Meet Lara & Erin Elizabeth | Seamstress/designers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lara & Erin Elizabeth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lara & Erin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
We noticed the waste that was being thrown away in the boat & canvas shops from the left overs scraps after a job was completed, so we took them home made a bag out of some of it and once we wore it down the docks where we were living on our boat Cabin Girl, we had a lot of requests for them. We knew this was what we wanted to do!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Our bags are created from remnant boat and outdoor fabrics resulting in a durable, zero waste, one of a kind design. We have yet to come a cross another bag company or maker that makes no two bags the the same color combination. It really feels good knowing we are helping reduce waste and use our creative skills to create something as unique as the individual using it. Continuing to have a burning passion for the “work” you are doing will get you through any down or transition. Success to us is not loosing the fire for our art and the love we experience through sharing it.. Though we are working with thick fabrics and industrial machines the labor is effortless for the feeling we get for knowing we are providing something useful, helping our planet, and being a link in our community. The famous quote “ One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” can be applied here. Factories are leaders in waste and harsh conditions for workers. Our goal is to support local makers & move toward a zero waste production.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First we would hit the local vegan scene in Wilmington with the 1st stop at our friends Robin and Art at Panacea, where we would get a flight of locally crafted kombucha and some vegan eats. Then go for a stroll on the river walk while saying hey and grabbing a hoodie from Heytvm and shopping at the local farmers market to pick up all the local produce and beauty supplies. Then maybe a nice walk with the dog at Carolina Beach state park or north end on the beach. Followed by another local vegan eats at Sealevel vegan dinner where you have to get the chipotle avocado lentil burger and kale nachos!! Then maybe do some gardening in the local vegan community garden. Ending with a float or salt cave experience to settle you down for returning home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The two marine and canvas shops we worked for and helped us get our start. Rodney at Allison Sails and Canvas & Ann at Carolina Canvas and Awning.

Website: https://cabingirldesigns.bigcartel.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CabinGirlDesigns/

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/CabinGirlDesigns/