be you conversations: winona quigley
Be You Conversations: Winona Quigley
By: Nicki Patel | 6.30.18
Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe
"I'm with the dirty mouth girls. The ones with bare feet, brilliant minds, messy hair, wild hearts and feisty spirits. The ones who aren't afraid to speak up and who live for doing what they've been told is impossible." ~ Brooke Hampton
Winona is not only the most talented natural dyers I know, but she is one of the realest, genuine friends I have. She has lifted me up in ways she probably doesn't even know, and continues to be a constant rock as we learn and grow through the journey of entrepreneurship as women. Her ambition and individuality shine brighter than the colors she paints the world with her beautiful designs. I hope you love getting to know her, and her story. <3
Her Story
I am Winona, Co-Founder and CTO of Green Matters Natural Dye Company. My business partner, Tyler, and I started the company as a result of concern regarding how the textile industry impacts global waterways. After working in the fashion industry, I decided that I was happiest working creatively and environmentally at the same time. I spend most of my time with my hands in a variety of plant based dye pots, in the garden, or long walks with my dog Jasper.
Winona went to Parsons School of Art and Design in New York. She has worked with many big name, fast fashion designers in New York. Her background and deeper understanding of the fashion industry led her back home to focus on improving the process of creating beautiful designs without sacrificing on the planet. She loves being hands-on with all her designs and creates the most beautiful naturally dyed pieces I have seen. Bonus, she is a dog mamma to the adorable Jasper. <3
What is your favorite food/dish (because I love FOOD)?
This is a loaded question. I have many favorite dishes, but I am currently craving fish tacos.
What does it mean to you to be you in a world of others?
Something that influenced starting Green Matters was considering the people and wild life that the textile industry's pollution impacts. Synthetic dye is dumped into waterways of which people depend on for drinking water and as an agricultural resource. I hope that one day the work we do will help propel the industry away from dumping toxic chemicals, allowing both people and their surrounding ecosystems to flourish.
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self – about life, career, hopes/dreams, anything?
I wish I could tell myself that 90% of the things I wasted my energy worrying about didn't matter. What matters is loving what you do.
What would you tell someone who is trying/struggling to find themselves in the chaos/noise of the world?
I guess the times I have felt the most lost were times that I was scared to join the chaos. Between helping to build Green Matters, and my creative side hustles, my days become long, with a lot of burners on (literally if I am in the dye house). I get more done if I am having a good time, and I am having a good time if I am not afraid to enjoy the madness.