EP57: Starting a women-owned, women-made sustainable accessories brand - RAYU

Apple Stitcher Breaker

Guests

Caroline McKay and Mónica Durán

Role

Co-Founders

Flagship Product

Artisan-made hand bags

HQ

New York, NY

RAYU on In Good Hands

Background

Systemic waste is a major problem in the world of fashion, only made worse by “fast fashion” trends that promise low prices and rapid turnarounds.

Solution

RAYU is a different type of fashion company. Instead of mass producing collections, RAYU makes limited batch runs with the help of women-led artisan groups based in Latin America. And because each of their products are handwoven, “flaws” are imminent — longer handles and thicker weaving on a few select styles. Instead of throwing this inventory to waste, they lean into these "imperfections,” believing that a new take on an original style could be another person’s ideal.

Episode Brief

RAYU Co-Founders, Caroline McKay and Mónica Durán, join us on this week’s episode to discuss:

  • The RAYU eureka moment

  • Being women-owned and women-made

  • Setting up their supply chain in Equador

  • Learnings from running comms @Soho House

  • How they handle “imperfect” product

Credits

HOST

Peter Levin

PRODUCTION

Dan Mahoney

MUSIC

Eddie Knuckles

Peter Levin