We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deb Henriksen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deb below.
Deb, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
Since the conception of my sustainable street brand, Equillibrium, in 1998 – I have not followed conventional fashion brand models which have always focused on a conventional industry standard without mindfulness toward sustainability.
A mission I have always upheld is not having to sacrifice good fashion for sustainability. Since I have been a pioneer in this movement, there was a long period of time my brand identity had to sell it. Consumers did not care or understand what sustainable fashion was. So the development of a loyal fan base grew from the lifestyle of the brand where it first came from, and it happened to be sustainable as a side note.
Now (fast forward about 20 years) , due to undeniable impacts from conventional practices from many industries and unconscious consumption supporting them for a cheap price point, consumers are becoming more educated and informed about sustainable offerings and conscious consumption. The educated consumer, looking for my offering for its sustainability, is my target market.
Deb, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have had a LOVE for clothes for as long as I can remember, sewn since I was 12, and worked retail from boutiques to board shops since I was 15. Through those experiences I learned a lot about the apparel construction and business side of the Industry.
My lifestyle and culture as a boarder (sk8/ surf/ snow) runs over 33 years deep and counting.
In 1995 I earned a B.S. in Environmental Health from Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and worked in Industrial Hazardous Waste Management from 1997 – 2006. In 2009 I became a LEED AP BD+C (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional with Specialization in Building Design + Construcion) with the US Green Building Counsel (USGBC) to further my education and accredidation in sustainable design. I stay current with my continuing education to keep that accredidation.
Equillibrium is a manifestation of my loves, interests, and education in a sustainable fashion brand. I create both ready to wear and custom couture fashions and accessories that have a timeless and relevant aesthetic with much integrity and consistency in quality. I apply lessons and metrics learned from the LEED program to fashion design by how I select materials, design, and produce for my brand. My intention is for making products with zero waste, long lifespans, and closed loop at end of life.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
My initial capital for starting Equillibrium came from a line of credit with a bank, while working in Industrial Hazardous Waste Management. How I was able to do that was making sure I bought a house, leveraged its equity for a line of credit before exiting the field. It was a strategy working with what I had after I knew I needed an exit plan.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Frugality drives conservation, and vice versa… knowing how to pull back and hunker down during the 2008 recession proved to be a viable skill to keep my ship a float.
My background in Environmental Health and training with PPE and facemasks served me well during the 2020 Pandemic with designing and making facemasks that was the best conversion of sales on any platform I have ever experienced. As a fashion designer, that is a bit depressing. However, I am always greatful for sales conversion no matter where it comes from.
I do whatever it takes (in alignment with my values) to keep this train rolling and have for over 24 years. That is why I am still here today. I learn, I try, I don’t quit….
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.equillibrium.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equillibriumofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquillibriumOfficial1/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/equillibrium
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/equillibrium_13
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMAmqdqKadZOwasT87naHWQ
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/equillibrium/
Image Credits
Pic of me: Noah Berg Equillibrium Shoot Pics: Robin Fulton of Robins Photography