Zoolu Organics

Zoolu Organics: 100% Organic Clothing for Kids

Owner: Patty Abbott
Location: Vancouver, BC
Website: www.zooluorganics.com

The Business

Vancouver, BC’s Zoolu Organics is a children’s clothing line made with 100% organic cotton and water-based inks as a much healthier alternative to the PVC-based, toxic inks used in 90% of baby clothes.

The line features tops, dresses, pants, burp clothes and more, with screen-printed original designs that are much more unique and hip than the typical cutesy cartoon designs.

The Founder

After her husband’s diagnosis with the terminal illness ALS, Patty Abbott conducted some research that led her to believe the disease is related to toxins in our environment.  She decided to eliminate all toxins from their home, from cleaning materials, cooking utensils, and non-organic foods, and started looking at what companies were putting in baby clothes.  She was alarmed to discover that 90% of the prints on baby clothes use Plastisol inks, which are PVC based.

Abbott founded Zoolu Organics so she could produce something that was safe for her new son to wear. She designs the graphics and prints the garments herself to ensure the process is eco-friendly and each product is unique.

The Small Business BC Connection

Abbott found Small Business BC’s resources very useful during her business planning phase.  Small Business BC staff reviewed the Zoolu Organics business plan and helped her ensure it was accurate and met industry standards.

Zoolu Organics is a 2010 Successful You Awards nominee for Best Concept.

Small Business BC Seminars & Resources for businesses like Zoolu Organics:

• Retail Distribution – Moving your Product Line to Retail Market
• Intellectual Property – Protecting You and Your Business
• Small Business BC Business Plan Review Services

Entrepreneurial Advice

If you’re thinking of starting your own business, Abbott stresses the importance of doing your research first. Small Business BC has a variety of resources designed to help you research your target market and business viability.

Abbott also suggests reaching out to other business owners, who can teach you a lot about their successes and failures, and help you make smart choices right from the beginning.

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