Jessica Kelly's dream of building a platform for ethically sourced brands and manufacturers around the world has come to fruition.
Earlier this month during a virtual event, Kelly's startup THR3EFOLD launched its ethical manufacturing platform to the public. Kelly began her work on THR3EFOLD in 2016 in New York City. The startup is a software-as-a-service platform that helps brands build sustainable fashion by connecting to ethical factories around the world.
The Charlotte native moved the company back to her hometown last year and has spent the majority of that time working toward the launch.
"Because of Covid, we hit a delay with our original launch plan ... I picked back up development in the fall where it felt like we had more reliability from the supply chain and the ability to tag in our contract tech team who built the app from scratch," she said.
The web-based platform allows brands to search a global database of ethically certified factories. Brands can message the factories directly, request and compare pricing, and manage production all in one place.
"The production side of the fashion industry has been very archaic for a very long time, so a lot of the platforms that are available were clunky and they haven't been innovative," Kelly said. "The global supply chain software industry is rapidly growing right now ... That's because we're really building a new frontier. Everyone in this space, similar to THR3EFOLD, is five years old or less."
"We're trying to create instant digital connection to a global network so brands can make more informed decisions faster and still get quality products that are making a difference," she added.
Currently, 20 brands are using the platform with another 70 on the waitlist. Thirty factories worldwide are also on the platform, with another 50 working toward certification. Kelly said factories must complete one of six specific certifications to be considered for THR3EFOLD's database.
"We require one of six ethical certifications, and right now there are 11 certifications on the market, but the six we accept require a third-party auditing body to check the factory so there isn’t any self-assessment," she said. "All six check for things like no slave labor, no child labor, no discriminatory practices, clear communication of management, safe working conditions, fair pay and a sustainability improvement plan."
At the launch event, Kelly gave three factories in Guatemala, India and Nepal the opportunity to provide attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at their operations. She also gave a tour and demonstration of the new platform.
"It was a behind-the-scenes (look) at the factories and a look at the work they’re creating in the community, how it's affecting and impacting the people there," she said.
Now that THR3EFOLD's platform is live, Kelly said she will begin planning a fundraise that will enable further expansion of the platform. She said a goal is to eventually expand into the textiles industry to offer even more supply chain sustainability.
