Community Highlights: Meet Alex Jackson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Jackson.

Hi Alex, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Several paths converged to set me on my current course. I was in search of hobbies in 2018 which led me to leatherworking and the purchase of a sewing machine. I was researching one of the most wasteful and harmful industries in the world (textiles and fashion) for my MBA in sustainability in 2019, during which I concluded that I didn’t want to support any of those businesses anymore.

Through that same research, I learned what an incredible fiber hemp is. I picked a few books including Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard, American Hemp Farmer by Doug Fine, and Fibershed by Rebecca Burgess. When the pandemic hit, I used my free time to take up sewing and design and quickly began enjoying the new hobby!

Once I created a few capsule pieces for my wardrobe, I had a few friends and family begin asking me for their pieces. I officially started h clothing co in 2021 to make the least environmentally and socially harmful clothing I can. Today, I only use 100% organic inputs in my products from threads to dyes.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly hasn’t been smooth sailing – starting a new product-based business in which I am the only maker is difficult. It doesn’t pay the bills (yet) and takes up a lot of time. Not to mention my company is in an industry in which small businesses are so easily lost.

I’ve had highs and lows, months with great sales, and multiple months in a row without. I’ve certainly considered giving up in the past, but I continue because I’m not in this purely for the money, it’s an aspirational project for me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At h clothing co, I make 100% organic clothing from fiber to dye. Hemp is the basis for all of my products as it is the strongest and most durable natural plant-based fiber.

My clothing is handmade and hand-dyed in Colorado Springs, CO, and comes with lifetime free repairs. I make everything from t-shirts, shorts, and dresses to locally sourced beeswaxed canvas work aprons.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’ve always been a bit quiet and reserved. I don’t do well with small talk and shallow conversations, but love to dive head-first into deep conversations, new topics, and especially projects. It took me a while to truly find myself but I’ve always enjoyed creating. In my young life, it was mostly music.

I started playing percussion at 8 years old and began singing around the same time. My musical tastes have certainly fluctuated a lot since then, but I’ve always enjoyed artistic expression. I never thought I would end up sewing every day, life is certainly funny that way!

Pricing:

• Hemp T-shirt – starting at $90
• Hemp joggers – starting at $140
• Waxed Canvas Aprons – starting at $200
• Yoga Pants – starting at $120
• Shorts and Tanktops – Starting at $80

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hclothingco.com
• Instagram: @hclothingcollc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072833523019

Image Credits
DJ Photography