Weston Persons Owner of Madrona Wear
Weston Persons established Madrona Wear in Bellingham, WA, to meet the community's need for mending and reclaiming outdoor gear. His journey began after noticing high-end items being discarded at a local sporting goods shop, leading him to fix and resell them. The business started in his kitchen, serving 250 customers in its first year and growing to over 2,000 by year three. Madrona Wear recently relocated to a larger shop to handle the influx of customers, with a focus on sustainability and education. Persons highlights the environmental impact of clothing production, noting that one pair of jeans can consume 1,800 gallons of water.
He also aims to foster inclusivity by incorporating Spanish signage to cater to a broader audience. His mother’s background in clothing production fuels his commitment to respect and longevity in fashion. The rise in popularity of repairs and mending aligns with his vision of making fashion more sustainable and accessible.