The Inspiring Journey of Caroline Danehy

The co-founder and chief brand officer of Fair Harbor, Caroline Danehy started the company with her brother Jake when she was only 17 years old. Today, the brand is recognized as a pioneer in environmentally-friendly swimwear, having recycled over 30 million plastic bottles to create its products.

Inspired by summers spent in Fair Harbor, a small town off the coast of Long Island, Caroline and Jake set out to create sustainable apparel that would help protect the environment while enabling people to enjoy the places they love. They started with recycled plastic bottles and other eco-friendly fabrics and have since developed their own fabrics that meet their high standards.

However, creating a sustainable company from scratch was not without challenges. In the early days, they struggled to find fabrics that met their sustainability criteria, and they lacked leverage with factories because they were making small quantities of products. Despite these challenges, they persevered and developed partnerships with like-minded partners who value sustainability as much as they do.

For Caroline, sustainability is more than just a mission – it’s a way of life. Her commitment to educating consumers on the importance of sustainability is evident in Fair Harbor’s messaging. They focus on the product first, highlighting the innovative and comfortable qualities of their swimwear. This helps to draw customers in, and once they learn about the company’s commitment to sustainability, they are even more invested.

As a female entrepreneur, Caroline offers valuable advice to young women hoping to make their mark in retail. She encourages them to follow their passions, trust their gut, and surround themselves with experienced mentors. She also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth, and of cultivating relationships in the industry.

Re-reported from the story originally published in https://www.womeninretail.com/