Tastemakers: Beyond The Board
I wasn’t sure about spending a month in the Hamptons. I have always leaned forwards the Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard vibe. But, with my new mantra, “Good Energy-No Expectations.” I absolutely loved it!
I grilled constantly, farm-stand hopped, pitched my rainbow umbrella on the beach with breakfast sandwiches, and wine and cheese for sunsets gazing, and took my daughter on day trips to Montauk and shelter island.
But most of all, I connected, brainstormed and set up the foundation to collaborate with innovative thinkers when the “back to the city” energy explodes after the summer season.
Two mornings I ended up at the Lululemon pop-up house, an outpost haven for the brand to curate summer dinner parties, collaborative events, and complimentary exercise classes. One day, I took a hip hop class with the fierce, Kristin Sudeikis. shaking my tush and jiving, another morning I pushed myself through multiple sets of burpies and planks during a challenging boot camp.
After we completed the final sprint around the gated community, I struck up a conversation with most idyllic family. Two loving parents who set a tone to expose their three millennial children to travel, exploration and entrepreneurialism.
Two of their children, Caroline and Jake Danehy, founded Fair Harbor Clothing, a board short company made from recycled plastic bottles.
Do I need to say anymore…
How did you come up with the concept of using recycled water bottles to make clothing? Why board shorts and what’s the story behind producing them in Guatemala?
As a Geography major at Colgate University (’16), my brother and Co-Founder, Jake, learned about over consumption, resource and plastic waste. While finishing up his sophomore year, Jake called me on the phone during the spring of 2014 excited about an idea to start a company that was both environmentally and consumer friendly — I immediately jumped on board. After a brainstorm session and a lot of fabric research, we found a material directly turning plastic bottles into a high performance swimsuit material. Based off our childhood summers spent in Fair Harbor, a small beach town off the coast of Long Island, we were inspired by its simple, summer life. There are no cars, clean beaches, and salt water fills the air. Within a few weeks, Fair Harbor was born.
When we were looking at different factories to work with, the language barrier and time difference made it hard to communicate with factories overseas, so we hired a consultant based out of New York City, Diane Walker. She has a factory in Guatemala that she frequently works with so it was a perfect fit! We are proud of our product – especially the fact that each boardshort directly recycles 11 plastic bottles, AND people can’t even tell!
You and your brother are fairly young, innovative, entrepreneurs. Does this run in the family?
Jake and I have always been very passionate about the environment and I have loved fashion since I was a little girl; we are extremely proud of the lifestyle brand that we have created combining these two fields. This passion has fueled us to grow Fair Harbor, and help people see consumption differently: that waste can be turned into stylish, durable products that people don’t even know are plastic. Although we are the only “entrepreneurs” in our family, we were taught as little kids to be the change we want to see in the world – something we are trying to accomplish with Fair Harbor. One of my favorite sayings is: “you miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take”, and we keep that in the back of our minds every day.
Who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
One of our closest mentors is Durand Guion, the men’s fashion director at Macy’s. I met him a few years ago at Men’s Fashion Week and since then I have looked up to him as my inspiration. He is the kindest man, and truly loves the work that he does. It is extremely refreshing to hear him talk about business as an activity of pleasure and excitement, instead of a dreadful obligation in effort to make ends meet.
Where do you see this company in the next five years?
Right now we are creating a third line and speaking with a designer to add to our team — taking Fair Harbor to the next level. We are looking to grow our brand and expand into women’s too!
What are your passions and other interests when you’re not working on Fair Harbor Clothing?
I just finished my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program this past weekend! It has definitely been a balancing-act this summer, but I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I also love food and cooking – especially with all the delicious, fresh produce that is in season right now. When I’m not working on Fair Harbor with Jake I’m either in the yoga studio or the kitchen!
Satisfy your senses,
Amanda (follow me on Twitter!)
