Erin Tabrar & Helen Wood

Erin Tabrar and Helen Wood, both aged 24, launched their own ethical fashion label, Amana, in March 2007. The two friends found that their university degrees and the areas of ethical fashion they were interested in complemented each other perfectly and they decided to make their dream a reality.

Erin says: “We wanted to create clothes that marry beautiful design with ethical production practices and it seemed like the perfect time. We found ourselves in the right position to set up on our own at a time when ethical fashion was very much in the public eye.”

Erin first became interested in fair-trade fashion whilst studying for her degree at The London College of Fashion. Upon graduation she then spent some time in India with an ethical textile importer who worked with women’s co-operatives in Gujarat. Meanwhile, Helen was becoming interested in sustainable textiles and natural dyes.

When the two were reunited they realised their shared vision. Helen says: “We wanted to do something of our own. We felt very strongly about the ethics of fashion, so that’s how Amana came about!”

They started Amana with a loan from family and friends and, despite only having been running for a short time, the girls can already boast a profit and will shortly be launching their autumn range.

Erin says: “I think even if you set up a business and it fails you would never regret having tried it. It’s such a learning experience and if you have a great idea, know your customer and work hard enough you could have a really successful company. Whereas if it’s something you think about doing and don’t you may always regret not giving it a go.”