INSPIRATION THIS TYME::Kristin Glenn and Shannon Whitehead::
Kristin Glenn and Shannon Whitehead are the creators of {r}evolution apparel, a sustainable travel clothing line for women. 
They recently launched their signature piece, the Versalette, and raised over $60,000 in pre-sales via a Kickstarter campaign. Their goal is to spark discussion about consumption and the environment, while giving women clothing options to “do more with less.” Production of the Versalette has already started and it will be available for sale via {r}evolution apparel’s online store in March.
Kristin and Shannon met in Australia in 2008 as recent college grads who were traveling on working holiday visas. After spending the following few years working and volunteering in various parts of the world, they reconnected to start a business that incorporated their love for travel and their hatred for traditional travel fashion (zip-off shorts, anyone?!). They officially started a business in August 2010 and vowed to create a social enterprise with a positive impact on fashion and the world.
1.Where did the idea for {r}evolution apparel come from?
K&S: We’re both travelers by nature, so the idea for our 10-piece line came from experiences backpacking around the world. We are both quite minimal and readily mobile and saw a need for a wardrobe to reflect that. As we were packing for a trip to Nicaragua to research fair trade fashion, we realized there was a need for a sustainable and versatile wardrobe that hadn’t been filled.
2.What does your typical day look like?
K&S: Until recently, we both worked other jobs in addition to {r}evolution apparel, so our days were scattered between the 2. A typical day involves a lot of g-chat and Skype, eating lots of vegetables, drinking lots of coffee and moving full-throttle towards our next goal!
3.What are you working on right now?
K&S: We’re in the production phase of our signature piece, the Versalette. It’s a garment that can be worn more than 15 different ways (as a dress, shirt, skirt, hood, purse or scarf). We were recently funded via Kickstarter, an online platform for pre-sales and peer funding. We’re in the process of revamping our Website, setting up an online store and preparing to mail out over 700 pre-ordered Versalettes.
4.How do you bring ideas to life?
K&S: Notepads, pens, Google Docs and a good partnership. When we have an idea, we document it, share it and then take time to think about it. We research all of the ways to do it, talk some more and finally come up with a plan of attack. One of our goals right now is to have a mobile storefront to drive around the West Coast this summer; it’s an audacious goal, but we’re following our usual route and are sure we can make it happen.
5.As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
K&S: Build relationships with other people. The friendships we’ve made with other entrepreneurs since starting our business have been invaluable. The support, knowledge and inspiration we’ve gained from them have been a key factors in getting us as far as we’ve come.
6.What’s the best thing about being an entrepreneur?
Shannon: Freedom. Being able to do what you love every day. Having a heightened sense of purpose. Meeting other awesome entrepreneurs.
7.What’s the hardest thing about being an entrepreneur?
Kristin: Attempting to turn your brain off when you aren’t working (but who are we kidding, it’s impossible!). Making sure that “you run your business” instead of the opposite, as cliche as it sounds. Keeping the faith.
8.What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Shannon: Tastebook, like Facebook but for people who like to cook. The irony is that I can’t toast bread. (And, apparently the web domain is already taken.)
Connect:
Web Site: www.revolutionapparel.me
Facebook: www.facebook.com/revolutionapparel
Twitter: @AllofUsRev
