Your head touches the same pillowcase for seven days in a row (more if you don't change your bedding weekly). We'd be willing to bet that no other piece of clothing touches your face for 6-8 hours daily. That being said, pillowcases are the *number one* apparel or home item that we want to make sure is chemical free, child-labor free and Made in America. Cotton & Care has met these criteria, in addition to being an affordable solution for sheets to boot. Cotton & Care's co-founder, Lisa Sturm shares some personal bedtime routines as well her company's mission.
Made Lokal: Why did you start Cotton & Care?
Cotton & Care: The whole retail industry has experienced a major shift away from big-box stores in favor of direct-to-consumer online shopping. I’m personally a big fan of online retail and have a go-to brand for everything from shoes to jeans, to jewelry, to face cream. However, there seemed to be a gap in the market with no bedding brand that was offering premium quality sheets, that were responsibly made, at an affordable price point. And we were shocked to learn that virtually nobody was making sheets in the USA. This is the hole we wanted to fill. We hope to be the leading socially-conscious brand in the sleep space.
Made Lokal: How are Cotton & Care sheets ethically produced?
Cotton & Care: We focused on two key principles when designing our sheets: transparency and traceability in our supply chain, and putting purpose over profits. For us, ethical production and American manufacturing went hand-in-hand. By making our products locally, we’re able to ensure that our cotton is free of harmful chemicals, our manufacturing partners work under safe conditions with fair wages, and the textile factories we use follow environmentally-responsible practices. Cotton & Care donates 50% of profits to Water.org.
Made Lokal: This is quite generous. Why did you choose Water.org?
Cotton & Care: Textile manufacturing is an extremely water-intensive process. U.S. manufacturers do a better job of limiting water waste than many of the largest overseas manufacturers, but we still wanted to make this the area where we focused our charitable efforts. One in 10 people in the world live without access to safe water, and women and girls in developing countries often spend up to six hours each day collecting water. Our current partner, Water.org, does great work in helping provide safe water and sanitation to families in need around the world.
Made Lokal: Were you or your business partner involved in a related field previously?
Cotton & Care: My business partner, Evan, and I previously worked together in the banking industry. We wanted the opportunity to put the business skills that we’d learned to use, but in an area where we had more of an opportunity to make a positive impact. We had a bit of retail experience, but really knew nothing of textiles or manufacturing so we had to learn a ton when we started out. Luckily we were up for the challenge, and looking back, it was that necessity to educate ourselves that led us to form some great connections and have some memorable experiences.
Made Lokal: How are Cotton & Care sheets ethically produced?
Cotton & Care: We focused on two key principles when designing our sheets: transparency and traceability in our supply chain, and putting purpose over profits. For us, ethical production and American manufacturing went hand-in-hand. By making our products locally, we’re able to ensure that our cotton is free of harmful chemicals, our manufacturing partners work under safe conditions with fair wages, and the textile factories we use follow environmentally-responsible practices. Cotton & Care donates 50% of profits to Water.org.
Made Lokal: This is quite generous. Why did you choose Water.org?
Cotton & Care: Textile manufacturing is an extremely water-intensive process. U.S. manufacturers do a better job of limiting water waste than many of the largest overseas manufacturers, but we still wanted to make this the area where we focused our charitable efforts. One in 10 people in the world live without access to safe water, and women and girls in developing countries often spend up to six hours each day collecting water. Our current partner, Water.org, does great work in helping provide safe water and sanitation to families in need around the world.
Made Lokal: Were you or your business partner involved in a related field previously?
Cotton & Care: My business partner, Evan, and I previously worked together in the banking industry. We wanted the opportunity to put the business skills that we’d learned to use, but in an area where we had more of an opportunity to make a positive impact. We had a bit of retail experience, but really knew nothing of textiles or manufacturing so we had to learn a ton when we started out. Luckily we were up for the challenge, and looking back, it was that necessity to educate ourselves that led us to form some great connections and have some memorable experiences.
Made Lokal: Are you a breakfast in bed type of person?
Cotton & Care: I love the notion of breakfast in bed, but in practicality, breakfast for me is usually a protein bar on the go. But when I’m on vacation, I’ll occasionally get breakfast from hotel room service and enjoy that in bed. I find that to be super enjoyable and rewarding.
Made Lokal: How many hours of sleep do you get each night?
Cotton & Care: I get about seven hours of sleep a night. I’m definitely a morning person and am usually up and going by 6am, so I make it a point to go to sleep between 10 and 11pm.
Made Lokal: Why is keeping manufacturing in America important to you?
Cotton & Care: We found that American manufacturing was far superior to its foreign counterparts in both labor conditions and environmental safety standards. When we learned of the horrible things endured by workers in overseas factories, we knew we couldn’t support that. Through building our U.S. supply chain, we’ve been introduced to communities with deep experience and long histories in the manufacturing industry and we’re proud to support their trade. We’ve written quite a bit about this topic in our blog for anyone who’s interested in learning more about our views.
Made Lokal: What are some of your favorite Made in America brands?
Cotton & Care: I’m a fan of American Giant, Imogene + Willie, Alex and Ani, and Tom’s of Maine. Recently, I’ve been pretty into Thom Kelley and Herbivore Botanicals as well.
Made Lokal: What’s next for Cotton & Care?
Cotton & Care: We launched last summer with our first product, the sheet set in classic white, and have been beyond pleased with the response that we’ve gotten and the positive reviews from our customers. We’re excited to expand our product line and are looking to add duvet covers and a few color choices.
Cotton & Care: We launched last summer with our first product, the sheet set in classic white, and have been beyond pleased with the response that we’ve gotten and the positive reviews from our customers. We’re excited to expand our product line and are looking to add duvet covers and a few color choices.
For anyone who’s looking for more than the classic white look, keep an eye on Cotton & Care's social media and/or join their email list for announcements about future product launches.
Below is where you can follow Cotton & Care:
Click here to view resources for a curated American Made Bedroom
Click here to view resources for American Made Athleisure
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8 comments
I truly appreciate blue sequin jacket this post. Much thanks!
Seems convenient to order bedding online…easier than clothes that you need to try on.
this is so much more convenient than going to bed bath and beyond (that place is a nightmare) but big stores are expensive. i dont know about not being able to touch before you buy though.
Visted their website and really like their sustainability story. I would definitely support this company!
Great option, glad to learn about C+C
I would consider. I mean, you must be able to return if you don’t like them….though, what if you washed them? I would nee d to wash them to see if they soften.
Anyone actually tried these sheets? I have sheets for a long time so I’m nervous to buy online. Want to touch and feel them first…
Wow! Like this story.
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