Roxanne Quimby for Happygreenbee is honored as one of the first runner-up ties in the Chic Eco poll for Best Eco-Creative Swimwear Designer. Her fascinating bio tells the story of how her company evolved with a mission for gender-free, comfortable, colorful, playful and ecologically responsible organic kids clothing, – which includes terrific swimsuits.
Roxanne was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts where early on she developed a passion for the arts and nature. That passion became the central theme of her future business philosophy.
After receiving her BFA for painting in 1975 from the San Francisco Art Institute, she moved to a small town in central Maine. There she purchased 30 acres of woods from her life savings. She built a small home without modern conveniences. Roxanne and her twins lived there in harmony with nature for nearly 15 years.
In 1989 Roxanne and her partner Burt, a New York refugee and beekeeper, developed Burt’s Bees, which grew to become an internationally renowned company. They were commitment to pure ingredients and sustainable packaging. Come 2003, the now multimillion dollar business sold as Roxanne continued to serve on the Board of Directors and helped maintain the company’s commitment to natural integrity.
Two foundations from sale proceeds were funded. First, grants for nonprofit organizations that support the environment and arts. Second, an operating foundation that owns and maintains 70,000 acres of Maine’s north wooded wilderness. Additionally, Roxanne became co-founder of Maine Woods Forever.
After a year of travels from Antarctica to Paris, Roxanne craved a new challenge. That led to an all organic cotton clothing happygreenbee line created just for kids, and with respect for our planet.
These pics reveal what a great designer Roxanne is. And her conscious business ethics help parents make a difference in the environment their children live in. Yeah Roxanne!
Swimwear by Kelly Marie Barry for Kelly B Designs Honored
Best Eco Designer Polls & How it Works
Feel Sexy and Hot in that Bikini this Summer: Modeling Green Swimsuits at the Beach