values

EARTH FRIENDLY

Did you know that it takes textile waste 200 years to break down, but that this industry also has the second-highest potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gases compared to other recyclables? With this knowledge, Little Korboose has been committed to being a ZERO waste company with a "no textiles in landfills policy” since 2008. All pre-consumer waste ("deadstock" and remnants) is upcycled to create Little Korboose quilts, rugs, and other products— most recently our Organic Cotton Essential Face Masks.

Being ecologically conscious also includes the type of materials we use; natural, unbleached cotton for our textiles. Organic cotton doesn’t damage the soil, has less impact on the air, and uses 88% less water and 62% less energy. By working with organic cotton, this ensures that no pesticides, GMOs, or other harmful chemicals are used in its growth, protecting the planet and you.


PEOPLE FRIENDLY

At Little Korboose, "People Friendly" has two meanings; it represents our drive to uplift and practice kindness and it also expresses our promise to create products that are chemical-free and safe. It takes a conscious decision to bring our goods into your home, so we make the conscious and ethical decision to ensure they are safe. We will always put your health and safety first.The Little Korboose team is made up of United States natives and refugees from around the world, that have found a home at our headquarters in Cleveland, OH. The refugees we employ fled their home countries due to devastating conditions and unimaginable atrocities—each one of them with their own story.With the knowledge of such global iniquities, we are committed to supporting people of various backgrounds and experiences. The Little Korboose training program provides job readiness training and industrial sewing experience to low-income individuals with multiple barriers to employment. Our team, from both near and far, is not just a team, but a family that has been growing for over a decade.


SOCIAL GOOD

At Little Korboose, we believe in individuals.We value their ideas, gifts, and power to do good. We uphold the fact that we aren’t just serving “a market,” we’re serving people. This goes beyond the sale of our products, and is seen in the treatment of everyone involved throughout the entire process, from concept to distribution.

You won’t find us on Amazon—and we made this decision deliberately. For the Little Korboose family, it is unacceptable to put profit over people. To increase profit at the expense of basic worker rights is not something that our team will stand by. Nor will we support a giant such as Amazon, as they impede the growth and opportunity of small businesses, much like ourselves.

With that being said, we also recognize that we exist in an extraordinarily privileged space, a space that has allowed us to give back. Since our start, we have been financially committed to creating positive change around social justice and environmental sustainability. We are members of 1% for the Planet and collaborate with organizations to activate and move the needle forward. Most recently our Stay Home Kits were sold with a portion of the proceeds going to Feeding America. Together, we provided over 10,000 meals to families in need.


WOMAN OWNED

While women are holding more power in the workforce than ever before, there is still a long way to go to finding equality.

 Women make up 50.8% of the population in the United States, yet women are just 5% of Fortune 500 CEOs—down from a record high of 6% in 2017. It makes you wonder, where are all the women? When looking at positions of leadership as a whole, women make up about one-fourth of all leadership positions. All while still making $0.75 to every $1 that their male counterparts make. 

At Little Korboose, we are proud to be female-founded. Artist, designer, and entrepreneur, April Nemeth, has managed and led Little Korboose as well as, The Studio of April Nemeth, since their founding in 2008.


LOCALLY MADE

Our community is something we don’t take for granted. To support both our local economy and community, we create and produce all Little Korboose products right here in the USA.