This month, AOW connects with Laura Siegel of Laura Siegel Collection, a designer of artisanal apparel. Laura shares her honest feedback on how she’s navigated one of the trickiest sectors of the industry, managing quality control, design limitations, and consumer demand to build a strong and growing brand.

This month, AOW is delighted to interview Lauren Brandstetter, the founder of Mar Y Sol, a company that works with artisan communities in Madagascar. Mar Y Sol’s focus and business ethos have made them a company that AOW admires—they have created an ethical brand that truly walks the walk. Their competitive edge is design that stays fresh each season, keeping them ahead of the natural fiber trend craze. To start, Laurel tells us a bit about herself and how she first dove into this field, and how she stays ahead of her competition while staying true to her brand and mission.