Meet Desiree Buchanan: LA Mama and Founder of Poplinen

“We’re designing for the future by putting sustainable practices at the top and offering better fitting pieces with extended sizing.”

WHAT DO YOU DO AND WHAT LED YOU TO THIS CAREER?

Comfort and timeless style are everything to me. I created Poplinen a little over a year go to bring more comfort to a woman’s wardrobe through earth-friendly, everyday essentials. During my career journey, I couldn’t find a single brand offering premium, sustainably made clothing that was inclusive and comfortable without compromising on style. As someone who spent all her 20s working in editorial and brand marketing, I saw a true business opportunity to launch Poplinen as a direct-to-consumer brand dedicated to championing equality and sustainability. We’re designing for the future by putting sustainable practices at the top and offering better fitting pieces with extended sizing.

WHAT ARE THE NAMES AND AGES OF YOUR CHILDREN?

Dustee Rose Buchanan (4) and baby girl Buchanan, expected March 2021.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT THUS FAR?

At the end of 2017 I decided to take a blind leap of faith (while also navigating being a new mom) and start working towards formulating my own business, and there have been no regrets since. But be assured, there have been a lot of sleepless nights and major highs and lows. The beauty of entrepreneurship!

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A MOTHER?

I would have to say being inspired everyday to be the example I would want my daughter to follow when faced with similar choices and challenges in her life.

AND WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING?

The most challenging aspect is finding the energy and bandwidth required to keep up with my child's energy at all times of the day.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR SOMEONE NEW TO YOUR INDUSTRY?

Embrace the weak areas you would prefer to avoid about yourself, learn how to do better by them, and ask for help from the experts in those areas you struggle with so you can get a good handle on all aspects of your business/work.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR A NEW MOTHER?

The first few months can be somewhat traumatizing, but hang in there, it will get better and you really are doing a great job!

WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU? DO YOU HAVE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS COMING UP?

Stay tuned for more exciting brand collaborations on fun, earth-friendly pieces for your wardrobe!

Follow Desiree at @poplinen.