Discover: Wild and Co.
“I started this company with a simple goal, to create a brand that made a positive impact.”
Tell us about yourself! What’s your background and what do you do?
Hey I'm Scott, the owner of Wild and Co. I started this company with a simple goal, to create a brand that made a positive impact. With any new business you have to learn to become an expert on many things quickly, but I've been fortunate enough to work a career in marketing, design, and software development that has made this process very rewarding. We do have a small team that takes an all-hands approach, but in general, I'll handle a lot of the graphic design, conceptualizing, web design, and marketing strategies.
How did you learn your craft? Tell us about your first finished product.
Luckily I've had experience developing many brands in the past working at marketing agencies. But the most important thing was that we were driven by a passion to do something positive. One of the most challenging and rewarding processes was working with our design team and sourcing materials and factories around the world to truly create amazing products made from eco-materials. We are driven to be a leader in stylish, sustainable apparel.
Where does the name of your business come from?
Our name "Wild and Co" represents the simplicity of the outdoors and the people you enjoy it with. "Mind the Wild" is our slogan that champions our eco-positive movement to embrace the wild through adventure, stewardship, and sustainable apparel. We like to think of ourselves as the eco/adventure lifestyle brand.
“One of the most challenging and rewarding processes was working with our design team and sourcing materials and factories around the world to truly create amazing products made from eco-materials.”
How long does it take to make your product and what’s involved in the process?
Being a completely eco-friendly brand, it actually can take a long time for us to develop new products. Right now we have our three main lines of Apparel, Headwear, and Sunglasses; all that require a unique process and manufacturers. Eco-friendly materials are not always traditionally the cheapest, which is why you'll find other brands have been slow to adopt. So at times it can take months and plenty of headaches finding and working with factories to create that perfect product that is eco-friendly and at a price point that works.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I have an advertising background working in the tourism industry in Florida, where I was made hyper aware of the environmental challenges that many public lands face. Recognizing these same pain points in Colorado is what drove us to start a brand that would try to change the conversation. We knew there were people like us that craved a modern outdoor brand that would champion a positive message and hopefully promote others to take better care of the environment.
What’s your favorite product that you’ve created?
We have some awesome manufacturing partners that have helped us create unique ways to use sustainable materials. We're really proud of our hats that use cork and burlap, our sunglasses that use a blend of wood, and especially our shirts that use 6 plastic bottles shredded into a resin and mixed with a cotton poly. Our new pullover hoodies have been a big hit this winter and they prominently feature our "Mind the Wild" slogan.
What question do you get asked the most at pop-up markets?
The question we get asked about most at markets tends to be what exactly is the impact we provide for the environment. We actively work with non-profit partners that impact National Parks, Forests, Wildlife, and Oceans. Not only do we educate our followers frequently on the importance of these issues via social media and our website, but we also allow each customer to choose the impact they want to make when they purchase an item. We donate 5% of total sales and upon checkout we prompt our customers to select the cause they want it to go to. It's an easy way for anyone to get involved and really make a difference for the environment.
Find out more by visiting: https://wildandco.shop/pages/mind-the-wild-projects
What’s something unique about you that most people don’t know (or wouldn’t guess)?
We're rapidly growing and have expanded this year into stores across the country. The "Mind the Wild" movement is spreading and we're excited to be evangelizing people everywhere to embrace the Wild. Know of a local store that you think should carry our brand? Let em' know!
What’s your favorite beverage to sip on?
We are big fans of the seltzer revolution. I'm pretty sure we have shelves of seltzer in our fridge for any occasion. Plain Seltzer, Caffeinated Seltzer, and even alcoholic seltzer!
What’s up next for your Wild and Co.?
Look for us to not only be branching out to more and bigger markets this year, but also at large trade shows including Outdoor Retailer and others across the country. Yeah, we're already exhausted just thinking about all of it.
What's the best way to get involved?
We're all about our community and if you check us out on Instagram you'll find a ton of content on eco-friendly initiatives, ways to be a better steward, and even how to win free items from us. And if you are really on the same page as us, you can apply for our ambassador program on our website www.wildandco.shop, where you can get big discounts, free stuff, and help us champion the brand!
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