Carolina is photographed wearing our Monterey Rolled Funnel Neck Sweater in Navy with White Stripe with the Derry Signature Jean in our 2001 wash.
CAROLINA: The primary way that we support businesses is by helping them to utilize the B Corp assessment as a framework for impact improvement. To become a Certified B Corp, a company has to complete an assessment of all of its operations–from employees to supply chains–and then make improvements, such as increasing benefits to employees or requiring suppliers to sign a Code of Conduct.
This framework helps companies to uncover specific, practical actions that they might not have considered before. We then provide implementation support to help the respective company apply these objective practices in a meaningful way to their own businesses. Some specific changes that we see often with clients include identifying their impact metrics, increasing employee wages, measuring their carbon footprints, and establishing charitable giving programs, as Frank & Eileen did with their Giving Pledge!
CAROLINA: The primary way that we support businesses is by helping them to utilize the B Corp assessment as a framework for impact improvement. To become a Certified B Corp, a company has to complete an assessment of all of its operations–from employees to supply chains–and then make improvements, such as increasing benefits to employees or requiring suppliers to sign a Code of Conduct.
This framework helps companies to uncover specific, practical actions that they might not have considered before. We then provide implementation support to help the respective company apply these objective practices in a meaningful way to their own businesses. Some specific changes that we see often with clients include identifying their impact metrics, increasing employee wages, measuring their carbon footprints, and establishing charitable giving programs, as Frank & Eileen did with their Giving Pledge!
CAROLINA: As an English and History major from a liberal arts college, I never expected to start a business. However, while working at the Red Cross, I recognized that the nonprofits didn’t have the resources to effect the kind of change that I thought we needed to address social injustices and environmental degradation; that change needs to come from the private sector–ideally, paired with some support from appropriate regulations.
I decided to go back to school to study sustainable business and then established a consulting business to help those companies that wanted to have a positive impact.
CAROLINA: As an English and History major from a liberal arts college, I never expected to start a business. However, while working at the Red Cross, I recognized that the nonprofits didn’t have the resources to effect the kind of change that I thought we needed to address social injustices and environmental degradation; that change needs to come from the private sector–ideally, paired with some support from appropriate regulations.
I decided to go back to school to study sustainable business and then established a consulting business to help those companies that wanted to have a positive impact.
Carolina is photographed wearing our Barry Tailored Button-Up in White Superluxe with the Murphy Billion Dollar Pant in Navy.
Carolina is photographed wearing our Monterey Rolled Funnel Neck Sweater in Navy with White Stripe with the Derry Signature Jean in our 2001 wash.
CAROLINA: For me, a big part of sustainability is living simply. Every single item that we use and have in our homes consumes natural resources–so how much stuff do we really need? Being mindful of my habits as a consumer doesn’t mean depriving myself of buying things, but it does mean being intentional about what I do purchase. Also, I’ve made the choice to be vegetarian for both sustainability and humane reasons. Eating less meat is one of the simple things that we can all do to reduce emissions while also minimizing the needless suffering of animals in factory farms.
CAROLINA: For me, a big part of sustainability is living simply. Every single item that we use and have in our homes consumes natural resources–so how much stuff do we really need? Being mindful of my habits as a consumer doesn’t mean depriving myself of buying things, but it does mean being intentional about what I do purchase. Also, I’ve made the choice to be vegetarian for both sustainability and humane reasons. Eating less meat is one of the simple things that we can all do to reduce emissions while also minimizing the needless suffering of animals in factory farms.
F&E: Your business is a certified B Corp (as is Frank & Eileen). What does being a B Corp mean to you and your business?
CAROLINA: Cultivating Capital has been a Certified B Corp since 2012. Being a B Corp represents our commitment to a better way of doing business—one that works for everyone and for the planet, not just for the wealthy. The primary way that we do this is by organizing our entire purpose for existing as a business around helping other companies to improve their impact. We also pay living wages, rather than paying the lowest possible wages to maximize profits, and as members of 1% for the Planet, we contribute 1% of annual revenues to environmental organizations. I also recognize that as one small business, Cultivating Capital's impact is limited; however, by joining a global movement of Certified B Corps, we can join with others to engage in collective action and make a difference.
F&E: B Lab (the certification body of B Corp) is currently revising its standards and raising the bar of what it means to be a B Corp. What are your hopes for the future of the B Corp movement?
CAROLINA: My hope is that the B Corp community can level up our impact. The new standards will require all B Corps to take action on the pressing social and environmental issues of our time with a streamlined set of requirements.
By doing so, I believe that we have an opportunity to model a less extractive, more equitable economic system–one that inspires others to join us. I believe that profound change is possible with the combined actions of individual companies working together towards a common goal.
Carolina is photographed wearing our Barry Tailored Button-Up in White Superluxe with the Murphy Billion Dollar Pant in Navy.
CAROLINA: I would absolutely encourage women to start their own businesses, and also to be aware that entrepreneurship can be challenging. Many women tell me that starting, running, and growing their own businesses is one of the hardest things that they’ve done. Like many things that are difficult, though, it’s also incredibly rewarding!
CAROLINA: I would absolutely encourage women to start their own businesses, and also to be aware that entrepreneurship can be challenging. Many women tell me that starting, running, and growing their own businesses is one of the hardest things that they’ve done. Like many things that are difficult, though, it’s also incredibly rewarding!
CAROLINA: My personal style is definitely on the comfortable and casual side. From a sustainability perspective, I also believe it’s important to buy clothing that is long-lasting, made from sustainable fabrics, and that is produced ethically. Fast fashion is incredibly wasteful from an environmental standpoint and also harmful from a social perspective, so it’s much better to buy well-made, responsibly produced clothing when we can. The Frank & Eileen Derry jeans and Monterey sweater are both super comfortable, and the jeans also pair well with my Patagonia sweaters.
CAROLINA: My personal style is definitely on the comfortable and casual side. From a sustainability perspective, I also believe it’s important to buy clothing that is long-lasting, made from sustainable fabrics, and that is produced ethically. Fast fashion is incredibly wasteful from an environmental standpoint and also harmful from a social perspective, so it’s much better to buy well-made, responsibly produced clothing when we can. The Frank & Eileen Derry jeans and Monterey sweater are both super comfortable, and the jeans also pair well with my Patagonia sweaters.
Carolina is photographed wearing our Monterey Rolled Funnel Neck Sweater in Navy with White Stripe with the Derry Signature Jean in our 2001 wash.
Thanks for cozying up for 'a cuppa with' Carolina!
To keep up with Carolina and her work with Cultivating Capital:
MORE 'A CUPPA WITH'
CHELSEY BARTRUM
Founder, Gemologist, Designer of Starling Jewelry
"My “why” is our clients and the art of creating. Working with them on meaningful pieces, hearing their stories, and knowing what we craft will be cherished for years to come—that’s what keeps me going."
SARAH SOLIS
Founder and Principal of Sarah Solis Design Studio
"As people seek more meaning and balance in their environments, I see a rising emphasis on sustainable materials, craftsmanship, and a slower, more thoughtful approach to design."
BRANDI SELLERZ-JACKSON
Author, Life Doula
"Thriving means gathering both the small and the significant, holding each with the same love, tenderness, and value it deserves. It all matters."