May 20, 2005 – Carol Hill and K.T. Newman have been friends for years. They've both spent time working in retail downtown, from Diamonds International to Quiet Storm.
"We've had a lot of experience in sales," says Hill.
Last November they decided to turn that sales experience into a small business of their own. They bought a line of active wear clothing called Virgin Wear.
"We'd been talking about it and it [the business] almost fell into our laps. We thought we'd jump in," says Hill.
What makes Virgin Wear unique is the label—a simple sewn on piece of fabric that says 'Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands' in a more subtle way that most tourist t-shirts.
"It's great. It's nice for people who want something that says 'St. Thomas,' but not all over it," says Hill. "And we have a really nice local following as well."
Yoga pants, shorts, sweatshirts, locally made belts and handbags, cap sleeved raglans, basic T's, v-necks, long sleeve shirts, polos, tank tops and bra tops in soft cotton.
Virgin Wear is for men and women, and soon will be available for children as well. The line uses clothing from American Apparel. "As we're able to expand we'll be getting into our own private label for next season," says Hill.
"We add extra fabric to skirts to make them a little more versatile," says Hill, describing a kicky little ruffle. "We'll soon be doing 'where do you want your label?'"
For a practical model of how Virgin Wear looks, just stop into Café Amici or Kokopelli Café—the staffs at both restaurants wear the clothing line.
It's been successful so far, and the partners are looking to expand. In the near future you'll be able to find their clothing line in high-end resorts. They are also planning to license the line on St. John and St. Croix.
Virgin Wear is available at Into the Sea in Royal Dane Mall, or you can email Hill and Newman at. [email protected]