Why Cottage Industry?
A first version Eloise Dress fitting in progress!
Years ago, I lived in Bozeman, Montana, working at Dana Design’s factory, where we built backpacks from start to finish. My job was to check buckles and oversee the final stage of production, ensuring each pack met quality standards. Before shipping, I’d sign my initials on the tag as a final seal of approval. Later, in an outdoor store in Maryland where I grew up, I spotted one of those backpacks—my initials still there, a small but powerful connection to the work I once did.
That moment—seeing my initials on a product miles from where it was made—has stayed with me. It reinforced the value of personal connection, something I strive to keep at the heart of Foxlilie. Now, in our fourth year of growing this small business, those values come naturally, woven into everything we do: stylish, durable, and sustainable design, a commitment to eco-consciousness, and a focus on building community. Instead of chasing “brand awareness,” . . .
“I hope to make awareness our brand.”
By now, terms like “sustainability” and “eco-conscious” are everywhere—so much so that they can start to feel like background noise. But these ideas are more than just trendy buzzwords or marketing tactics; they represent real, impactful principles. At Foxlilie, I strive to go beyond the clichés by weaving sustainability, eco-friendliness, and community into the very fabric of our daily operations and brand ethos.
Every choice we make today shapes the future, yet too many businesses overlook the lasting impact of their products. The push for cheaper, fast-turnaround production may boost short-term profits, but it comes at a hidden cost—overflowing landfills, rising carbon footprints, and environmental damage that affects us all, especially the most vulnerable. These consequences don’t just disappear; they accumulate, threatening human health and the planet’s future. With climate change posing a real danger to the next generations, we have a duty to act responsibly—choosing sustainability wherever and however we can.
Foxlilie is built on the same principles I follow in my own life—mindful choices that prioritize sustainability and well-being. I avoid toxic chemicals and materials tied to environmentally destructive practices, opting instead for organic and sustainable fabrics. When printing my designs and creating my products, I steer clear of oil-based inks, plastics, heavy metals, and harmful retardants, ensuring that every piece reflects both quality and responsibility.
As the garment industry shifted to overseas manufacturing and retail giants like Amazon took over, local communities and economies suffered. When clothing production moved to China and other parts of Asia, we didn’t just lose jobs—we lost the skilled communities that once made fabrics and garments their livelihood. That’s why Foxlilie is committed to manufacturing in the United States. Supporting my own community and creating jobs here is important, but it’s also about ensuring ethical practices—something that’s harder to guarantee in countries with little or inconsistent regulation. I work exclusively with contractors who pay their workers a living wage, reinforcing my commitment to fair, responsible fashion.
One example of this commitment is the small cottage business in Colorado that cuts and sews our products. Run by a close-knit family, they employ relatives and friends, forming a skilled network of seamstresses who produce small-batch garments right here in the U.S. Their craftsmanship is meticulous, their work beautifully constructed, and they take pride in ensuring that every Foxlilie piece meets the highest standards. This level of care and attention comes at a higher price, but it’s a worthwhile investment—one that keeps production in capable hands, supports local artisans, and strengthens the cottage industry community.
