The Conscious Etiquette of ETIKA collective
by VESTI
VESTI Conversations talks to Nikki Tanchanco Lopez, founder of ETIKA Collective, to know her inspiration behind the label, growing a business during a pandemic, and creating a more conscious and sustainable alternative to dressing. Read our quick conversation below.
VESTI: We understand that you launched ETIKA at the height of the pandemic, what motivated you to push through with your vision and business?
Nikki: We actually pre-launched ETIKA in December of 2019, and we were planning to fully launch in the summer of 2020. However, since covid-19 hit, we had to hold off production and postpone plans. But even though we did, our care and concern for our employees are what motivated us to keep the company going. We thought that if we totally discontinue operations, then our sewers would suffer and won’t have any other means of earning for a living.
V: How has it been growing a business during this difficult time? How has it been received?
N: It’s been definitely challenging given that people have been losing their jobs and the economy has not been doing so well. But we believe that in every situation, there’s always an opportunity for growth, so we constantly have to keep on learning new ways, as well as, unlearning old ways that no longer work. The keys are humility, flexibility, and adaptation.
V: How important is awareness on fair trade, quality, production among other things in running your business?
N: When we visualized Etika, we wanted to build a brand that meant something more than simply making money. We wanted to build a brand that can have a positive impact of both people and planet. And so we decided to adapt, inject, and apply ethical and sustainable practices and philosophies into the business. In fact, our brand name “Etika” was derived from the word “ethical” which means “morally good or correct.”
V: We see that your aesthetic leans more on the tropical, easy, no fuss yet sensible lady like pieces - is this a deliberate choice? How would you describe your style?
N: As part of our sustainable fashion initiative, we make pieces that you can wear multiple times. Therefore, comfort and style are our top considerations when designing pieces. And since we live in a tropical country, we decided to offer styles that were suitable for the climate.
V: Lastly, what is your vision for your brand?
N: Etika’s ultimate vision is to become a world-class fashion brand that’s proudly designed and crafted in the Philippines.
Nikki Tanchanco Lopez, founder ETIKA Collective
Shop ETIKA Collective at: www.etikacollective.com
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