An Interview With Monica Sanders
Partners. Having partners who are sustainably led and implement principles like fair wage, benefits and working environment.
As ‘slow fashion’ grows in popularity, more fashion companies are jumping on the bandwagon. Renewable consumption has been gaining popularity for a while, as people recognize its importance, and many fashion companies want to be a part of this change. In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders in the fashion industry to discuss why they are embracing slow fashion and renewable consumption. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Margo Perkins.
Margo Perkins is the founder of Margo Paige, a sustainable, multi-functional and fashionable brand. Margo has a background in retail, sports and sustainability. She has set out to create a brand that is focused on spreading a positive message on sustainability and small measures to take to become more sustainable everyday.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?
I have always loved handbags. Since an early age I have always loved the shapes, the colors and versatility of different handbags. I was always seen with a handbag since the day I could sit up, my grandma, Mimi, gave me my first one. It was pink with white piping and a white strap. My love for handbags hasn’t stopped, which is what led me to create a company whose flagship product is a handbag.
Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?
I have a background in working with professional sports teams and major retailers. I started my business, Margo Paige, after being turned away from college football for not carrying a clear handbag. After going online and seeing the two options, I concluded that everything that exists was either inexpensive and would easily break or be priced over $200. I thought there should be a cute handbag that met regulations, was affordable, high quality and cute. I launched a few months before the pandemic hit. During the pandemic, I pivoted the business to become more sustainable. I believe sustainability is the future of fashion and wanted to move my company in a positive direction. We relaunched July 2022 with a new model that is completely sustainable. Our clear handbags are made of recycled materials and practices. We also have launched athleisure apparel that is light, sweat wicking and can go with anything you have in your closet. We are elevating eco-friendly apparel and clear handbags for stylish active living.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I launched Margo Paige three months before the pandemic. At this point, I was only focused on clear handbags, which given they are typically geared toward large events like concerts, festivals and sporting events- it was less than ideal time to bring something to market. In hindsight, it worked out for the best because I was able to refocus on better partnerships and sustainability. When we launched the first round of handbags, they had some sustainable features, but were not certified. I was able to pivot towards finding new partnerships, materials and gained certifications that really allowed me to bring MP to a fully circular brand. While the pandemic has been tough for so many, I like to think it allowed us to slow down, see the importance in every step and do a successful relaunch.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Resilience, problem solving and creativity have been the biggest factors for success. I started Margo Paige three months before the pandemic started and at the time the business was fully focused on a product that was derived from large events. I had to quickly learn how to reposition the messaging to withstand the shutdown of the events. Problem solving happens daily. I have to be ready to fix an issue with the website, supply chain, testing what people like to see on social media. No day is ever the same, something always comes up and you have to be ready to dial in and tackle it. Creativity is the fun trait that I love. Everyday I’m able to creatively think about our products, website design or how to better our messaging. It’s also great when coming up with new designs and angles that allow me to connect every day pieces with ways to make them more functional. The biggest trait though will always be not giving up-it truly takes years to achieve something great.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
Our business is focused on high quality, affordable, sustainable pieces. It’s been a goal from launch to create something that will stand the test of fashion times and durability. No one else in our space is leading with sustainable designs, practices or pricing. We recently launched a small apparel capsule too. Our apparel still hits the high quality, affordable and sustainable aspect, but it’s a new take on what elevated athleisure is. We’ve created designs that are lightweight and sweat wicking but don’t feel like you’re in a typical athleisure piece. We designed the capsule for the warm days when you want to feel comfortable but not worry about sweat showing through your clothes. Our pieces truly are unique with the pricing, quality and sustainability.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Doubt kills dreams more than failure.”
The more we doubt ourselves, the less time we have to learn and experience life. I was stuck in my late 20’s, doubting that I was capable of starting something like Margo Paige. It wasn’t until my husband shared this quote that it resonated with me. In the end, we learn from failure and have a major upside of achieving our dreams. No one really cares about you or what you’re doing, so I learned not to doubt, do it and if it doesn’t work out-at least I tried and have a lesson.
