Eco Evie

How long have you been in business?

We celebrated our 3 year anniversary this past fall. 2022

How did you get started?

Evie became really interested in animals and learning about endangered animals and facts about them when she was around 6-7 yrs old. She would ask for money for her birthdays to donate to the zoo, and at 9 years old asked if we could start a business to help raise money and awareness for endangered animals. I knew I needed to build a product that matched her mission, so I sourced the recycled fibers, fabric, and local manufacturing to make our 100% recycled water bottle shirts.

What changes have you seen over the years open?

We really launched just as a kids clothing line, and got such positive responses from everyone who saw it wanting adult sizes too! We launched our womens shirts about a year after our initial launch, and started offering mens/unisex hoodies last year. We keep happily expanding our line as we go!

What do you most Love about your Industry?

I worked in corporate retail for almost 10 years, and I produced a lot of clothing overseas. I love that with Eco Evie I was

Honey Acres’ museum holds a beautiful collection of educational displays ranging from historical artifacts to the inner workings of a beehive, providing a great view into the history of beekeeping and what it means to us today. Explore our museum for FREE, view our short film, view our live hive in action and purchase our products in our retail store. Explore our short nature trail as well!

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FREE Museum Hours:

Mon - Fri 9am-3:30pm

Saturday Seasonal (May-Dec) 10am-3pm able to reimagine what the retail “norm” has been and transform it into a totally US based business with minimal logistics and entirely sustainable materials. I’m excited about the future of the fashion industry because of the possibilities to make positive changes that create less environmental impact.

What are some of the common myths you come across in your business?

Honestly, a lot! We really feel like we are changing people’s misconceptions about recycling, expectations of what a shirt made entirely from water bottles could possibly feel like (super soft, by the way!), and sharing the plight of animals most people have never heard of or even popular animals that people are not aware of their endangered status.

What message would you most like to share with people?

Evie clearly has her own why for starting this business, but my why is entirely different. See, Evie is autistic, and in starting this business with her I really wanted to show her and others that people with disabilities have a lot to offer, and they can really shine when we work with them to develop what they love into a career path. We don’t all have to be good at everything!

What would you like people to know about your business?

We really want to make sustainability fun and attainable for all ages, and it’s so much bigger than just a shirt. We hope to inspire people to take up sustainable practices in their homes and beyond, educate and raise awareness for endangered animals and generate change across generations to create a brighter future for everyone.

What is the biggest compliment customers give you?

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I hear a lot from people that they think I’m a great mom for starting a business for Evie. In all honesty, I’m a regular mom who wants to provide opportunities for my kid, and don’t we all do that? Maybe its not starting a business, but we all try our best with our kids. Also, a lot of parents of kids with a disability start businesses for their kids, it’s not unusual at all. But the reality of it is that many people with disabilities are overlooked in the workplace, and so parents create opportunities out of necessity. Of course, right now with Evie being 12, that seems far off, but I do know that this business is giving her some really valuable life skills to take into her future!

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of how Evie is really growing in this business. This has been a lovely confidence booster for her, as she has been able to be a part of fashion shows, interviews, and speaking engagements. Everyone has been so supportive of her, which means everything to us.

How many employees/Family work with you?

Its just me, Evie, and my mom Jeanne, who work on this business, but we couldn’t do it without my husband Bob, my youngest daughter Alma, and my dad Jim’s support and encouragement. Its just our little family business!

What are you most grateful for?

I am SO grateful for our customers, who believe in us and our mission. Our customers immediately become our friends, and we love hearing how they are spreading the word about Eco Evie to people they know!

Who/what can you credit your success?

Everyone! My family, our friends, our customers, and our allies championing our business each and every day!

Eco Evie Apparel is the creation of 12 year old Evie and her mom, Kelly. Evie wanted to start a business to raise money and awareness for endangered animals, and Kelly’s background in apparel production brought the idea to life! Together they make 100% recycled water bottle clothing for men, women, and kids.

Evie chooses the endangered animals that she wants to feature, and Kelly creates the artwork and design. Evie approves each design of course, and she also does much of the research on the different animals. Our recycled fibers and fabric are created in North Carolina, and our shirts are made just for us in our hometown of Milwaukee, so everything is done inside the US. We make small batches of our shirts, and we donate 10% of our profits to animal conservation programs.

To date, we have donated over $1,700 and we have recycled over 20,000 water bottles! ~

Earth Day is April 22. Celebrate by ordering an ecofriendly shirt today!

Check facebook Eco Evie Apparel for info on our Eco friendly clothing line and updated show schedule. www.EcoEvie.com