UCSB Alumni launches sustainable children’s clothing to help local kids in Ventura
VENTURA, Calif. - Kids are on-the-go at a playground in Ventura.
But for ten-year-old Dane Trossman, finding the right clothes comfortable enough to play in has been tough.
"It was impossible. I could never find anything in my size. We would go to ton of different stores," said chief trend officer Dane Trossman of California Kids Collection in Ventura.
His mom Jennifer Siemens agrees.
"I sent my husband out to find a shirt for him … and after going to Macy's and a couple surf shops I found there wasn't anything there," said Siemens.
So the entrepreneur decided to open the California Kids Collection.
She hopes this sustainable clothing line will help meet the needs of her fast growing son and other kids in the community.
"When I started looking for brands to carry I couldn't find a lot of sustainable brands … so in doing my own research I decided to start my own brand," said Siemens.
Siemens says she hopes more sustainable clothing will be made in the United States.
"As they grow they will be able to wear the bigger sizes … and the styles are perfect for California, Ventura and Santa Barbara," said customer Emily Storz of California Kids Collection.
When Trossman isn't going down slides or climbing monkey bars, he serves as the chief trend officer to help his mom keep up with their fast growing business.
"My job is to find different trends … and make sure the clothes are what every kid like me would like," said Trossman.
In an effort to give back, a percentage of proceeds go to nonprofit organizations throughout the region including St. Vincent’s in Santa Barbara.
California Kids Collection is now sold online and in retail stores including Beach Baby Kids Boutique in Goleta.
"Now I have a ton of good shirts and a ton of good sweat pants … in my size," said Trossman.
Siemen's clothes are made out of organic cotton and recycled bottle blends for infants to youth
sizes.
For more information, visit: www.calforniakidscollection.com.
