Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katherine Jacobson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Katherine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

At Esme, we pride ourselves on diverging from industry norms by crafting sustainable women’s underwear made from innovative materials like Organic Brown Algae and Tencel Lyocell sourced from beech and eucalyptus trees. Our fabric’s unique structure enables an active exchange of nutrients with the skin, reducing skin damage and promoting overall well-being.

What sets us apart is not just the eco-friendly nature of our production process but also our commitment to functionality and comfort. Our underwear is hypoallergenic, anti-odor, moisture-regulating, and ultra-soft, making it perfect for sensitive skin or those with conditions like eczema. It can even help prevent yeast infections and UTIs as its naturally antibacterial and 50% more absorbent than cotton, so it’s very breathable.

We prioritize both sustainability and style, ensuring our designs are not only flattering but also good for your body and environmentally conscious. You’re not just choosing underwear; you’re choosing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Katherine, 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?

My journey into creating sustainable seaweed-based underwear began after spending a decade in the fashion industry, where I witnessed firsthand the wastefulness and toxicity of traditional materials. There’s minimal regulation in the textile industry, even for adult intimates. Considering that the skin is our largest organ and absorbs what it comes into contact with, I wanted to design something safe to wear in the most intimate areas without worrying about toxic chemicals. Also the underwear I was wearing was made of materials that were suffocating with only a cotton liner so it’s a breeding ground for bacteria unless the whole underwear is made from thick cotton which is so unflattering. I aimed to create underwear that not only felt beautiful on but also promoted self-confidence and environmental sustainability. During my research into algae and its health benefits, I discovered a fabric that is hypoallergenic and ideal for individuals with eczema or sensitive skin. Third-party lab tests revealed that this fabric is twice as absorbent as cotton, naturally antibacterial, anti-odor, and highly moisture-wicking—all perfect qualities for underwear.

We developed a thin, comfortable fabric that minimizes visible panty lines and doesn’t feel bulky, unlike the cotton alternatives I had used. Leveraging my fashion design background, I ensured the cuts were flattering, a crucial aspect for me.

I am incredibly proud of the feedback we’ve received. Customers have shared that our underwear is soothing for eczema, helps reduce or eliminate yeast infections, and is even gentle enough for those with shingles. Postpartum mothers appreciate its moisture-wicking properties and stretchy, comfortable waistbands. Personally, switching to our seaweed-based underwear eliminated my recurring yeast infections, thanks to their antibacterial properties and quick-drying nature. I used to wear cute but suffocating underwear even when working out so these have been such a game changer for me personally.

Something women don’t talk about in public but have written in to us is that many women have significant discharge (a normal bodily function!) and they praised our underwear’s breathability and quick-drying capabilities. Adventurers, hikers, and frequent travelers also love our underwear as it keeps them cool and clean during long journeys.

These testimonials are a testament to the positive impact our product has on people’s lives, and they fuel my pride in what we’ve achieved with this company.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During the development of our seaweed-based underwear, I encountered SO. MANY. NO’s. Countless professionals, consultants, manufacturers, and factories told me this underwear couldn’t be done. The development process took a year and a half, and I faced a steady stream of “no” responses. Many advised me to start with cotton underwear as a more manageable first step. However, this approach undermined my vision of creating something thin, exceptionally moisture-wicking, breathable, antibacterial, and soothing for the skin. And not to mention way more sustainable than cotton, which takes a huge amount of resources and water to make.

I was determined to create a product that was not only comfortable but also sustainable, aiming for a step towards being climate-positive. The skepticism I faced was daunting. I was told repeatedly that what I wanted was impossible. There were moments when I almost gave up.

There were so many things I wanted for this underwear that I was not willing to compromise on. For example, I wanted the underwear to be durable enough to be machine washable. As someone who prefers the convenience of machine washing, I was adamant about finding a solution. I was also told the fabric would stretch out, pill, or fade. However, through rigorous third-party lab testing and performance testing where machines repeatedly rubbed and stretched the fabric to determine its durability, we finally developed a fabric that maintained its integrity and quality—no stretching, pilling, or fading.

This journey epitomized the saying, “Everything worth doing is hard. And the more worth doing it is, the harder it is.” Despite the difficulties, persistence paid off, and we created a product that met all our criteria and more.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One crucial lesson I had to unlearn is that working smart is far better than working hard. I used to believe that burning the midnight oil and pushing myself to the brink was the cost of building a successful company. This belief was shattered when I faced a significant health scare that forced me to rest and recuperate for months. I had to learn the importance of staying in tune with my body if I wanted to maintain long-term success.

I’ve come to understand that life is a marathon, not a sprint, as cliche as it may sound it is so very true. This mindset shift has influenced how I approach both my personal health and my work. I now view my role and my company through the lens of sustainability and endurance. This change has made me a better leader, allowing me to delegate more effectively and trust others to get things done right. Previously, I felt compelled to handle everything myself to ensure it was done correctly.

I’ve also become more efficient with my time. During my health challenges, I had limited windows to work without exacerbating my condition. This forced me to focus on high-impact tasks and streamline my efforts.

Reflecting on my high school cross country days, where I ran long distances, I’ve now adopted a “pace yourself” mentality. This approach emphasizes perseverance and sustainable effort, leading to better performance and overall well-being. This experience has 100% reshaped my understanding of success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.WeAreEsme.com
• Instagram: @we_are_esme
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinezohar/

Image Credits
Lily Merriman. Jackie Sterna.