MADE Global
with Holly Webb
To balance audacity, authenticity, and humility (while avoiding delusion) is often a rare quality among entrepreneurs. Fortunately, the task comes naturally for Holly Webb, creator of MADE Global. A mission- centered trip to Haiti, circa 2010, to build a children’s home alongside a non-profit was where the lasting impression first left its mark. By 2017, the vision had been cast and the groundwork prepared to begin acting on her intent. A small collection of products comprised the first pop-ups at Culture Cafe. The mission was to bring more than an awareness of a fair trade ethos, but to build a bridge between the creator and the buyer. A focus on the storytelling of where each item is made, who made it, and the actual cost of production makes each purchase special. Webb makes it clear that this is not a “mercy mission”, and that a focus on quality is no disguise for skewing a price up or down. While her clothing and crafts are often produced by individuals in a marginalized community, it is the approach to labor that makes the difference. Being paid a fair wage for the effort applied is where altruism meets reality. Fifty two pop ups in 2019 has brought MADE to a more permanent space in Studio South Yoga, in Toano.
“It’s not enough for me anymore that it’s a beautiful item. I want to know who made it and where it came from.”- Emma Watson
A true “fashion revolution” movement requires that the consumers care about the true cost of production. Each item has a tag that tells the story of the hands that produced it. Holly creates each collection based on items that she would personally wear or want to fill her home with. The attention given to these items often make for short runs, making the shopping experience different each visit. Her spring collection (launching in March) will feature twenty three new items. Holly will continue to partner with artisan groups and nonprofits, like Wings of Refuge, to slowly grow the mindful shopping experience in Williamsburg. She extends her most sincere gratitude to those who have helped with the expansion of MADE: Dalton, with London Company Coffee & Tea, Louise Wood of Culture Cafe, Corey and Christine of Justified Bakery, and Katie at Studio South. MADE subscribes to the belief that “Business that’s not good for everyone involved isn’t great business”, and reminds us all that “people matter more”.
