The following is an excerpt from my recent presentation at the Chamber of Commerce.When I became a mom in 2002, it quickly became clear to me that everything I would do from that point forward would revolve around ensuring that his needs are met. While I could use this speaking opportunity to provide you with a laundry list of benefits to my products and services, I am only going to touch briefly on them today—because here’s what I know: People are more likely to do business with people they respect and trust. Since I only have a few minutes with you, I’d like to give you a sense of the “why” behind my business along with the “what.” So because people always have questions for me when I tell them about my business, let’s walk through some frequently asked questions.
Why did I start my business?I need only look at a photo of my son to remember my purpose. Without a purpose, none of us can be successful at what we do.
It was after I interviewed a series of T-shirt entrepreneurs that I began thinking of designing my own clothing. My son was the one to inspire the name and the concept of habitat protection. Riding along in the car one day, Aiden decided to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. At the end, he innocently replaced the traditional words, saying instead, “with liberty and justice for frogs.” I didn’t correct him. Instead, I launched a business.
I’ve seen the 1% for the Planet logo on your signs and website. What is that?1% for the Planet is a consortium of hundreds of companies that have committed to donating at least 1% of sales to one of their approved environmental charities. I pay an annual membership fee to be a part of this organization. People who buy from Rain Frog Apparel are supporting environmental research and education, as we donate at least 1 percent of annual sales to an environmental charity through our membership in 1% for the Planet.
I have selected the Wetlands Initiative as our chosen charity. The Wetlands Initiative is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to restoring the wetland resources of the Midwest to improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and reduce flood damages.
Why are wetlands important?Wetlands offer habitat for wildlife, including migratory birds and other wildlife that depend on wetlands for their survival. Wetlands improve water quality by removing and sequestering excess nutrients and sediments found in rivers and streams. They provide valuable open space and create wonderful recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, boating and birdwatching. They store floodwaters, acting like natural sponges and slowing down the force of flood and storm waters as they travel downstream. Wetlands naturally sequester carbon -- a key greenhouse gas. Wetlands can be a major source of income for rural, floodplain landowners.
Why did you choose bamboo fiber? Bamboo is a sustainable resource—a fast-growing grass that grows a full meter or more per day. It improves the health of the soil by preventing erosion and consuming excess nitrogen. There’s no need for pesticides with bamboo, so it’s completely organic—and it takes in nearly five times the amount of greenhouse gases and produces 35 percent more oxygen than an equivalent amount of trees. It’s also made without the use of non-renewable petroleum and without formaldehyde. Plus, Rain Frog Apparel products are panda-safe since they are made with Moso bamboo, a species that is not eaten by pandas.
Bamboo is a naturally antimicrobial, moisture wicking, hypoallergenic fabric that’s great for exercising as well as thermal regulation in warm and cold weather alike. It is machine washable (cold water wash recommended) and easy to care for; ironing is rarely needed, as the wrinkles tend to fall right out of the garment. It even has built-in UV protection! Yet it’s as soft and luxurious as silk, so it works equally well for dressy affairs.
What makes your product organic?While bamboo is naturally organic since it’s basically a grass and doesn’t require any pesticides, Rain Frog Apparel products are certified organic under the OCIA international organic certification standards. In addition, our bamboo textile is free of harmful substances such as lead, petroleum and formaldehyde, with industry-standard low-reactive dyes and primarily water-based inks for the silkscreen prints. Each tee is made with naturally processed bamboo that’s free of chemical additives and sourced from non-polluted regions in China—with strict adherence to ISO 9000 and 14000 guidelines. We will continue to update our line as needed to comply with the highest quality standards for natural, organic fibers. Rain Frog Apparel works primarily with a U.S.-based manufacturer that operates fair-trade facilities in China. He oversees the entire production process from start to finish and travels frequently back and forth from the U.S. to China.
What are your goals for Rain Frog Apparel?My goal is to get bamboo fiber in the hands of as many people as possible while also fulfilling my passion and purpose. Interestingly enough, I was recently contacted by a musician by the name of Deborah Crooks. Much like me, she advocates for peace and abundance in our lives, and she was interested in having Rain Frog Apparel as one of her sponsors for her Indie Abundance Tour, coming up in the fall around San Francisco and the Pacific Northwest. I’ll be sponsoring this tour and building an ongoing relationship with Deborah to spread the word about bamboo fiber.
Where is RFA available? You can buy online through my website and in select retailers in California, including Bambu Batu (San Luis Obispo), Bamboo Home Store in Northern Cal and the latest, Women’s Fitness Club in Rancho Cucamonga. I also sell at the Downtown Fullerton Market on Thursdays 4-8:30 p.m. and Yorba Linda on Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
How many employees do you have?I work with anywhere from three to five different independent contractors who help me to staff events, post “tweets” on Twitter, and soon will help to visit boutiques and create new wholesale accounts. We are always looking for sharp, motivated individuals with an interest in the environmental, retail, wholesale and sales sectors who can help to spread the word about Rain Frog Apparel. The reason I choose independent contractor status for them is that I believe it makes them accountable and motivated to succeed. They aren’t just trading hours for dollars; they know that if they don’t do the work, they don’t make any money. As a result, they have a vested interest in seeing my company succeed.
I am also currently seeking individuals who are interested in selling Rain Frog Apparel at private parties, offices, church boutiques and other events, serving as personal shoppers for attendees and helping to create green awareness. These "Green Parties" are fun and easy to create and can serve as another avenue for fundraising. They are also ideal for those who wish to create additional income.
Can I put my logo on your bamboo apparel?Yes, you can. I offer private labeling, personalization, embroidery, custom orders and wholesaling.
Now why are you really in business?There’s a reason we all want to live more abundantly. If it’s just for material reasons, there isn’t much happiness to go along with the money. If, however, it’s for reasons that are bigger than us, then we begin to see magical things happening in our lives. We start to realize that we can’t stay inside ourselves and hoard our good qualities; we need to share our talents with others and make this world a better place.
Sites to SeeRain Frog Apparel Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone Natural health and beauty products
[organic bamboo clothes]
