Profession / role:

Founder

Company / organisation:

Puzzle Apparel

Website (if you have one):

www.puzzleapparel.com

My primary role in relation to fashion is:

Entrepreneur

I am looking to discover or buy

Network, mentors, information.

About me / About business or organisation:

I'm a designer with a degree in international development and experience working with artisans in Ethiopia and India. I'm now founding Puzzle Apparel - a made-in-the-usa apparel brand that allows consumers to select handmade additions to their garments from our gallery of local artisans work. Our raw materials are sourced locally from organic farms and sustainable producers and mills. Our goal is to be part of the process of revitalizing the New England textile sector and bringing jobs back to the region by creating products with a compelling story, beautiful design, and individualized customization.

Career history / Company history:

I formerly designed for Ann Taylor and Eileen Fisher, as well Sabahar in Ethiopia. I worked with Fabindia in India in summer 2013 conducting research on their artisans. I hold undergraduate degrees in both economics (Wellesley College) and in women's wear design (Fashion Institute of Technology) and a masters degree in International Development (Johns Hopkins). I am writing a book to help ethical fashion brands strategically implement and measure social and environmental impacts through a simple and cost-effective system. My fashion brand, Puzzle Apparel, is launching this summer with the goal of revitalizing the textile sector in the US by leveraging its outstanding local artisanal resources.