In the Media

Turning Fashion Waste into Opportunity: How Kenya Roberson’s Elite Garment Distro is Tackling Fashion’s Sustainability Crisis

Fashion, often synonymous with creativity and expression, hides a darker reality beneath the glamor. As the second-largest polluting industry globally, fashion produces 92 million tons of waste annually—equivalent to a garbage truck full of clothes being dumped in landfills every second. The environmental impact doesn’t stop there: textile production requires significant amounts of water and energy, contributing to climate change, water scarcity, and widespread pollution.

 

“At Elite Garment Distro, we’re tackling the waste issue from the ground up,” says Kenya. “We source remnant inventory from brands and find ways to distribute it to consumers in a way that reduces waste and extends the life of these garments.”

Revolutionizing Fashion Wholesale with Sustainability at Elite Garment Distro

Kenya Roberson, founder of Elite Garment Distro, is transforming the wholesale fashion industry by merging creativity, sustainability, and social impact. From building trust with new clients to sourcing eco-friendly materials, her journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven business. We sat down for a conversation and discussed a lot of things about the fashion and garments industry. Discover how she’s redefining fashion wholesale for a better future.

 

“Sustainability is at the core of Elite Garment Distro’s mission. We target some of the highest-producing fast fashion companies as our main suppliers because these companies generate the most waste. By partnering with them, we can solve two problems simultaneously: providing affordable clothing to communities in need and preventing millions of garments from ending up in oceans and landfills every year. This approach allows us to make a positive impact on both people and the planet.”

Luxury Fashion Within Reach

How Kenya Roberson is Transforming the Fashion Industry with Sustainable Fashion and Global Ambitions

 

“I supply impoverished markets. I select areas that need clothing and shoes. How we select our distribution market does not depend on going to exhibitions or fashion weeks.”

The Path to Empowerment & Growth

Kenya Roberson, CEO and Founder of Elite Garment Distro, is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. She firmly believes that this empowerment has the potential to fuel economic growth. By providing women with the platform to voice their ideas and opinions, we open the door to a fresh and diverse perspective within the workforce. This diversity leads to a treasure trove of innovative ideas that can propel economic progress and prosperity.

“Women have the ability to be just as innovative as men. When women are given the courage to expand on their ideas, we will have more discoveries and innovations.”

-Kenya Roberson

Challenges of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

Time Mangement: Balancing the demands of motherhood with those of running a business can be overwhelming. Effective time management becomes crucial to ensure both areas of your life receive the attention they require.

 

“In order to balance being a successful entrepreneur and being a mother I always make sure to reserve time for both without overworking myself. I have learned to put family first, and always prioritize my time with my kids and ensure I have time dedicated to my business.”

-Kenya Roberson

The Path to Empowerment & Growth

Navigating a world shaped by industry titans and gender biases, narratives emerge, defying conventions, shattering barriers, and weaving new tales. Meet Kenya Roberson, CEO and founder of Elite Garment Distro—a dynamic entrepreneur, an embodiment of empowerment, authenticity, and a catalyst for change within the often toxic realm of fast fashion.

Her journey into the clothing retail industry commenced at a tender age. At 19, she embarked on her career at the prestigious Herve Leger, later navigating the world of fashion alongside Max Azria. Her tenure provided her with invaluable encounters with industry leaders, paving the way for future endeavors.

 

“The ability to buy something and flip it for more appealed to me. Liquidation was always my calling; I felt it was meant for me.”

-Kenya Roberson

Top 10 Men & Women Business Leaders Transforming Industries: The Power Players of 2024

For over a decade, Kenya has thrived in the clothing wholesale industry. Beginning with Herve Leger, she styled and sold dresses while venturing into freelance modeling, connecting with industry leaders. Transitioning to a wholesale company specializing in exports, she amassed vast industry knowledge, particularly in logistics. Her passion for high-end brands persisted from her time in LA’s fashion scene, leading her to establish Elite Garment Distro. This company not only excels in wholesale and export logistics but also prioritizes strong brand awareness. Alongside her business journey, Kenya’s philanthropic efforts have flourished, extending to both local community initiatives and global humanitarian projects.