We’re looking forward to introducing you to Billy Simon. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Billy, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
We’re paving a path!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Billy and I’m the founder of Jacaranda, a Los Angeles–based hemp clothing brand I started with a few of my lifelong friends, fellow Eagle Scouts who share my love for surfing, skating, and spending time outdoors. Growing up surrounded by nature taught me the importance of taking care of it, which ultimately led to creating Jacaranda. We make sustainable hemp apparel that’s grown, sewn, and designed right here in California. While we have a retail side, what really sets us apart is our B2B work where we create custom, sustainable merchandise for other brands, restaurants, events, and more. There’s not much out there like it, and it’s been exciting to show businesses that they can represent themselves and their values through truly eco-friendly apparel.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was about 14, I finished surfing one day and saw a man picking up trash along the beach. I walked over, started talking to him, and asked if he was getting paid to do it. He smiled and said, “No — just a labor of love.” I thought he was Jesus or something, haha. I ended up helping him, and that moment really stuck with me. Ever since, I’ve made it a ritual to pick up trash after every surf session — my way of saying thank you to nature for the waves. His name was Mike, and even though I only saw him a few more times before he moved away, his “labor of love” mentality has stayed with me ever since. In a lot of ways, that moment planted the seed for Jacaranda; the idea that doing something good for the planet doesn’t have to be grand or performative, it can just be a genuine act of gratitude and care.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Slow down! Look around, breathe, and be where your feet are.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the fashion industry is that sustainability comes at the cost of profitability. A lot of brands still think doing things the right way means sacrificing margins, but at Jacaranda we’ve seen the opposite. When sustainability is built into your model – from local production to long-lasting, natural fabrics — it actually strengthens your business. I think people are inherently good, and most want to make choices that do less harm. When you give them that option, they’re excited to support it. Sustainability doesn’t have to be a loss and can be a win for the planet, the customer, and the bottom line.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am not thinking, but practicing mindfulness, paying attention to my surroundings, and simply existing… I know this a very generic ‘Californian’ answer but it is true!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jacarandahemp.com/
- Instagram: @jacarandahempclothing
- Linkedin: Jacaranda Hemp
