Today we’d like to introduce you to Killian Hagen.
Killian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m not a designer by trade. I’m a copywriter.
My business, Bruce & Olive, is a line of eco-friendly basics for men and women. I created this line because living in south Texas, it is hard to function for the eight months of the year that it is pretty warm. I wanted clothing that I could live in year round, day to night, for a multitude of activities. Clothing that I could wear comfortably but still have a semblance of style in throughout the warmer months, Clothing that worked for me and my (hairy) body.
The more I had read about the fashion industry and all of its associated waste, I knew a real impact would be made from clothing that not only feels and looks good but is also good for the earth and for you. I started researching proprietary blends with a local manufacturer, Whitestar Manufacturing and landed on a proprietary blend of organic cotton and tencel (fabric made from the wood pulp of eucalyptus trees). It’s lightweight, breathable, naturally moisture-wicking, odor and wrinkle-resistant, and just so incredibly soft. It drapes nicely, doesn’t stick to you when sweating, and is great for everything from working from home to hitting the scene to traveling.
I pay particular attention to the entire supply chain and manufacturing process to ensure that is always top of mind. Of course, Bruce & Olive can be even MORE sustainable/eco-friendly, but it is absolutely top of mind for each piece, and I’m proud of the suppliers and manufacturers I have assembled for a consciously-made product.
The company is named after my parents, Bruce and Olive Hagen, who tragically both passed away from cancer between 2009-2015. Since they passed away, I had been looking for a way to dedicate something meaningful to them. They lived full, adventurous, and rich lives, and the clothing I designed for Bruce & Olive was for those who live the same way. The spirit of my parents matched the spirit of the brand and the way I and my friends live, and the intention behind the clothing—to liberate you from choice and stress with clothing that has broad application. With the added fact that it’s a men’s and women’s line, naming it “Bruce & Olive” seemed to be a no-brainer.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Haha, yes.
I would say the biggest struggle has been my education regarding supply chain, manufacturing, and timelines for all of that. I feel like I just got a MBA in supply chain management. The amount I did not know is astounding. The planning that’s required to be and stay on schedule with seasonality. The amount of time it takes to develop and sample pieces before they are ready for production. Shipping delays, shipping rates, import fees (depending on where you manufacture). And sourcing! For my first run, I sourced material from Canada, shipped it to Mexico (as I couldn’t source it in Mexico), did my production there, and then shipped it back to the US: I do not recommend something this complex, haha. Looking back, I definitely learned a lot, learned what NOT to do, but I have greatly simplified my processes by hiring new, vertical factories (where they both source and/or produce textile in-house and manufacture garments), manufacturing in countries that qualify for the free-trade agreement. A friend who owns another successful clothing line
My other huge struggle was starting off with too many items and too many sizes. I did this mostly to give people a sampling of basics and then see what people gravitate towards, but honestly, it was too many options, too many colors. I wish I had started much more simply, maybe four items, two colors, and then expanded from there. It certainly would have cost me less, but also it would have let me grow slowly and gradually instead of trying to manage so many different interests and items. It was stressful to say the least, and then hard when I sold out of popular items but still had lots of other items in stock that were less popular. Excess stock is a shitty problem.
The stress of both of these items also put strain on the relationship between my former business partner and I. We are on great terms, but I think it would have been easier on both of us had we not aspired to do so much from the jump, taken more time to research manufacturing options, textile suppliers, and run the numbers. I blame myself mostly for trying to take on the world and have aspirations that were unrealistic in the earlier years. We largely went off the advice of friends, which while helpful, lead us down rabbit holes that we had no business being in, and as a result, we put too much confidence in some of our partners which ultimately blew up in our face.
And of course, covid-19 halted all normal production for the majority of last year, so we’re back in the waiting game for our new line (although we expect it in April or May, so stay tuned!). But our manufacturers have stopped and started multiple times due to covid breakouts in their countries, and we have had to get in line and wait as they catch up on a largely backed up supply chain. Ah, the struggle of entrepreneurship!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business, Bruce & Olive, is a line of eco-friendly basics for men and women. I created this line because living in south Texas, it’s hard to function for the eight months of the year that it is pretty warm. I wanted clothing that I could live in year round, day to night, for a multitude of activities. That would still allow me to have a semblance of style in the warmer months but would work for me and my body. As I discovered the fabrics that could do accomplish this, I realized there as an opportunity to have a minimized impact on the environment too!
Our attention to sustainability throughout the entire supply chain. We’re not perfect, but we’re always getting better. Our proprietary blend of organic cotton and Tencel has many benefits to you and the environment! Besides using 11X less water to treat, not using harmful chemicals, and reusable solvents to treat, it’s amazingly soft and versatile! For travel, lounging, or hitting the scene, it breathes super well, is odor and wrinkle-resistant, wicks sweat, and is great for sensitive skin. We’re tackling packaging next, moving to an option that is biodegradable. We currently do all of our own shipping, and our manufacturers are committed to minimal environmental impact and pay all their worker’s fair wages.
If you’re looking for a mask, we made them in 2020 as a response to the pandemic, and they have been our most popular item yet with 98% 5-star ratings! They’re for sale, but we are REALLY excited for our new Spring 2021 line! We’re making joggers, shift dresses, and crop tops for women; and we’re making joggers, basic tees, and sleeveless tees for men. We’re excited to have new clothes after 1.5 years!! Thanks, pandemic.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Planning far ahead of time and building in time for mistakes or delays in the supply chain. And finally, the ability to pivot quickly and successfully to not tank your business. For us, that was making masks in May 2020 as that was all our manufacturers were allowed to do.
Pricing:
- Shift Dress: $50
- Joggers (Men and women): $85
- SoCo Tee: $40
- Crop Top: $30
- Eastsider Tee: $30
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@bruceandolive.com
- Website: www.bruceandolive.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bruceandoliveco
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bruceandoliveco
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC90n1tZXuHWvktw3gsA4tjg
Image Credits
Sarah Kuck, Brenna Hodge, Ebony Eve North
