Podcast Recap: Creating a Sustainable Clothing Brand with a Conservation Mission (Guest: Nate Hryn of Acorn Hills Clothing Company)

In episode 10 of the Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid  podcast, Planet Aid Communications Content Specialist, Monica Johnson, and Communications Manager Haley Chitty welcome Nate Hryn, Founder and CEO of Acorn Hills, a sustainable clothing brand with a focus on conservation and grassroots environmental restoration. Continue reading for the conversation highlights, or listen to the full podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or the Planet Aid website.

The Journey of College Student/Sustainable Clothing Brand Entrepreneur

Planet Aid's conversation with Nate Hryn, CEO and founder of Acorn Hills Clothing Company is featured on this episode of the Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid podcast.  Acorn Hills is a sustainable clothing brand with a focus on conservation. The young entrepreneur shared his journey launching this unique business while still a college student. 

Nate is entering his senior year at Mount Aloysius College in Pennsylvania, he's also an avid golfer and outdoorsman. In this conversation, he discussed the motivations and challenges in balancing his academic responsibilities with running a company. 

The Inspiration Behind Starting a Business in College

When asked why he chose to start his business while still in school, Nate explained that the diverse and resource-rich environment of college played a significant role in his decision. He highlighted the unique access to a wide range of perspectives and expertise available on campus, from students to faculty members who are experts in various fields like law and supply chain management.

Nate believed that if he were to fail, it would be better to do so in an environment where he could learn from those around him and have the safety net of earning a degree. This mindset inspired him to launch Acorn Hills during his college years, ensuring he could capitalize on the knowledge and support available to him.

The Role of a Notebook in Shaping Acorn Hills

Nate also shared the crucial role of a simple notebook played in the inception of Acorn Hills. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he began journaling ideas and developed a small business model that he later revisited in college. This notebook became a source of inspiration and a blueprint for his sustainable entrepreneurial journey.

During his freshman year, Nate had quite a bit of downtime and decided to revisit the notebook, leading to the official launch of Acorn Hills. Nate emphasized how the practice of documenting ideas helped him stay focused and eventually turn his vision into reality.

Community and Environmental Commitment

The name "Acorn Hills" is deeply rooted in Nate's upbringing in rural Pennsylvania, an area known for its hilly terrain and abundance of oak trees. Nate aims to create a strong brand identity connected to nature, hoping that people will associate acorns with the company's mission and values. By involving customers in the environmental efforts and fostering a sense of community, Nate ensures that Acorn Hills is more than just a clothing business; it is a community-driven initiative focused on making a positive impact.

One of the means of achieving community involvement is by utilizing plantable clothing tags. Made in collaboration with Botanical PaperWorks, the tags replace the usual paper/cardboard sales tags normally affixed to garments. The tags can be planted and will grow into saplings.

This unique approach resonates deeply with consumers who are increasingly seeking out ways to make an impact and support sustainability and environmental efforts. Nate notes that most people are unaware of the origins and missions of the clothing companies they support. By offering plantable tags, Acorn Hills not only provides a tangible connection to nature but also educates consumers on the importance of sustainable practices.