By Samantha Greene
In a world where sustainability and style are often seen as conflicting ideals, Carmen Olsen, CEO of Park + Coop, is leading the charge to prove that they can coexist harmoniously. Founded on the principles of environmental responsibility and timeless design, Park + Coop has quickly become a beacon of hope in the fashion industry. With a commitment to upcycling and ethical production practices, Carmen is redefining what it means to be fashionable while also being environmentally conscious.
Carmen, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. To start, could you share with our readers what inspired you to create Park + Coop?
Carmen Olsen: Thank you for having me. The inspiration for Park + Coop came from a desire to merge my passion for sustainability with my love for design and family. As a mother, I found myself searching for eco-friendly children’s aprons that reflected my values of sustainability and style, but I was disappointed by the lack of options available. This frustration led me to embark on a journey to create my own line of sustainable aprons, which eventually evolved into Park + Coop.
Sustainability is at the core of Park + Coop’s ethos. Can you tell us more about your approach to sustainability and how it influences your brand’s products?
Carmen Olsen: Absolutely. At Park + Coop, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle that informs every decision we make. We prioritize sustainability throughout our entire supply chain, from sourcing materials to manufacturing and packaging. One of the key pillars of our sustainability efforts is upcycling. We repurpose discarded denim and other textiles to create our products, giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. Additionally, we strive to minimize waste in every aspect of our operations and are constantly exploring innovative ways to reduce our environmental footprint.
Park + Coop’s designs are often described as timeless and elegant. How do you balance sustainability with style in your product development process?
Carmen Olsen: Balancing sustainability with style is at the heart of what we do at Park + Coop. We believe that sustainable fashion doesn’t have to sacrifice aesthetics and vice versa. Our design process is rooted in creating products that are not only eco-friendly but also chic and versatile. We draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including nature, art, and culture, to create pieces that are both timeless and on-trend. We pay close attention to details such as fabric, color, and texture to ensure that each product is not only sustainable but also beautiful and functional.
Photo Courtesy: Park + Coop
Park + Coop has gained a loyal following, both in Texas and beyond. What do you think sets your brand apart in the competitive fashion market?
Carmen Olsen: I believe that what sets Park + Coop apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity and sustainability. We’re not just another fashion brand—we’re a movement towards a greener, more sustainable future. Our customers appreciate the transparency and integrity that we bring to everything we do, from our sourcing practices to our community engagement initiatives. We’re also proud to offer products that resonate with a wide range of consumers, from fashion-forward individuals to eco-conscious families. Ultimately, it’s our dedication to making a positive impact on the planet that truly sets us apart.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future of Park + Coop?
Carmen Olsen: Our goals for the future of Park + Coop are twofold: to continue to innovate and push the boundaries of sustainable fashion and to inspire and empower others to make more conscious choices in their purchasing decisions. We’re constantly exploring new materials, techniques, and partnerships to further improve the sustainability of our products and operations. We also remain committed to educating and engaging with our community to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and ethical consumption. Ultimately, our vision is to create a world where sustainable fashion is the norm rather than the exception.
In a world where the fashion industry often prioritizes trends over sustainability, Carmen Olsen’s commitment to ethical fashion stands as a beacon of hope. Through Park + Coop, she is not only redefining what it means to be fashionable but also inspiring others to embrace sustainability in their own lives. Looking towards the future, it’s clear that Carmen’s vision of a more sustainable fashion industry is one that people can all aspire to.
Published by: Holy Minoza
