Jacarandá

Jacarandá is a local Calgary clothing store and Canadian clothing brand. They create a variety of made in Canada loungewear and athletic wear.

How would you describe your business?

Jacaranda is a slow fashion brand rooted in sustainability, ethical production, and everyday comfort. Every piece is handmade with intention, using organic cotton from Peru (my home country) and produced locally in Calgary by skilled hands, not fast fashion factories. I use both organic and conventional cotton and avoid plastic wherever possible, including in packaging.

At the moment, Jacaranda is a one-woman show. I wear every hat: designer, pattern maker, logistics manager, e-commerce strategist, digital marketer, photographer, customer service rep.. and even printer fixer. Everything is run from my cozy downtown Calgary studio, with part of the production now supported by a local Calgary-based workshop.

My background includes knitting, natural dyeing, and a brief stint running a storefront in here in Calgary. Today, I’m focused on scaling sustainably, listening closely to my customers, and staying true to the brand’s values of authenticity and low-impact living.

What inspired you to start your business?

My son was my biggest inspiration. I’m originally an environmental engineer who transitioned into creative design with Jacaranda. When he was born, I knew I wanted to spend more time with him. Starting my own business gave me that freedom, but it also came with challenges I didn’t expect. Still, owning my time and building something meaningful has been incredibly rewarding.

As an environmental engineer at heart, I’ve always been passionate about sustainability. I wanted to align my work with my values and reduce our reliance on petroleum-based fabrics like nylon and polyester. That’s how Jacaranda was born, eco-conscious and made with intention.

What’s your bestselling product & why do you think it’s so popular?

Our Organic Cotton Leggings 28″, previously known as the Sierra High Rise Leggings.

My customers love the thickness, breathability, and softness of our organic cotton. The design and fit of the leggings are also very flattering, something I am very happy with and take a lot of pride in. I listen to feedback from every single person and do my best to adapt and improve within my means. My clients’ suggestions are always a top priority, they’re conscious consumers who care about quality, and that’s exactly why I’m here, to offer them something better. Although it’s still a niche market, I hope to reach more people who want an option that leaves a smaller environmental footprint without compromising on beauty or comfort.

Many organic cotton brands overlook the importance of fit and design, but I believe conscious clothing should feel good, look beautiful, and make people feel confident, inside and out.

What’s your personal favourite product?

Right now, my personal favourite is the Black Organic Cotton Bra (formerly the In Love Trail Bra). As a dedicated yogi since 2012, I’ve struggled to find activewear that supports my practice without relying on synthetic fabrics.

This bra offers just the right balance of comfort and support, and what I love most is that it’s made with 95% organic cotton and only 5% spandex. As someone who’s health-conscious and loves hot yoga, I really don’t enjoy sweating in synthetic fabrics like polyester. I feel very comfortable and naturally confident when I wear this bra.

What are your favourite local Calgary business?

Hot Shop Yoga Victoria (I’ve been with them since 2012, since my very first yoga class).