In episode 16, Krystle Marks, the founder of Lev Apparel, shares about how she started her clothing brand as part of her mission to empower women and restore dignified work to women most at risk for human trafficking.
Krystle Marks is a fashion stylist turned clothing designer. She became passionate about fighting human trafficking and saw the direct link between poverty and exploitation. The ethical production of Lev Apparel creates job opportunities for at-risk women living in New Delhi, Chicago, Vietnam, and East Asia . Each purchase restores hope, dignity, and freedom that creates a life-changing ripple for generations.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How Lev empowers women through their clothing and manufacturing
- How anti human trafficking advocacy led Krystle start Lev
- Why women are disproportionately affected by human trafficking
- What Krystle did as first steps to start Lev
- How Krystle found the right factory partner
- How Krystle uses her styling background to design pieces specifically for the 5 common body shapes of women
- The fashion industry’s effect on poverty
- The impact Kystle wants Lev to make on the women who wear Lev and the women who make Lev
- The ways that Lev educates their community on the impact their purchasing choices make
- Tips to be intentional with your clothing purchases so you can shop sustainable and ethical within your budget
People and resources mentioned in this episode:
- LEV website
- Krystle’s email
- LEV on Instagram
- Krystle on LinkedIn
- Dressember Foundation
Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.