Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Torres.
Sarah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have roots in fashion & sustainability.
I spent my childhood in a small town in WA called Camas. Named after its famed Camas Lily. Growing up in the Mountains gave me an appreciation for Mother Nature and a passion to preserve it.
I’ve worked within the fashion industry for over a decade. Be large retailers to starting my first brand “Sew by S.E.W”.
Working for large fast fashion brands, I was always baffled by the vast sku amounts and the waste that accumulates. To pay $5.80 for a top, although can seems as a convenience, I started to research what the true cost is to mass production.
Appalled, (of course) of the environment and humanitarian impact. I searched within to see how I can make a positive impact and joined the Fashion Revolution.
Selling Vintage, making clothes from deadstock (surplus fabric from brands and designers) with my e-shop “Shred Threads”, was my outlet.
Then I was presented with a contract opportunity to make Bridesmaids robes. The bride wanted to keep the eco-conscious values Shred Threads had, but with a bohemian vibe.
I ended up making these beautiful robes. Each one unique. Almost a year later, the Bride was featured on a wedding blog.. and then I became bombarded with brides. A good problem to have. Camas Lilly Company was born!
Camas Lilly Company is my new e-shop. Each garment is produced locally and sourced from deadstock, surplus and vintage textiles. My love letter to my favorite things: vintage, sewing, and Mother Nature.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The response from brides from my feature in the wedding blog was the fire I needed to really launch Camas Lilly Co., bringing it forward as my main focus.
I’ve definitely dealt with some growing pains. However, I see each challenge as a new goal to overcome…
Using leftover luxury fabric is just one mark in the equation. What should I do with the end scraps? Well, let’s use them as stuffing for dog beds to donate to local shelters. And any scraps that are long enough to cut in strips let’s donate those to florist who have an eco-minded outlook. They can use as ribbon to wrap bouquets. Eye masks, scrunchies.. the ideas can seem endless.
Always trying to find new ideas for cut scraps and researching vendors who provide eco-friendly packaging. I want to try to make everything apart Of Camas Lilly Co., as thoughtful and sustainable as I can.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Camas Lilly Company – what should we know?
Camas Lilly Company specializes in made to order bridal and bridesmaid robes. Detailed with beautiful macrame style fringe on the sleeves, and hem.
Each garment I made from deadstock or surplus fabric. What that means is that I am not producing new fabrics. Using what is available, left over from brands and designers. Keeping each garment unique and limited in quantity.
Once a fabric sells out, there’s no way to replace it.
Each hue is named after a flower, herb or mineral found in nature. All carry special meaning and symbolism. Fern, for example, is a symbol of a secret bond of love.
Each piece is packed in a keepsake wood box. These robes are being gifted by Brides to the most important women in their lives. Gifted to the ones they have chosen to be by their side on one of the most exciting new chapters of their lives. That’s powerful. The thought and intention behind every detail, I want to be reflected in the gifting process.
I am proud to produce the garments locally and to be giving back to communities close to my heart. Doing my part to reduce textile waste, and bring beautiful vintage inspired robes to the world.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Oh, wow… where to start with my cheerleaders and mentors.
First, my Mom. How cliche, right? My mom not only taught me how to sew, she taught me about dedication to my craft. She’s a talented photographer and artist who had a successful floral business years ago. I grew up in the wedding industry, and it’s just funny to me how it’s all coming back around.
My husband Jay, has been supportive since the beginning of all my ventures. With no complaints. We have to go to a market, be there at 6 am, he’s there. Taking heavy boxes to UPS, there. “Hey babe, I need some illustrations of these herbs & flowers”, Done. I know that no matter what, I can always depend on him.
Of course, shout out to all my friends who’ve supported me throughout the years. But most definitely, to my main babe, Sheryle. She’s been a cheerleader for me back when I started my first brand. She was the one who introduced me to dead stock textiles. Thanks, ladybird!!
Pricing:
- ‘Heron’ long robe starting $178
- ‘Sheryle’ short robe starting $145
- ‘Victoria ‘ short robe with fringe on sleeves; starting $111
Contact Info:
- Website: www.camaslillyco.etsy.com
- Instagram: @CamasLillyCo
Image Credit:
Charissa Cooper, Hannah Costello
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
