Meet Brittany Rogelstad

We recently connected with Brittany Rogelstad and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose and it being in the fashion industry started with my faith. Ultimately, my purpose comes from God and walking in that has opened so many doors that led me to where I am today.
My story starts when I was 13, when my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Lyme disease. That changed everything for my family. Healthy living became a quick passion for my mom and she quickly shifted our habits, paying attention to the products we used and the food we ate. It was the lifestyle overhaul that would later influence my purpose today.
Fast forward to my senior year of high school my mom and I opened a fast fashion boutique. At the time, we had no idea of the harm that could be hidden in the clothing we were selling. Early on we notice how many of the pieces smelled like chemicals straight out of the box. There were products so bad we would spray them down just to mask the scent. Working with this kind of product had us questioning if we wanted to wear it ourselves. And if we didn’t want to wear these clothes ourselves, why were we selling them to other women?
We felt like something was off and we didn’t want to be a part of the problem. That led us to start researching and realizing that just like with food and skincare, the clothes we wear can also affect our health. Harmful dyes, finishes, and synthetic materials used in fast fashion could be just as toxic or more than processed foods or unclean beauty products.
I’m a firm believer that God allows things to happen in our lives for a reason. My dad’s illness changed the way I grew up, and it opened my eyes to the importance of protecting our health. Without that, the changes I want to make to make the fashion industry a better place to work and safer for the consumer would not be on my radar.
My purpose comes from my faith, and I know that so deeply. My relationship with God is the most important part of my life. And if one day He calls me away from where He has me now, I will walk away grateful for the time He had me in this season and ready for what’s next.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am currently the Co-founder (with my mom) and Creative Director of fashion brand Isla & Saige. Isla & Saige is built around clothing that puts your health first. We only design clothing made from natural fabrics and with non-toxic dyes and finishes. Our styles are heirloom pieces crafted in LA, to last in both timeless quality and style. Isla & Saige has been a dream of mine since learning of the harmful way fashion is produced and sold to us. My job is to make clothing that is both beautiful and doesn’t make people sick or cause allergic reactions. My passion is to use Isla & Saige to help restore an industry that I love, so that it is again safe for both the people who wear the clothes and the people who work in every part of the production line. To me it’s people that are important and if I get to create beautiful pieces in the process, well that’s just icing on the cake.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three most impactful things in my journey have been:
Mental toughness – learning to bounce back and keep going after every setback.
Don’t be the smartest person in the room – seek out people who know more than you and can guide and teach you.
Learning to pivot – there will be plenty of times when something doesn’t work, and you’ll have to adjust and try something new.
You have to believe in what you’re building. That belief will carry you through the discouraging moments and keep you moving when things feel impossible.
It’s important to stop caring what people think. That’s easier said than done, but the more you put yourself out there, especially in uncomfortable situations, the easier it becomes. Not everyone will like or need what you offer, and that’s okay. You’re not building a company for everyone.
Networking and industry events can be game changers. They’ve helped me meet mentors and friends who have been valuable along the way. These people aren’t emotionally connected to what you’re building, so they see blind spots you can’t. Their feedback can be tough to hear at times, but it’s often the most valuable.
You won’t get things right the first time, and that’s normal. When you care about something, it’s hard to move past failure, but you have to. You’ll face failure constantly, and if you can’t adapt, there’s no way forward. Some of your biggest accomplishments might come from the mistakes or dead ends you hated most. You have to stay open to the doors that do open, and be willing to walk away from the ones that slam shut.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents have always taught me to dream big, and they’ve turned my dreams into their own. As a kid I fell in love with being an athlete and when I did, they encouraged me to my set goals, stay disciplined, and work hard.
it only came when they saw me pouring my heart and time into something. They taught me that it’s good to dream big, but nothing worth while will ever be handed to you. You have to earn it, and when you do, the reward means so much more.

They taught me that I’m capable of whatever I set my mind to. Building a successful business, especially in one of the hardest industries to break into, has been no exception.

When I began chasing my dream of creating an ethical fashion brand, that dream became important to them too. Their support has been impactful in bringing it to life, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Gracie Shafqat Photography

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