Happy International Women's Day. Let's play 20 questions with our co-founder, Kiran Jade — dive on in.
1. How was Wolven born?
I have always loved fashion — growing up I took sewing classes and loved making my own clothes. Wolven was born from my desire to combine all of my passions into one company: my love for art and apparel, my Eastern heritage and my love for the planet.
2. What’s your favorite part of the process in running a business?
I love managing and organizing teams. Being able to create paths for growth for my teammates to be able to find a way to shine within their own careers and providing them with a platform for their voices to be heard is hands down my favorite thing.
3. Who’s another female founder you admire?
Nadya Okamoto is a friend and founder of August and non-profit Period Inc. She is a powerful force working to dilute the stigma around periods, making them a dignified experience and also working to end period poverty.
4. Favorite animal?
Butterflies. I love the symbolism behind the butterfly, so much so that my latest tattoo is of a butterfly, which was done at Ephemeral Tattoo with made-to-fade ink. The butterfly’s metamorphosis from the common, colorless caterpillar to the exquisite winged creature of delicate beauty has become a metaphor for transformation, hope, rebirth and resurrection. Among the ancients, is an emblem of the soul and of unconscious attraction towards light. For the last few years I’ve felt like I was in a cocoon or chrysalis phase, and it feels good to be entering my butterfly era.
5. Favorite place to travel?
Paris. I love thrifting designer vintage, drinking wine by the Seine and discovering new restaurants. Between a postcard panorama and the inhabitants’ reality, the eternal Paname, in perpetual motion, is constantly evolving, keeping the living traces of its history in its heart of stone. Paris is always a good idea.
6. What do you hope your business is bringing to the athleisure space?
What Wolven is bringing to the athleisure space is a brand that is extremely mindful of its impact on the planet. All of our clothes are made from recycled water bottles — for every order we remove 1 pound of plastic from the ocean. We also strive to create a vibrant, diverse community while celebrating people’s differences.
7. What’s an item you can’t live without?
WhatsApp. My Summit Set. Riding boots. My Executive Assistant Claudia.
8. Who are you inspired by right now?
My soul sister Sahara Rose (@iamsahararose) – her voice is a powerful force in the wellness and spirituality space.
9. Which of the two smells better, fresh-cut grass or bread baking in the oven?
100% bread. Or the smell of Indian bread on the stove — chapatis.
10. Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?
The first time I ever spotted Wolven in public was at Sound Nightclub in Los Angeles. I turned around and this girl was having the best time dancing in our Mandala Set. It was interesting for me to see someone choosing to wear comfortable, cool clothes in an environment where most people were fairly dressed up in traditional club clothes — short dresses, etc. This moment was pivotal for me because it really shifted how I viewed what I thought was and was not possible for where Wolven could be worn.
11. What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment as a business owner so far?
Bringing on Amanda Lapham as a Co-Founder for Wolven.
12. Do you like to follow trends?
Not really, I think it’s interesting to observe trends but I try to seek out my own inspiration from my lived experiences rather than what others deem culturally relevant.
13. What goes into producing your unique, sexy & functional designs?
I see problem solving at the core of our garment designs — our goal is always to create products that allow you to do more with less. I love coming up with innovative, multipurpose designs, like our Reversible Four-Way Tops.
14. Where to go in LA for a great meal?
Crossroads Kitchen — NYC vibes and sexy lighting with the best vegan food.
15. Advice for anyone going through a big change?
Remind yourself that all you have to do is one thing at a time. Don’t future trip – thinking 17 steps forward isn’t conducive, just 1 step in front of you is all you have to focus on. Changes are a blessing, and you deserve all the blessings in your life.
16. Does the use of sustainable materials have an impact on how you make your clothing or how long it will last?
All of our clothing is made from 84% recycled PET (rPET), a fabric that is created by taking BPA-free plastic water bottles, breaking them down, and weaving them into fabric. By using rPET we are diverting plastics from landfills and the ocean while creating durable clothing that’s made to last. Making durable long lasting clothing is another way we can reduce our impact on the environment.
17. Would you rather have 20 hobbies or a single passion?
A single passion – passion gives you drive to make your mark on the world.
18. How do you approach risk-taking in your business?
I tend to move pretty fast and have a high risk/ high reward mindset. I try to keep people around me who are more methodical and risk-averse to create a balance.
19. What’s something new you’ve tried recently or are actively trying?
Solo traveling. I am discovering what I like to do when I’m keeping myself company. Connecting with one’s self and becoming your own best friend is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.
20. If you could meet anyone in this world today, who would you meet?
Vivienne Westwood. The way she carried her rebellious spirit throughout her career combining punk symbolism with traditional feminine themes while being a warrior for mother earth is beautiful and inspiring.