interesting from the donated clothing and scraps. These accessories are classic and don’t require a lot of outside material,” Lolita explains.

Transformative Threads

The owner of Kindred Spirits, Becky Ralls Tenney’s journey wasn’t straightforward but is as inspirational as it is transformative. Before venturing into the world of retail, Becky spent fifteen years in corporate finance, rising in the ranks over a few decades to become senior management in a global civil and environmental engineering firm. With a degree in mathematics and a passion for numbers, she thrived in her career but faced consistent burnout while trying to balance work and family. Feeling spread thin and overwhelmed, she made a bold decision to leave her job and recalibrate her life.

I felt like I was doing everything but not actually doing it well,” Becky explains. “I wanted more freedom and autonomy, so I started searching for that.” She became a full-time stay-at-home mom, and after two years, she started working in the nonprofit sector. However, Becky’s journey took a definitive turn in May 2022 when she purchased Kindred Spirits from Nina Gordon, the owner of Take Heart, a boutique shop in East Austin.