Tell us a bit about your business, and how you got your idea or concept.
Keeper Denim was created after I watched the True Cost documentary. It opened my eyes to the dark side of the fast fashion industry and the devastation it is having on garment workers around the world and our planet. I knew then that we wanted to be part of the positive movement towards a better future and be a catalyst for change in the fashion industry.
During my research I discovered many amazing brands creating ethical and sustainable clothing around the world but there were not many Australian made options. I wanted to showcase the incredible quality that Australian manufacturing has to offer. My goal was to create ethically made and sustainable pieces that would last a lifetime. This led me to the denim jean – a timeless wardrobe staple, worn all year round and treasured for many years.
Each pair of Keeper Denim jeans is ethically handcrafted in Melbourne, Australia. We are dedicated to having a transparent supply chain and each material we use is specially selected based on its’ ethical and sustainable production. This ensures the final piece is of the highest quality.
Our Elwood Skinny Jean is based on a timeless style re-imagined. Made with denim constructed from sustainable, cruelty-free fibres including organic cotton and recycled materials, that respect our planet, to ensure the jean will last and age well with time.
How did you get started and what has your journey looked like to date?
I launched the business in December 2019 with a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. We raised a total of $20,813 and this was used to fund our first production run of our first style of jean – the Elwood Skinny Ankle Jean in Dark Indigo.
To date, our jeans have been stocked in several boutiques around Australia and we are continuing to grow via our online presence through social media.
What is your background (education/work/experience) and how has it helped you on your journey?
I worked in corporate banking before I started Keeper Denim. Some of the things I learnt that I believe helped me start my own business were how to build professional relationships, manage finances and work within a team.
My Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design helped me learn the creative process which I have applied to Keeper Denim when it comes to designing our jeans. My work experience in corporate banking assisted me with setting up the business and managing cash flow.
Where do you see your business in the next five years?
Our aim for Keeper Denim is to be Australia’s favourite ethical and sustainable denim label.
About Kate
I graduated from UWA with both a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture and then worked in corporate baking for three years. In December 2019 I launched my first business, Keeper Denim – making ethical and sustainable jeans for women, manufactured in Australia. You can find Kate & Keeper Denim on Facebook, Insta, Pinterest and Tiktok.