I reached a tipping point of frustration with my wardrobe. Growing up in the Midwest, I was accustomed to shorter summers, which allowed me to focus on the other seasons where dressing in my style felt easier, somewhat avoiding my struggles with summerwear. However, this changed with the long, hot summers of South Carolina that I now had to navigate.

Each time I opened my closet, I felt deflated and uninspired by my scant selection of solid colors and plain shapes. This frustration drove me to search endlessly online for sleeveless tops. Existing options labeled as 'modest' often felt overly conservative, prioritizing coverage over comfort in the heat. When I did find something that nearly met my tastes, it was frequently made from polyester— material that my health-conscious mind could no longer accept. Why was it so difficult to find styles that met my modesty preferences while still having unique details and being made from natural fibers?

I knew there had to be other women facing similar frustrations. Women who want to avoid fibers, processing, and dyes that aren’t in harmony with a healthy body. Women who are comfortable in their own skin but want to reveal it in moderation, all while reflecting style and craftsmanship in a practical summer wardrobe. Women who believe that fair trade, a healthy environment, and support for our local economy are essential aspects of the apparel industry that we buy into.

This shared need finally compelled me to develop my vision for Southern Spindle Co. While Charleston's heat highlighted my challenges, its beauty and charm inspired the creations that I am excited to present to meet the needs of women like me.

- Rachel Kirkman, Founder