Their vegan leather accessories are made in small batches at a fair wage factory in Los Angeles.
I talked with Rae about where she got started, how HOZEN came about, and the role sustainability plays in her business.
Rae Nicoletti, Founder | Los Angeles, California
Minimal. Functional. Modern.
Spring 2018
I spent six years working in the creative department at Kate Spade in NY and five years as an in-house prop/photo stylist at Restoration Hardware in the Bay Area.
Over these 11 years, I learned everything I know about retail, branding, photography, etc. I also learned I have an entrepreneurial spirit.
So, I took what I knew, mixed in some of my passions, crossed paths with an Hermés master artisan, and founded HOZEN.
My goal was and remains to be to offer chic, quality accessories made with better materials than those most commonly used, in a way that honors the makers through fair pay and recognition, and highlights the value of people while treading more lightly on our world of limited resources.
When I entered the year-long leather work program at Amblard Leather Atelier in January 2015, I was a vegetarian.
In the name of animal rights, I went vegan that March.
Initially, this encompassed only my diet. I had not made the connection of animal cruelty in relation to fashion until I graduated the program in December and started researching eco-friendly leathers to use for my own line.
I was horrified at my findings of environmental pollution, exposure of toxic chemicals to workers, and, of course, the use of animal bodies for our own adornment.
From this point on I made it my mission to go animal-free. This was my passion and there was much more opportunity in the market.
PETA has tons of resources on their site covering all aspects of veganism. There is also a new site out of Australia that recently launched that exposes the leather industry.
I spent years scouring the globe for the highest quality, lowest impact materials I could find (and continue to constantly seek these materials).
We have partnered exclusively with vendors who demonstrate high standards of ethics and are transparent in their production practices.
All of our bags are made in small batches (to avoid excess inventory) at a fair wage factory in Los Angeles.
We pay for carbon offsets for the operation of our website as well and the shipping of raw materials to LA and the final product to customers (via Sendle).
Additionally, we donate 10% of profits to an animal charity.
Some friends recently started releasing weekly playlists on Spotify called The Sleepover Party. I highly recommend.
Sustainability to me in business is the use of materials that are long-lasting, non-toxic, and crafted in a fair and transparent manner.
Sustainability in regards to lifestyle is supporting small, local businesses, slowing down, and pairing down.
Educate yourself on how your materials are produced, including working conditions and environmental footprint, and share this info with customers.
Transparency is education and this is how you connect with your customers.
I am interested in incorporating a recycling program of sorts for customers to trade in their well-loved HOZEN bags once they've reached their last leg.
Grow! HOZEN has the potential to be so much more.
This week we launched our blog, which is a huge burst of inspiration to me. I feel so expanded to add a voice to this shopping website.
First and foremost, we are a mission brand and I hope to inspire by spreading our word.
Fang (Sendle employee) is a friend and former co-worker of my husband :).
Besides the amazing customer service, user-friendly interface, flexible shipment options, great prices, and super fast delivery, I am really drawn to the fact that you're so committed to sustainability and ship 100% carbon neutral!