Meet Gemma Rickolt | Founder: Advocate [The Label]

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gemma Rickolt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gemma, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
The foundation of Advocate [The Label] was built around our vision to end human trafficking.

Through intentionally designed capsule pieces, we are taking a bold stand by raising awareness and supporting survivors with every piece of clothing sold.

Our mission, is for the women who wear our clothes to be part of the story – a chapter in the book – of how we, as a collective force, end human trafficking,

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Advocate. is built on the philosophy that fashion is art, and there needs to be a certain level of respect when garments are designed and created. That means respect for the farmers and garment workers, for the fabric, the dyes and packaging, everything has to go through an ethical fine tooth comb. Our goal is to be part of the solution, not the problem.

As we look to release new pieces (we have a blazer and pant, tank and dresses coming in 2022) we will produce them in small batches so that there is no dead stock or waste. We don’t intend to sale our pieces often, the goal is to meet the demand and not create excess that ends up in landfills or on endless sale.

The pieces we design are designed to last: intentional forever pieces.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
San Diego has a ton of great restaurants, beaches, hikes and art galleries to explore. Here’s a few of my favorites: – Cucina Urbana for great food, wine and atmosphere.
– Valentina restaurant in Encinitas for good eats and amazing service.
– The Grand Del Mar for spa and a hotel room.
– Moniker General for great coffee and wifi spot for working.
– Con Pane for the best sandwich in town.
– The Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown San Diego.
– The Museum of Art in Balboa Park
– Coronado Beach for long loungy days on endless golden sand.
– La Jolla Shores is a great beach spot for families as it has a play park right on the beach.
– Torrey Pines for some great hiking and elevated coastal views.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We couldn’t name just one, Advocate. has been cheered on and supported by so many. Here is a list of just some of those who have seen the vision, understood the mission, and gone out of their way to support us: – Natalie Borton @NatalieBorton
– Conni Jesperson @artinthefind
– Moniker Events (for photoshoot space @thelanesd / @bldg177
– Jessica Ballerstein @bydarius
– Raymie Brooks @facebyraymie

Advocate is built around a community of women who are ready to stand up for those who don’t have a voice. It is both impressive and humbling at how supportive our community has been.

Website: www.advocatethelabel.com

Instagram: @advocate_the_label

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advocatethelabel