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

Linda , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

One of the most unexpected challenges in our sustainable journey at Contingenci was navigating the intricate landscape of starting a micro-factory in the Bay Area, known for its innovation but also high costs. The realization that sustainability often comes with higher initial expenses hit hard, especially considering the competitive nature of the fashion industry.

The backstory unfolds as we passionately embarked on our mission during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic (creating products for first responders). The decision to establish Contingenci in the Bay Area was deliberate, aiming to leverage the region’s spirit of progress and innovation. However, the high cost of living and business overheads proved to be a formidable hurdle, challenging the very core of our sustainability goals.

Coming from a 16+ year journey in the fashion industry, including a tenure at The North Face, I understood the need for change and sustainable practices. The weight of the decision to leave the security of a major corporate entity and dive into the uncertain waters of entrepreneurship was palpable.

To resolve this unexpected challenge, Contingenci strategically sought partnerships with industry leaders such as The North Face, Specialized Bicycles, Marmot, and Title Nine. These collaborations were not only driven by shared values in sustainability but also became crucial in accessing resources that alleviated some of the financial burdens. By rescuing waste materials from our partners, including liability fabrics and trims, we turned what would have been discarded into functional items for the recommerce space.

The unexpected financial strain became a catalyst for creativity and collaboration, turning what initially seemed like a roadblock into an opportunity for innovation and mutual support within the industry. It was a pivotal moment that reshaped our approach, highlighting the interconnectedness of sustainability and the importance of forging partnerships with like-minded entities.

Ultimately, this unexpected challenge reinforced the resilience of Contingenci and our commitment to navigating the complexities of sustainable practices in a competitive business landscape. The journey was not just about starting a business; it was about building a movement towards a greener, more compassionate future, overcoming unexpected challenges with determination and a steadfast commitment to our values.

Linda , 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?

Contingenci, under the umbrella of Good Human LLC, emerged during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic with a vision to create positive change. With over 16 years of experience in the fashion industry, including a tenure at a major corporate entity like North Face, I recognized the need for a shift towards sustainability and circular practices.

Operating as a sustainable circular micro-factory based in San Jose, Contingenci focuses on providing essential infrastructure services by repurposing outdoor and activewear textiles and garments that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our partnerships with renowned brands such as The North Face, Specialized Bicycles, Marmot, and Title Nine. Together, we rescue and repurpose waste materials, turning them into functional items that find new life in the recommerce space.

One of our notable initiatives is the Contingenci PRO line, addressing crucial issues within the textile industry. Recognizing the environmental impact of textile production, which accounts for 1.2 billion tons of CO2 equivalent per year and significant greenhouse gas emissions, we aim to be a force for positive change. We repurpose waste, including liability fabrics and trims, creating sustainable products that contribute to the circular economy.

Moreover, our commitment extends to the veterinary industry, where we observed a gap in sustainable practices. With our Contingenci PRO line, we address the lack of sustainable products within veterinarian facilities. Often, vets resort to using donated towels for animal care, which can compromise hygiene, efficiency and patient comfort. Our sustainable orthopedic cushion, anti-slip mats, crafted from bi-waste generated during our production processes, fill this gap, offering veterinarians a more sustainable and comfortable solution.

As a pet lover and bully advocate, I understand the importance of extending our commitment to sustainability to the veterinary industry, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing the overall well-being of our furry companions. Contingenci is more than a brand; it’s a movement towards a greener and more compassionate future for both the fashion and veterinary industries. Contingenci, under the umbrella of Good Human LLC, carries a rich history rooted in over 16 years of fashion industry expertise, including a tenure at the corporate giant North Face. The decision to establish Contingenci in the Bay Area was a risky step to take, known for innovation but also high costs, yet reflects a deliberate choice to leverage the region’s spirit of progress and connect with a community passionate about positive change.

Navigating the intricacies of starting a sustainable-focused company in the Bay Area was not without its hurdles. The high cost of living and business overheads demanded strategic planning, resilience, and a long-term vision. Overcoming industry norms, advocating for circular economy practices, and convincing stakeholders to adopt sustainable fashion required persistence. Within the veterinary industry, our Contingenci PRO line addressed the absence of sustainable products, challenging ingrained practices with the aim of fostering a more sustainable and compassionate approach.

Despite these challenges, Contingenci stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Our journey reflects not just a company but a movement toward a greener, more compassionate future for both the fashion and veterinary industries. Through our commitment to repurposing waste, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing the well-being of animals, Contingenci exemplifies the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and pet care in the heart of the Bay Area.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

At Contingenci, we take pride in manufacturing our own sustainable products. The journey of getting started was both challenging and enlightening, reflecting a commitment to hands-on involvement in every aspect of our product creation.

