4 minute read
Fashion For Change
KENYA ROBERSON’S PATH TO BRIDGING INEQUALITY...
KENYA Roberson’s journey from adversity to triumph in the fashion industry is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Despite early challenges, including familial struggles and financial hardships, Kenya’s grandmother instilled in her the belief that single women can achieve greatness. This belief fueled Kenya’s determination to build Elite Garment Distro, a fashion export company that not only thrives financially but also serves as a vehicle for positive change.
At the heart of Elite Garment Distro’s mission is the goal of reducing textile waste and bridging the gap between high-end fashion overruns and underserved markets. Kenya’s company redistributes excess inventory from major brands to wholesalers, boutiques, and discount outlets worldwide, particularly targeting impoverished countries where designer apparel is typically out of reach. By upcycling garments and tracking goods post-sale to minimize waste, Elite Garment Distro ensures that its business operations align with its mission of sustainability.
Kenya’s upbringing instilled in her a deep understanding of inequality and the importance of giving back to the community. “I grew up in a middle-class neighborhood in San Diego, and there were times we struggled because there were so many kids. I was bused into schools in richer areas such as La Jolla because local schools were not advanced enough for me. I typically had a lot less money than those around me.”
This sense of philanthropy permeates every aspect of her business, from donating to charities to providing apparel and shoes to those in need. Moreover, Elite Garment Distro’s commitment to sourcing goods directly from brands and combating counterfeiting underscores its dedication to integrity and authenticity. “We only buy goods directly from the brands. We are provided releases and sanitized invoices for the goods which authenticate the merchandise,” she shares.
In a fashion industry often dominated by industry giants and gender biases, Kenya Roberson stands out as a dynamic and determined entrepreneur. She leads by example, fostering diversity and empowerment within her company while pushing boundaries and breaking barriers. “I hire men and women from different backgrounds and push them to be the best they can be by offering the example that if you set your mind to any goal, you can achieve it,” she says. “What makes my company impactful is that we provide jobs to people of all backgrounds, help brands get rid of their excess inventory, and clean up the planet by upcycling excess fast fashion and designer brands unusable or no longer sellable goods. This provides our planet a service by keeping our oceans and landfills cleaner, with less textile waste.”
Beyond business success, Kenya’s approach to parenting reflects the principles of empowerment and resilience instilled in her by her grandmother. She encourages her children to pursue their passions and embrace their individuality, regardless of societal norms or challenges they may face. Kenya’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy underscores her belief in making a positive impact on a larger scale, contributing to a more eco-friendly world while also generating profits.
Rooted in a lifelong commitment to philanthropy, Kenya’s actions extend far beyond business success. From humble beginnings in beach cleanups to feeding the homeless, her altruistic endeavors have always been a core aspect of her identity. However, it was through her business ventures that Kenya found a unique avenue to amplify her impact on a global scale.
By salvaging and repurposing merchandise from factories and fast fashion brands, Kenya’s Elite Garment Distro is actively contributing to a more sustainable future. Her vision transcends mere profit-making; it’s about reshaping the fashion landscape into one that’s more eco-conscious and socially responsible. As Kenya aptly puts it, “We’re not just making clothes; we’re making the world more eco-friendly, and we’re making money doing it. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship infused with purpose.
