We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dorthy Huddleston. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dorthy below.
Dorthy , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
One of the biggest trends I’m seeing in the textile industry is the increasing demand for sustainability and eco-conscious production. Customers today are more informed than ever and expect transparency when it comes to how their fabrics are sourced and produced. There’s a noticeable shift towards slow fashion, where consumers want to invest in high-quality, durable textiles that are ethically made, rather than fast fashion items that contribute to environmental degradation.
At Ladore Textile Corporation, this trend hits home because it aligns perfectly with our core mission. For example, when we launched the “Symphony of Strength and Elegance” project—a collection of our artwork made into a scarf dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer in collaboration with the National Breast Cancer Foundation—we made it a priority to ensure our textiles were sustainably produced. One of our key partners, Kornit Digital, specializes in eco-friendly fabric printing processes that drastically reduce water waste and pollution.
This trend toward sustainability creates both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it allows us to tap into a growing market of socially-conscious consumers and brands that prioritize environmental responsibility. On the other hand, the cost of eco-friendly materials and production methods can be higher, which can make it challenging for smaller businesses to remain competitive on pricing.
However, the long-term benefits far outweigh the challenges. It’s about creating products that tell a story—one that is not only beautiful and functional but also ethical and impactful. As we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ladore Textile Corporation is deeply committed to honoring this cause by designing eco-conscious products that make a difference. Through our “Symphony of Strength and Elegance” project and other initiatives, we’re proud to raise awareness and contribute to meaningful causes. We believe this trend of sustainability is here to stay, and we’re excited to continue driving innovation in textiles that reflect both beauty and purpose.
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?
My name is Dorthy Huddleston, and I am the Founder and President of Ladore Textile Corporation, a company born from my passion for textile design, fashion, and creating products that bring both beauty and purpose to people’s lives. My journey into this industry began with a love for fabrics and patterns, and an understanding of how textiles can tell a story, convey emotion, and transform spaces. With a background in workforce development and extensive experience working with organizations such as the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) and the Minority Business Development Agency Business Center (MBDA), I saw an opportunity to merge my expertise with my creative vision, and that’s how Ladore Textile Corporation came to life.
At Ladore Textile, we specialize in creating high-quality, sustainable textile designs that cater to various markets, including fashion, hospitality, and home décor. Our product range includes an array of fabrics such as cotton, silk, cashmere, poly blends, and more, each designed with a modern twist inspired by African prints, vintage couture, and contemporary design trends. We offer services that range from custom textile designs for fashion brands to exclusive creations for home décor, providing our clients with unique, luxurious, and ethically produced fabrics that meet the highest standards.
What sets us apart is our dedication to sustainability and social consciousness. We understand that today’s clients are looking for more than just beautiful products; they want to support brands that align with their values. At Ladore Textile Corporation, we are committed to producing eco-friendly textiles that are ethically sourced and manufactured, ensuring that our creations leave a positive impact on both people and the environment.
One of the proudest moments for our brand has been the launch of our “Symphony of Strength and Elegance” project. This project is a tribute to my three sisters, who battled breast cancer simultaneously, and it represents resilience, hope, and beauty. Through this initiative, we designed scarves that were donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to be included in their HOPE Kits, providing comfort and inspiration to women undergoing treatment. This project not only showcases our dedication to quality and creativity but also our mission to make a difference in the community.
What I want potential clients, and followers, to know about Ladore Textile Corporation is that we are more than just a textile company; we are a brand that values creativity, sustainability, and social impact. We aim to create textiles that tell a story, uplift communities, and bring joy to the lives of those who experience our products. Our dedication to excellence, authenticity, and giving back is what defines us, and we invite you to be part of our journey as we continue to create beautiful, meaningful textiles that make a difference in the world of fashion and the hospitality market.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
My personal experiences have been the greatest source of insight and inspiration for my management and entrepreneurial journey. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with various large to small companies, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Over time, I realized that starting and running a business is not as straightforward as many may think. There are countless stumbling blocks, from securing funding to building a loyal customer base and navigating the complexities of growth. These obstacles made me acutely aware of the resilience and adaptability required to succeed as an entrepreneur.
It was through these experiences that I decided to write my book, Chasing My Dreams “The Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship,” which is set to be released in 2025. The book captures my journey—highlighting the trials, setbacks, and triumphs that I’ve encountered along the way. I wanted to provide a resource for other entrepreneurs, particularly those just starting, to show them that the path to success is rarely a straight line. The book delves into the real struggles, the unexpected roadblocks, and the small but important victories that come with building something from the ground up.
Working closely with businesses across different industries gave me a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed. I realized that success is not just about having the right idea, but about persistence, adaptability, and learning from every experience, both good and bad. This is the message I hope to share with others through my writing, and it’s a philosophy that guides everything I do with Ladore Textile Corporation.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the most challenging periods of my career and life came in the early 2000s. I was working for United Service Automobile Association (USAA) in Sacramento, CA, where I served for 13 years. In 2000, the stock market crashed, significantly affecting my position. Just a year later, in 2001, I was laid off due to restructuring and downsizing within the company.
As I was still grappling with the uncertainty of losing my job, the world was shaken by the tragic events of 9/11 just three months later. Not long after, I received a call from my mother, who wasn’t feeling well, and she asked me to come home to care for her. Without hesitation, I uprooted my family and moved back to be by her side. A few months later, we were devastated to learn she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I stayed with her throughout this incredibly difficult and emotional time, providing the support she needed.
Life seemed to be a series of upheavals, After going back to school to earn a degree in Interior Design, I spent several years working in the field from 2003 to 2010. Then, the housing market crashed in 2008, and my career in interior design took a massive hit. Faced with another unexpected challenge, I knew it was time to pivot again.
Determined to reinvent myself and continue moving forward, I shifted my focus to business and workforce development consulting work. While the transitions were difficult, each pivot taught me resilience and adaptability, and ultimately, those experiences prepared me for entrepreneurship and the business challenges I face today.
These periods of reinvention were defining moments in my life. They taught me how to navigate through loss and uncertainty and reinforced my belief that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you can always rise again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ladoretextile.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladoretextile/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladoretextile/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ladore-textile-corporation/?viewAsMember=true
Image Credits
Special Thanks to our Partnerships and Sponsors:
– National Breast Cancer Foundation
– Kornit Digital
– Popgirls Group
– Sparkl
– All Pro Color
– The Maine Production
– Greentex
– Premex Solutions
– Leadership Experience Tour
– Love 1st
– Refuge for Nations
– Priceless Dreams
– Gold Mind Thoughts
– Primary Media Group
G.Gilbert
Tiktok: @qgilbert6
“Symphony of Strength and Elegance” Scarf
@qgilbert6 Breast cancer awareness #blackownedbusiness #breastcancer #scarf @Dorthy Huddleston695