We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Barroll Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Once becoming vegetarian,, it really took me down a thought process of “ I spend so much time thinking about what I put in my body, but shouldn’t I also think about what I put ON my body whether it be my cosmetic or my clothes. I started really deep diving into finding more sustainable brands and the one thing I couldn’t find to my liking was shoes. Having no background in fashion I took a leap of faith and thought maybe I can try to create something ethical I would love to wear? It was a process for sure but it was during Covid so if nothing else I had time! I found a small factory in Italy with expertise in bio leathers and it was from there things started to develop.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I founded Willa Phoenix as a way to show people ethical fashion can have the same luxurious quality and beauty as any Super Brand on the market without the use of animals. I set out to defy the notion ethical apparel was not alluring, was boring and not of a high quality..
In a world where we now have more conscious consumers than probably ever,, I wanted to give buyers an opulent alternative to high end footwear and accessories that were vegan and cruelty free.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ohhhh.. tough one! As someone who has travelled around the world, I dare say I am amateur at LA!
However the bits I know are… if you are looking for a celebrity hotspot Craig’s is the place… apparently.???However I love it for the menu. Their vegan chicken parmigiana is the best!
As a lover of Mexican food, my last trip to LA I have discovered vegan eatery Garcia’s Madres. The food is fantastic just make sure you reserve a table on the patio!
I do love a vanilla cupcake from Sprinkles!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I feel incredibly lucky to have had the support of my husband, children, family and friends through this process. Without a doubt however, the most pivotal part of Willa Phoenix so far has been meeting Emmanuelle Rienda, Founder of Vegan Fashion Week/Vegan Fashion Library and therefore Maison Privée PR. When I received her email inviting me to Vegan Fashion week I was flabbergasted! Meeting her and her amazing tribe has been transformational to my label, It made me realise Los Angles is hands down the world hub of sustainable and ethical fashion. The like minded individuals I have meet as a results of knowing Emmanuel and Maison Privee Pr have been nothing short of remarkable. As a small brand you are constantly navigating unsure waters and new challenges everyday making you question your brands value and longevity. They have consistently been a pillar of support and reassurance. Their belief in my brand and therefore me is invaluable. I am beyond grateful.

Website: Www.WillaPhoenix.com

Instagram: @Willa.Phoenix.com

Image Credits
Eva Espresso Ana Viegas Matt Doheny Getty Images

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