Kerri BridgmanYesterday, I watched a CNN report about garment workers in Guatemala, the people behind so many of the clothes we see in U.S. stores. It brought me right back to one of my first experiences in the fashion world… and reminded me why this topic still matters more than ever.
The Reality Behind “Made in the USA”
When I was a Production Management student, I took an internship with a company that proudly stamped Made in the USA on all its labels. They produced for almost every major department store in the country, and I was excited, I thought I’d be seeing craftsmanship, transparency, and fair working conditions up close.
Instead, one of my first real experiences was walking into what could only be described as a sweatshop in New York City. It was a shock, especially as someone studying production and supply chain management about 15 blocks away. The smell of fabric dust, the hum of machines, and the sheer exhaustion on people’s faces said everything words couldn’t.
That day changed the way I saw this industry.
What It Taught Me About Responsibility
That internship taught me something I carry into every project: you have to question where your product comes from.
Not because it sounds good for marketing, but because real people are behind every pattern, stitch, and hem. It’s easy to get swept up in creative ideas or retail strategy — but if you’re a designer, production manager, or boutique owner, your impact extends far beyond what happens in your showroom.
Building Relationships That Matter
I traveled the first half of this year meeting vendors, visiting factories, and building relationships with people I actually trust. These weren’t transactions; they were collaborations rooted in respect and mutual understanding.
When you know your factory floor, you make better decisions, about timelines, pricing, sustainability, and ultimately, the kind of brand you’re building.
Why This Work Still Matters
Since graduating college, I’ve worked across multiple industries and somewhere along the way, I learned to speak up for myself, often because I had to. Navigating health challenges taught me how to advocate for my own needs, and now, I’m channeling that same energy into this industry.
What I’m truly tapping into now is helping designers and production managers find a way to share their own stories and experiences because awareness creates change.
There are issues throughout the entire supply chain, but by beginning to recognize them, we can start to make an impact.
A Closing Thought
The company I interned for? They’re no longer in business.
And while there are many reasons brands shut down, I can’t help but wonder if that disconnection — between values and operations — played a part.
Because when you lose sight of who makes your product, you lose the soul of your business.
So whether you’re a small designer just starting out or a boutique owner curating collections, take the time to understand your supply chain.
Visit the factories. Ask the hard questions. Build the kind of relationships that outlast trends.
Fashion isn’t just about what we make, it’s about how and who we make it with.
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