California Travel Log
Last week, a few members of the Ramble & Co. team and I ventured to California to tour our manufacturer’s showroom and see where our garments are dyed. I went into the trip wanting to better understand the journey our tees go on before they get to us, but I walked away from the experience totally inspired. From the yards simply overflowing with succulents and cacti to the bustling workspaces where our tees are brought to life… This flower-loving Texas girl was overwhelmed in the best possible way.
DAY 1
We had two goals and only two goals for our first day in California: get settled and find good food. As luck would have it, we ate the best street tacos of our lives at a tent in front of a Target. Only in California.
DAY 2
📍 First Stop: Manufacturer Showroom
We hit the ground running and made our way to the manufacturer showroom in South Central Los Angeles. This is where they draw up patterns, prep samples to be dyed, and handle all quality control for us. It was incredible to see the care that they put into every piece of fabric. We even got to try on a few new styles that just might make their way onto the site at some point this year!
📍 Second Stop: Dye House
This is where (in my opinion) the magic happens. This magic is COLOR. The majority of the space in the dye house is taken up by huge industrial dyers. We were mesmerized as we listened to them explain their process. It all starts with a tiny little Pantone chip that we carefully select in Texas when planning out new styles. They then take that hue and translate it onto the tees that come from the manufacturer's showroom. Magic, I tell you.
DAY 3
On our third day in California, we got out and explored! We hiked Point Dume and saw sea lions, whales and dolphins. We sat on the beach, sipped leftover margaritas from the night before, and watched the sun dip below the horizon.
If you can believe it, we were back in Texas by noon the next day. It was a whirlwind trip to say the very least. I am definitely still processing the experience, but overall I am just so grateful.
Because, to me, the best kind of souvenirs are the memories and emotions evoked upon venturing outside of your comfort zone. I am thankful for what I brought back with me: perspective, inspiration, and renewed vision.
I have big ideas for the future of Ramble & Co. Through our products and offerings, I want each and every woman to feel lifted up, inspired and confident she has what it takes to do hard things.
And I’m excited to get to work.
-Kathryn
