We were lucky to catch up with Reagan Marelle Begley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Reagan Marelle, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

We have steadily generated more and more waste over the years, filling our landfills, not to mention a whole host of other environmental problems faced by the U.S. and the rest of the world.

No matter what you think the world’s biggest issues are, you are unlikely to think of fashion as either a problem or a solution. Yet ethical, sustainable clothing can actually help address many of these issues in ways you may not expect. Even better, clothing is something that everyone needs and uses, making it an extremely accessible avenue for the average person to affect change.

Hargan Denim is a brand that aims to bridge the gap between consumers and the industry through design and fashion on what ethical values are and why they are important. Through our “repurposed” denim collection we aim to bring attention to how much waste we already have within the denim industry and what it is doing to our environment with overfill of landfills. The U.S. alone sends about 21 billion pounds of textile waste to landfills every year. And sadly, only 10-15% of donated clothing actually ends up in the secondhand market. The clothing that ends up in landfills can sit there for 200 plus years, and as it decomposes, it emits methane (a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon.) Right now, less than 1% of collected clothing is recycled into new yarns and fibers. New technologies, like chemical recycling (which separates raw materials from dyes, elastics, etc. for effective use as new textiles) are in the works, but we have a long way to go until they’re fully developed and put into mainstream practice.

Hargan Denim represents 3 key components: Sustainability, Durability, and Travel.
When I hear the word denim, I think of tradition. Classic, authentic, intimate and personal. Denim tells a story. Whether it is the first pair of jeans you bought, a vintage pair that reminds you of a memory, or a pair that makes you feel like the best looking human in the world, denim continues to play an active role in your life. I build my denim knowing that you are going to be creating another memory in this pair of jeans. Taking the time to make that extra stitch for long term durability, smoothing out that ⅛” curve for comfortability, putting in that little extra detailed stitch for uniqutivity. In hopes that this pair of jeans, with the amazing stories you have created wearing them, gets passed down from generation to generation, bringing back that tradition, classic, authentic, intimate and personal feel that brought denim about. Fashion is art. Just like music to a musician, or a painting to a painter, it is a way to articulate your feelings and emotions or what you are going through in life at that very moment. At the end of the day, this brand still represents me, from the name Hargan, to my designs, it represents my life story, and my core values. Traveling the world in my denim brings that to life, with every collection that comes out. Each collection is designed from the things I saw, felt, or learned in that city. I hope I can help share those certain feels, or small pieces that represent those places to people who may not have the resources to do that themselves.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always loved designing since I was a little girl. Then during my studies at FIDM: The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise (Los Angeles) while getting my Advanced Degree in Denim Design, one of the biggest things that stuck with me through schooling was the environmental impact denim has made on the world. From how the fabric is dyed, to the chemicals put on the fabric, to the way you finish that garment, package and deliver it. Not to mention the waste that has gone into sampling, and over producing garments to keep up with demand and fast fashion trends, I decided to find a way to be able to do what I love without adding any more additional harm with bringing awareness to the issues to implement and encourage change.

But, if you take a step back, and look at every little bad impact that makes up the big issue, it is possible to change. It just takes the right people, who have the heart and are willing to put in the time and effort because it’s more than just making a quick buck to put in their pocket.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Hargan supports Hargan. When I make a sale, the money goes right back into making the next step of growth. Whether that’s a new machine, new materials, packaging, etc. any funding for the business comes from itself.

Hargan started as a little girls safe haven. It’s always been something I’ve done when I needed to feel worth something, feel good enough, feel wanted, in a world that makes you feel unwanted and worthless. Because of that I never wanted to have any pressure from loans or debt. Loans and debt add stress which lead to hating and/or not wanting the job. And Hargan has always been my reason to get up the next morning, has always been the one thing that keeps me believing there has to be some sort of good in the world.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Hargan isn’t just a brand, it’s a friend. Each piece of Hargan Denim is made with a shit load of love. Made for you to live your life in. For those casual lunch breaks, first dates, girls night out, or early nights in. Hargan Denim is your family. Your friend. Your everyday companion. Someone you can turn to in every situation. Hargan Denim will be there. Never let you down. I connect with my audience, and build a community through it. Making all welcome, all feel wanted, all wanting to be apart of it because at the end of the day our need for human connection is what we all need and want.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hargandenim.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hargandenim/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hargandenim
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reaganmarellebegley/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1eQSmpyzTxo6fUUc0PgZTA
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hargandenim