When we initiated the venture during the tumultuous times of the Covid-19 pandemic, the decision to manufacture our products within my garage aligned with our vision of sustainability and circular practices. Did all the prototyping and pumping out masks for 1st responders, doing pop up events. Leveraging over 16 years of experience in the fashion industry, including a tenure at North Face, equipped us with a deep understanding of manufacturing processes. However, transitioning from the corporate realm to establishing a micro-factory in San Jose required a learning curve.

One of the factory was closing down due to retirement and big companies shifting their manufacture overseas. Setting up our own manufacturing processes meant not only sourcing materials but also crafting the infrastructure for sustainable practices. We embraced the challenge of repurposing outdoor and activewear deadstock textiles that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste. The hands-on approach allowed us to personally oversee the entire production chain, ensuring that our commitment to sustainability was embedded in every step.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Building a Collaborative Culture One of the main aspects of our company culture is collaboration. We encourage open communication, trust, and mutual respect among our team members. We value each other’s perspectives and skills, and we support each other’s growth and development.

One of the ways that we build a collaborative culture is by organizing regular team-building activities. These activities help us get to know each other better, bond over shared interests, and have fun together. They also help us break down barriers, reduce conflicts, and increase trust.

Another way that we foster collaboration is by providing opportunities for cross-functional teams to work together. By bringing together people from different departments, backgrounds, and expertise, we create synergies and spark innovation. Cross-functional teams also help us broaden our perspectives and knowledge, as we learn from each other’s experiences and insights.

Supportive Leadership
Another aspect of our company culture is supportive leadership. We have leaders who support and guide our teams, providing clear goals, direction, and resources. They also empower our teams to make decisions, take risks, and learn from their mistakes.

One of the leadership models that we adopt is the servant leadership model. This model emphasizes the leader’s role as a servant, rather than a boss, who focuses on the needs and growth of the team members. Servant leaders listen to their teams, empathize with them, and help them achieve their potential.

Another leadership model that we follow is the agile leadership model. This model emphasizes the leader’s role as a facilitator, rather than a controller, who adapts to the changing needs and demands of the team and the environment. Agile leaders embrace change, encourage feedback, and foster a culture of learning and improvement.

Harnessing Diverse Strengths
Another aspect of our company culture is harnessing diverse strengths. We recognize and celebrate the individual abilities and contributions of our team members. We also leverage our unique skills and knowledge to create value for our company and our clients.

One of the ways that we harness our diverse strengths is by using the StrengthsFinder assessment tool. This tool helps us identify our top five strengths, such as strategic thinking, creativity, or communication. By knowing our strengths, we can optimize our performance, enhance our confidence, and find more satisfaction in our work.

Another way that we leverage our diverse strengths is by using the Belbin team roles framework. This framework helps us understand our preferred roles within a team, such as coordinator, implementer, or innovator. By knowing our roles, we can complement each other, balance each other, and work more effectively as a team.

Effective Communication
Another aspect of our company culture is effective communication. We foster a culture of transparent communication, where information flows freely and feedback is welcomed. We also communicate with each other, using various tools and channels.

One of the communication tools that we use is the daily stand-up meeting. This is a short and focused meeting where we share our progress, challenges, and plans for the day. The daily stand-up meeting helps us keep aligned, informed, and accountable.

Another communication tool that we use is the online collaboration platform. This is a digital space where we can share documents, files, and messages. The online collaboration platform helps us keep connected, engaged, and productive.

Trust and Accountability
Another aspect of our company culture is trust and accountability. We value and promote trust and accountability among our team members. We also demonstrate trust and accountability in our actions and behaviors.

One of the ways that we build trust and accountability is by using the RACI matrix. This is a tool that helps us clarify the roles and responsibilities of each team member for a given task or project. RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. By using the RACI matrix, we can avoid confusion, duplication, and conflict.

Another way that we foster trust and accountability is by using the SMART goal setting framework. This is a tool that helps us define and measure the goals and objectives of our team and our individual. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By using the SMART framework, we can set realistic and meaningful goals, track our progress, and celebrate our achievements.

Conclusion
At Contingenci, we embrace teamwork as a core value and a competitive advantage. We cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence through teamwork. By following these principles and practices, we enhance our teamwork abilities and achieve remarkable results in our professional endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.contingenci.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contingenci/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contingenci/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/contingenci-by-good-human-llc
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@GoodHuman-Contingenci
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/contingenci-san-jose-4?osq=contingenci

Image Credits
one with cages is from Beach Animal Urgent Care Hospital-Thomas Babcock with our products