Sustainable Manufacturing Consulting

 

Hi there! I'm Crystalyn Brennan, and I'm passionate about helping small businesses, especially those focused on sustainability and soft goods, to grow and thrive. My expertise lies particularly in bags and textiles, but I'm happy to work with a variety of sewn products, including fashion, apparel, accessories, home decor, and other textile-based creations. I've been building my own brand, Crystalyn Kae Accessories, for over 20 years, and I've learned a lot along the way about what it takes to create a business that works for YOU, not the other way around.

I believe that businesses can make a positive impact on the world by prioritizing ethical practices, minimizing environmental impact, and supporting their communities. That's why I'm eager to share my knowledge and experience to help other entrepreneurs achieve their goals, especially in the realm of textiles and sewn products like clothing, accessories, and home goods.

What I Can Offer

I can help your business take the next step by:

• Developing a roadmap for growth: We'll work together to create a plan for increasing your production capacity, expanding your reach, and improving your overall efficiency.
• Finding the right materials: I can help you find sustainable and ethical sources for your textiles and other materials used in sewn products, like plant-based leathers, recycled textiles, and upcycled materials.
• Making "Made in USA" a reality: I can connect you with local manufacturers in places like the Garment District in Manhattan or right here in Seattle, helping you bring production back home and support local economies.
• Streamlining your production: We'll work together to improve your sewing and production processes, reduce waste, and ensure you're producing high-quality fashion, apparel, accessories, or home decor efficiently.
• Building a strong brand and reaching your customers: I can help you develop effective marketing strategies, explore different sales channels (like online stores, wholesale, and in-person events), and build lasting relationships with your customers.
• Prototyping & Testing: Leveraging my extensive experience in the fashion industry, including designing for major brands, I can help develop samples and prototypes for sustainable and efficient American production of sewn goods, including apparel, accessories, and home textiles. I've also helped test new (sometimes top-secret!) sustainable materials before they go to market.

My Experience

I've been designing and producing bags and accessories for over 20 years, so I understand the challenges and rewards of running a creative business focused on sewn products. I've built Crystalyn Kae Accessories from the ground up, learning valuable lessons about business growth, marketing, and overcoming obstacles along the way. I'm deeply committed to sustainable and ethical practices, and I'm passionate about helping other businesses, particularly those in the textile and sewn goods industry, adopt these values. I've had the privilege of sharing my knowledge and experience as a guest speaker and mentor at institutions like the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons.

Areas of Expertise

• Sustainable product design and sourcing for sewn goods, including fashion, accessories, and home decor
• Is vegan leather really eco-friendly?
• Upcycling post-production leather scrap into new designs
• Vegetable-tanned Leather: pros and cons
• Vintage industrial sewing machines and production equipment
• Made in USA production: specializing in working with manufacturers in Manhattan's Garment District for all types of sewn products
• Entrepreneurship, tenacity, and making it for the long-haul
• Burnout, distraction, and imposter syndrome
• How to prepare for trade shows, pop-ups, and street fairs
• How to balance multi-channel sales (wholesale, in-person craft & trade shows, website)
• Creative product photography on a shoestring

How We'll Work Together

We'll work closely together to identify your specific needs and develop a customized plan for your business, with a focus on your sewn goods production, whether it's fashion, accessories, home textiles, or another sewn product. I'll provide guidance, support, and mentorship throughout the process, helping you to achieve your goals and build a successful and sustainable business. One-on-one consulting and strategy sessions are available for a fee.

Let's Talk!

I'm excited to learn more about your business and discuss how I can help you achieve your goals, especially in the area of textiles and sewn products like apparel, accessories, and home furnishings. Please feel free to contact me to schedule a consultation. Contact Us

 

 

 

Workshops

 

Crystalyn Brennan offers a variety of workshops designed to empower small businesses and aspiring creators in the sustainable sewn goods industry. Whether you're looking to gain valuable business insights or learn hands-on techniques for crafting beautiful bags and accessories, Crystalyn's workshops provide the knowledge and inspiration you need to succeed.

Workshop Categories

We offer two distinct workshop categories:

Business-Focused Workshops

These workshops delve into the essential aspects of building and growing a sustainable business in the sewn goods industry. Topics include:

• Sustainable Product Design & Sourcing: Learn how to design products with sustainability in mind and source eco-friendly materials.
• Zero-Waste Production Techniques: Discover strategies and techniques for minimizing waste in your production process.
• Made in USA Manufacturing Best Practices: Gain insights into the benefits and challenges of manufacturing in the USA and learn best practices for ethical and efficient production.
• Upcycling and Repurposing Materials: Explore creative ways to upcycle and repurpose materials, giving them new life and reducing waste.
• Building a Sustainable Brand: Learn how to build a brand that resonates with customers who value sustainability and ethical practices.