Who is your fashion hero or heroine? Why?
Cliche, but my fashion hero will always be my mom. She taught me from a young age when back to school shopping I couldn’t purchase anything new unless it went with three other things I had in my closet. She is the OG on having a few great pieces, creating multiple looks for all year wear and keeping them “in style” with small touches of accessories.
Why did you decide to create and use a sustainable business model for your fashion brand?
We use a circular business model for Margo Paige. Our model starts by taking recycled materials, creating designs that are multi-functional, selling them, sharing techniques/source of how to repair and when the piece is deemed at the end of its cycle we will take back the product to have it properly recycled to turn it into a new product. Moving to a circular model is imperative to us because it helps eliminate waste, we aren’t using natural resources and helping reduce our carbon footprint throughout the process.
What are three things we should all know about “slow fashion”?
Slow fashion comes down to the process, design and economics. The process starts from how the textile is created. Where the material is derived from in our agricultural system. When we start at the very basis of the process, we can develop a material that is sound for the environment. Designing the right pieces that will be multi-functional and resolve problems. In fashion, having designs in mind that are year round and can be worn multiple ways. The economics of creating fashion to ensure it’s “slow fashion” begins with companies creating a circular business model. Going circular addresses reduction of waste and creates a closed loop system allowing us to reuse instead of going back to waste natural resources.
Can you please explain how it can be fashionable to buy less, wait a little longer, or even repair clothing?
Shopping is time consuming. When I browse online, I’ll add a few things to my cart and come back to them a few weeks later. If it’s something I can’t live without, I’ll purchase, but more often than not, I haven’t even thought about the piece(s). I’ve been slowly building a capsule of pieces that I enjoy, all year round, and can be worn with at least three other pieces in my closet. When I’ve found that a piece is coming to its end of life, meaning it needs to be repaired or recycled properly, I’ll try to see if I can repurpose it into something else. Whether that be something to use around the house, an accessory or maybe saving pieces of it to create a new item. The most fashionable people are the ones that can create multiple looks with very few items. Anyone can go out and purchase the latest. Seek inspiration from a few pieces and you’ll quickly learn how creative you can be!
Thank you for all that. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things You Need To Lead a Successful Slow Fashion Brand”. Please share a story or example for each.
1 . Check the label. Always make sure that you’re using the highest quality materials from sources that have been certified.
2 . Partners. Having partners who are sustainably led and implement principles like fair wage, benefits and working environment.
3 . Designs. Create pieces that are multi-functional for people to add into their closets easily.
4 . Circular Economics. Using recycled materials and taking them through a process with a closed loop system so virtually nothing is wasted or natural resources are used.
5 .Teach. There is quite a bit of fast fashion on social media. Take the time to educate your community on the importance of slow and the fall of the environment that fast fashion has created. It doesn’t have to be grim, but knowledge is power.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Consume less and treat others well. In our life, we don’t need everything in excess. The key is buying high quality food, clothing, materials, etc that will last a long time. In return, keeping an eye out on companies who treat their employees well. When we treat others with fair working conditions, benefits and wages, we live in a more sustainable society that makes the environment and economy more sound.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest @shopmargopaige or through our website www.margopaige.com
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
About the Interviewer: Monica Sanders JD, LL.M, is the founder of “The Undivide Project”, an organization dedicated to creating climate resilience in underserved communities using good tech and the power of the Internet. She holds faculty roles at the Georgetown University Law Center and the Tulane University Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy. Professor Sanders also serves on several UN agency working groups. As an attorney, Monica has held senior roles in all three branches of government, private industry, and nonprofits. In her previous life, she was a journalist for seven years and the recipient of several awards, including an Emmy. Now the New Orleans native spends her time in solidarity with and championing change for those on the frontlines of climate change and digital divestment. Learn more about how to join her at: www.theundivideproject.org.
Margo Perkins Of Margo Paige On Why They Are Embracing Slow Fashion and Renewable Consumption was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.