Change Makers is a series of interviews with people famous and obscure who are creating a more sustainable world through their work. Meet more Change Makers here.
Image courtesy Dawn Oliveira/Oh-So-Green Oliveira Textiles
As if raising nine-year-old twin boys weren?t enough of a challenge, textile guru Dawn Oliveira left the stability of working with high-end fashion designers like Liz Claiborne and Polo Ralph Lauren to launch her own sustainable fabric company called Oliveira Textiles in 2007.
It was a bold move but one that was inevitable for the born and bred Rhode Islander who through her own familial experience, saw the inextricable and unfortunate link between synthetic materials and illness. Oliveira's decision to craft her company around clean, organic fabrics and non-toxic, low impact dyes makes Oliveira Textiles one of the greenest in its class. And Dawn Oliveira, of course, a change maker who is no doubt helping to re-shape the way textiles are manufactured in the U.S.
If she's not in the mill, you?ll find Oliveira teaching a Sustainable Textiles/Design & Manufacture course this summer at The Rhode Island School of Design. And if not there, biking with her family on the weekends and bouncing around Rhode Island's lovely beaches—her favorite source of inspiration.
How did you get into this line of work?
It started with a genuine fascination with fabrics that started when I was a teenager making clothes for myself and friends. Following my interests in fine art and fabric, I completed a BFA in Textile Design at The University of Massachusetts in 1980.
What was your "a-ha" moment?
In 2006 I had a spontaneous conversation with a friend about fulfilling my innate, entrepreneurial desire—to create my own unique product. It made sense to take the leap now that I was living in New England, a stone?s throw from long standing textile mills. That t ête-à-tête was followed by 2 years of research...My partner/sister and I kept thinking about toxins in the environment, due to a series of recent family illnesses. And it just so happens that the chemicals used in my industry—the textile industry—are daunting. I wanted my company to be a part of the incredibly exciting growing niche of textile companies and consumers committed to changing this is.
Who is your green hero?
I have many, and spending any time listening to TED (technology, entertainment, design) conference speakers, would only add to the list, but in the world of textiles, Yvonne Chouinard is at the top—probably because his beginnings were humble but his commitment, unwavering.
What is your ultimate green goal?
To not only operate an environmentally responsible company, but an economically viable one as well. Jill Dumain, Patagonia's textile expert, made the point that as a green company you can be doing everything right but if you're not making sales, no one really cares. We won't survive if we don't have consumers on board. That means designing a beautiful product first and foremost. And then talking about it! I'd also like to work with a US supply chain that sees the big picture and is eager to make long-lasting changes in the industry. In addition to encouraging more U.S. mills to work toward GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards).
What is your motivation?
Ultimately improving human health and leaving a healthy planet for our kids. I think if you speak with most designers and manufacturers involved in creating truly organic and truly sustainable products, they will describe a similar motivating force. It is this next generation, the teenagers and college students of today, who are going to have the greatest impact on a sustainable future. With respect to our business, our motivation extends toward seeing consumers excited about designing their living spaces with beautiful, safe, products.
What is most important to you, ecologically speaking?
Combining my passion for design with clean, sustainable materials, and, as a result, growing a financially successful, environmentally intelligent textile company that brings no harm to people or the planet. Then hope that my sons might someday want to continue the work!
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Right now, today, the simple answer is money. Bankrolling this business ourselves is really challenging. A couple of years ago, when we were getting started, the answer would have had more to do with sourcing the safest fibers and dyes...not anymore. It is our job as providers of a green product to be as transparent as possible, as authentic as possible, and in the end offer a product that is priced competitively.
What is the most rewarding?
Hearing a satisfied customer say, "I love your product" and getting to work with someone I completely trust—my twin sister and business partner, Deb Olson.
Of the people you have worked with, who impresses you most?
The ones who never give up.
What green thing do you do every day?
Pick up trash in my neighborhood and encourage my sons to clean up. I always wonder why would someone just toss stuff and not give a damn about the city, town, or green-space they live in. Imagine if everyone helped to clean up a bit?
What do you wish you could do?
Personally, I want to travel!I long to see indigenous peoples, living in remote areas, creating beautiful things from the resources around them.That excites me. India, Morocco, Japan...Aahhh!
What is your biggest eco-sin?
This is like 'truth or dare'...OK, as a single parent, I'm usually rushing to fit all my tasks into a 24 hr day. I sometimes toss out, into my kitchen trash, a plastic bag or piece of junk mail instead of taking them outside to the recycle bins. I know, I know, maybe I need a week with Ed Begley Jr. as rehab! Or better yet, just move my bins closer to the back door. That was really hard to admit you know.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
On a human right's level, create ways to feed every starving child on Earth. I've been supporting Plan USA, a children's organization, for 22 years because all kids need a voice and hope for the future.
What is your best green advice?
I'd say if you have even one iota of interest in helping to ease the burdens of pollution or improving human rights, use your skills (design-driven, or otherwise). Get informed, follow your instincts, and then take part in local activism. Start with Green Drinks for great local networking. Live green and prosper.