Hands-On Workshops

Unleash your creativity and learn the craft of creating beautiful and sustainable bags and accessories. These hands-on workshops cover various techniques and projects:

• Bags: Create your own stylish and sustainable bags, from totes and clutches to backpacks and more. Learn essential techniques like pattern making, cutting, sewing, and finishing.
• Accessories: Design and craft unique accessories like keychains, wallets, and jewelry using a variety of materials and techniques.
• Upcycling & Repurposing: Transform old garments, scraps, and vintage finds into stylish new accessories.

Workshop Format & Duration

Workshops are typically offered in half-day or full-day formats and can be conducted in person or virtually. Hands-on workshops may have varying durations depending on the complexity of the project.

Target Audience

Our workshops are designed for a diverse audience, including:

• Aspiring and established entrepreneurs in the sewn goods industry
• Fashion students and designers
• Craft enthusiasts and hobbyists
• Anyone passionate about sustainability and ethical practices

Speaking & Teaching Experience

Crystalyn has shared her expertise at prestigious institutions and events, including:

• Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
• Parsons School of Design
• Yale School of Environmental Studies
• Pratt Institute
• Washington State University
• Mississippi State University
• Girl Scouts
• Pierce College
• Brooklyn Fashion Design Accelerator
• Sewing and Stitchery Expo

Let's Create Together!

Whether you're looking to enhance your business acumen or learn new crafting skills, Crystalyn's workshops offer a supportive and inspiring environment to grow and create. Contact us to learn more about upcoming workshops or to discuss customizing a workshop for your group or organization. Contact Us

 

 

Speaking & Interviews

Crystalyn Brennan is a sought-after speaker and commentator on sustainable manufacturing, ethical fashion, and entrepreneurship. Her engaging speaking style, practical advice, and deep expertise—honed over 20 years in the sewn goods industry—make her a valuable voice on these topics. Audiences appreciate her candid approach, her passion for sustainability, and her ability to translate complex topics into actionable insights. With over 20 years of experience, including designing for large companies and building her own successful made-in-USA brand, Crystalyn brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her speaking engagements.

Crystalyn, who holds a degree in Apparel Merchandising and Textiles, is passionate about sharing mindful and innovative ways to keep our planet clean without sacrificing style. She is eager to discuss why Made in USA is crucial to responsible manufacturing and share her insights on building a thriving business with integrity.

Speaking Topics

• Building a Sustainable Brand from Scratch: Crystalyn shares her journey of building Crystalyn Kae Accessories, offering insights into brand development, marketing, and scaling a sustainable business.
• Made in the USA: The Challenges and Triumphs: A candid discussion about the realities of manufacturing in the USA, exploring the challenges of finding skilled labor, competing with overseas production, and the rewards of supporting local economies.
• The Power of Perseverance: Overcoming Obstacles in the Fashion Industry: Crystalyn shares her experiences of overcoming challenges and setbacks in the fashion industry, offering inspiration and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Beyond the Product: Building a Community Around Your Brand: Explore the importance of building a strong community around a brand, discussing how to connect with customers on a deeper level and foster brand loyalty.
• Work-Life Balance for the Creative Entrepreneur: A discussion about the challenges of balancing work and personal life as a creative entrepreneur, offering practical strategies for managing time, setting boundaries, and avoiding burnout.
• From Side Hustle to Sustainable Business: Crystalyn shares her insights on transitioning from a side hustle to a full-time business, offering advice on scaling production, managing finances, and building a team.

Speaking Experience

Crystalyn has served as a guest speaker, mentor, or consultant at:

• Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
• Parsons School of Design
• Yale School of Environmental Studies
• Pratt Institute
• Washington State University
• Mississippi State University
• Girl Scouts of New York
  

Interviews & Media

Crystalyn has been featured in:

• InStyle Magazine
• Yoga Journal
• Body+Soul Magazine
• Vegetarian Times
• Women's Health
• DesignMilk
• "Handmade Marketplace" by Kari Chapin
• Clever Tech Digest
• Project Skinship
• Girlie Girl Army and much more.
  

Community Involvement

• Board Member: Apparel Merchandising and Textiles at Washington State University
  
• Member: New York Fashion Workforce Development Coalition (NYFWDC)
• Featured Artisan: Vegetable-tanned Leather Consortium in San Miniato, Italy
• Strategist: Refugee Artisan Initiative

Let's Connect!

To book Crystalyn for your event, conference, school tour, or podcast, please get in touch. She is available for speaking engagements, interviews, and media appearances.

Contact Us