Small Business Week ft. Calita Intimates
Rebecca was born and raised in Ottawa, After obtaining her Bachelor of Commerce (option in Marketing) at the University of Ottawa, Rebecca began working at Shopify. Throughout her time there, she gained a tremendous amount of experience that made it natural for her to become an entrepreneur. Being surrounded by inspiring people every day is what helped launch her first business, Calita Intimates.
GG: How did you come up with the idea for your business?
RM: Growing up, I was very busy and active. I did everything from classical ballet to running competitive track. To stay cool and healthy, my doctor recommended I wear natural and breathable fibers, especially when it came to my underwear — infections are the absolute worst.
I took this advice seriously, but I struggled to find underwear made from natural fibers. It didn’t make sense to me. Why was it so hard to find something good for my health? The few pairs I did find looked a lot like granny panties. I wished to wear something that was healthy for my active lifestyle but also looked beautiful. I knew then that there was a need for every day, flattering underwear made thoughtfully for women.
I realized I had to commit myself entirely to creating an intimate’s line for women, made from natural fibers that are good for the planet, and manufactured in Canada.
GG: How did you come up with the name of your company?
RM: When I was a child my mother would refer to my private parts as “Cosita”.
The name Calita was inspired by combining two beautiful Spanish words I grew up hearing:
1. calata: naked
2. cosita: little thing
I’m proud of all the work that went into innovating a new product that would have been perfect for young Rebecca, and for all women’s naked little thing.
GG: What is unique about your business?
RM: After a year of research and fabric testing, I fell in love with a fabric called Tencel™ Modal. This fabric checked all of the boxes: sustainability, breathability, resilience, and comfort. Naturally, I chose Tencel™ to create my very first line. Beyond its amazing buttery soft texture, Tencel has many other benefits that make this fabric favourable for our health and our planet.
I’ve learned so much about how fabrics are made, the impact they have on our planet, and the benefits of keeping every piece of this business in Canada. This process has completely transformed the way I shop, and I hope it inspires you as well.
Underwear is the most intimate piece of clothing we wear. I believe it should be a garment that is both beautiful and healthy for us. I want to provide women with a better alternative to what is available.
GG: What is the culture of your organization?
RM: We choose to stay mindful of manufacturing, support fair labour rights and use natural fabrics. All of Calita Intimates are produced in Canada. I enjoy doing the groundwork meeting with my suppliers and establishing a relationship that reflects my brand. Staying local helps me ensure sustainability and quality control. It is important in the culture at that we source from suppliers and manufacturers who have sustainable practices.
GG: Why did you choose sustainable practices?
RM: I was shocked to realize that fast fashion brands had taken over my closet and that I had been participating in this growing throwaway culture.
Naturally, this seems to be great for the consumer. A trendy item can be purchased right as it hits the runway, and at a reasonable price point. These brands have actually created this demand by introducing new items so frequently, making the consumers believe that the clothing they currently have is now outdated. This clothing is made so quickly, and as a result, brands are selling low-quality merchandise. With this workflow, there isn’t enough time for proper quality control. Garments produced this way are not built to last and typically don’t.
All elements of fast fashion (rapid production, low quality, and competitive pricing) ultimately impact our environment. The harm and the impact that fast fashion has on our planet is why the fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world. These brands often use toxic chemicals, dangerous dyes, and synthetic fabrics that seep into water supplies in the countries where they are made.
*This feature was published as a part of the Small Business Week campaign, 2020.
