Think Like An Operator: Cayla, founder & CEO of Subset

Welcome to Think Like an Operator, where we dive deep into the minds of innovators and leaders in the world of business and e-commerce. 

Today, we are releasing our first ever podcast episode with Cayla O'Connell Davis , the founder and CEO of Subset , a brand that is revolutionizing the intimates industry with its commitment to sustainability and innovation. 

Here's a look into our insightful conversation, where Cayla shares the journey of Subset, discusses the challenges and successes of their recycling program, and offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable fashion.

LISTEN & WATCH HERE 👇

🏁 The Genesis of Subset

Subset has made waves with its commitment to sustainability, offering customers products made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and introducing recycling programs for old intimates. Cayla's journey in sustainable fashion began during her master's program at Parsons School of Design.

"I had a bit of a personal crisis around my participation in the fashion industry" 

This led her to conceive a business model rooted in circularity rather than a linear, wasteful process. Subset was born out of a desire to manage the entire lifecycle of products, from sustainable sourcing and manufacturing to end-of-life disposal through innovative recycling programs.

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♻️ The Take Back Program

One of Subset's flagship initiatives is its take back program, which has been a vital part of its sustainability efforts. The program allows customers to return old intimates — even from other brands — for recycling. Cayla elaborates on the inspiration behind this initiative and the challenges faced:

"We created a recycling program in which we rewarded customers for doing this responsible disposal practice. That was really predicated on trying to educate people about their consumption, as well as their disposal of their goods"

The collected materials are given a second life, transformed into products like insulation for commercial buildings and carpet padding. This approach ensures that textiles, which are often biohazardous waste, are disposed of responsibly and sustainably.

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🫡 The Consumer Perspective

There clearly is an evolving consumer mindset toward sustainability. However, Cayla stresses that consumers will always prioritize a good product and reasonable cost.

"The product has to be incredible. When you get it into your hands, you will literally throw away or recycle every single pair of underwear in your top drawer and replace it with ours”

While sustainability can be a compelling selling point, it is the product's quality and usability that will ultimately drive consumer adoption.

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💐 Bringing New Products to Life

One of the most intriguing parts of the interview is when Cayla walks us through Subset's product development process. The company relies heavily on customer feedback to develop new products.

"We really listen to our customers and let them direct the seas there"

This customer-driven approach ensures that Subset's new offerings meet genuine consumer needs and preferences.

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👀 Looking Ahead

As Subset continues to grow, Cayla hints at exciting developments like expanding the men's collection and exploring recycled products.

"We are excitedly pursuing a new fabrication. This is also on the horizon" 

The brand remains committed to its core values of sustainability and innovation, continuously seeking ways to improve and expand its offerings.

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Our conversation with Cayla offered a deep dive into the innovative world of Subset. We look forward to seeing how they continue to revolutionize the industry, one sustainable step at a time.

We encourage you to watch or listen to the full episode to gain deeper insights into Subset’s impactful journey and to be inspired by their commitment to creating a better world, one garment at a time.

Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to explore the minds of innovators reshaping the future of business and e-commerce.

About Levitate Foundry

Levitate Foundry is a leading full-service growth marketing agency, specializing in eCommerce, marketing, and creative services. As the largest female-founded Shopify Plus Preferred Partner in North America, Levitate Foundry excels in driving growth for top consumer brands. They offer a comprehensive suite of services, including media buying, performance creative, email and SMS marketing, organic social, and growth consulting. Their award-winning team combines strategic expertise with innovative solutions to help brands achieve cultural relevance and maximum growth potential.

For more information, visit Levitate Foundry