#ShopIrish Spotlight: Fresh Cuts is an ethical clothing company born and bred in Dublin
By Dominique McMullan
04th Nov 2020
04th Nov 2020
Supporting Irish business is a passion of ours at Image, and it’s easy with so many entrepreneurial and innovative Irish businesses to buy from. From now until Christmas we are highlighting Irish businesses or business people that we are excited about. Today it’s Fresh Cuts, a clothing company providing ethical and sustainable basics.
What is your name, and what is your business?
Fresh Cuts Clothing. We are an Irish based ethical clothing company designing casual apparel for both men and women.
How long have you been in business? And what was your mission from the outset?
Having started our business in 2015 selling t-shirts on Cows lane market on Saturdays we grew to a small basement unit on South William street and then moved to our current location on Drury street, where we have two floors of casual and sustainable clothing for both men and women. Our mission from the outset was to create well designed clothing that didn’t cost the earth. It doesn’t cost the planet, because of the resources we use to make the clothing and the price tag for the end garment is reasonable too. We want our clothing to be accessible to everyone but also have the knowledge that everyone in the process of production was paid fairly.
Of what part of your business are you most proud?
Irish – Ethical – Sustainable. As a proud Irish business we are delighted to do our designing, screen printing and finishing here in Dublin. With no textile industry to make the garments here it is important for us to partner up with the right factories that align with our values. We are delighted that our factories are all GOTs & Fairtrade certified which are the highest certifications factories can receive and covers all aspects of production including fair wages, working environment, water & power usage.
Who are your business heroes? Personal heroes?
Having watched all his documentaries again over lock down I have such a huge admiration for David Attenborough. I think what he is currently doing and what his documentaries will do in the future is monumental in tackling climate change.
How have you found the last six months? – professionally and personally
On a professional level the last 6 months have been a rollercoaster. From the closing of our retail unit on the 15th March and again in late October, to seeing our loyal customers support the business online. There has been a real shift in our business model and the way people now shop, and we are delighted that our customers have taken to it so well. Nothing beats the interaction with customers in the shop and that has definitely been missed over the last few months, but we look forward to being back again and moving forward stronger than ever.
What keeps you positive?
Our Customers. The support we have received this year has been amazing. It was a very daunting time pulling down the shutters in March but the response to our online platform has been amazing and it would not have been possible without our loyal and new customers.
What new perspective (if any) have you gained from 2020?
Adaptability is key & having a business model that is flexible. Moving with the times is so important.
Best/worst moment from 2020?
The worst moment was in March. We had our biggest summer collection to date put on hold due the world effectively closing down. We had our fabric dyed at this stage but not cut or sewn so we were heavily invested. Our best moment was being able to re design the collection, use the same fabric and not cancel any orders from suppliers. We worked around colours and changed designs and moved the collection into our new AW campaign that we launched in September, and is now live on site.
How will you celebrate the holidays this year?
Sleep. As sad as it sounds the lead up to the Christmas period is always a crazy time for us, and all retail stores. It is a lot of work and I hope this year will be no different. Once it is all finished, time spent relaxing with family is all I will need.
Another Irish business you want to shine a spotlight on?
The House of LEAF, a unique Irish brand that has just launched a casual line that we can’t keep in stock online or in store. Having brought unique designs to silk scarves they have moved to include a casual line of t-shirts and crewnecks that we stock online and in store.
Anything else you would like to let us know?
Along with our Irish brand Fresh Cuts we also stock a range of 12 other ethical and sustainable brands from throughout Ireland and Europe. These range from socks to jackets, bags to leggings and everything in between. The one consistency we have in our store is that everything is ethical, and everything is certified to the highest standards.
You can find Fresh Cuts Clothing here and on Instagram and Facebook
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