Anna Harper - The One-Woman Show Creating Ethical Fashion Accessories From Recycled Materials

By Eerika Nokkala

As an umbrella organization, we at Kota improve and empower women’s lives through impactful collaboration. By sharing ideas and working together, we seek to pave the way for future progress for women’s empowerment. We co-hosted the Sustainable Fashion Summit earlier this fall, and were given the opportunity to broaden our community through meaningful collaboration with women entrepreneurs, who incorporate sustainability into their business models. We recently interviewed Anna Harper, the Founder and Creator of AnnaHarper.com to learn more about the work she does.

How was Anna Harper.com born? What urged you to create it?

“AnnaHarper.com was born while I worked in the fashion industry as a freelance sample maker and designer. Over the years I could see firsthand the waste and the dehumanization in standard industry practices. I wanted to make something special by producing as little waste as possible, earning a livable wage, crafting more durable products with non-toxic methods, and have a close one on one relationship with my suppliers and my customers. I started researching old school methods of how pre-industrial jewelry was crafted, looked into small refineries, and searched for craftspeople who made supplies and tools for jewelers. I work with stonecutters, stamp carvers, and only use recycled metals.”

 What are the core values of your business?

“AnnaHarper.com is a privately-run micro-business. I am a one-woman show. I make ethical fashion and accessories from recycled materials and share my passion for handmade life, ethical living, fashion, and sustainability thought my blog: https://annaharper.com/blog/.”

 How is sustainability incorporated in your work? 

“Throughout all aspects of the company; development, sourcing, production, and customer service. Even my packaging is made from recycled materials and is recyclable.”

 What do you hope to achieve in association with Kota?

“I partnered with The Kota Alliance to reach a wider audience, increase awareness of what it's like to run a sustainable woman-owned micro business, and help fashion lovers learn they can be both fashionable and responsible in their choices.”

 What do you hope to achieve within the next year? 

“To grow my brand while helping fashion forward people learn how to make better choices.”