In honor of Earth Day this month, we're featuring Kayti O'Connell Carr, the Founder & CEO of one of our favorite sustainable clothing brands, MATE the Label, a Clean Essentials brand sustainably made in Los Angeles. Born and raised in Southern California and graduating with a B.A. in Sociology from Loyola Marymount University, her interest in fashion paired with her passion for women's health and environmental advocacy led her to championing a Dress Clean movement. This movement is rooted in The MATE Eight, 8 principles she stands by as a non-toxic clothing brand focused on doing better for the planet: Clean, Essential, Organic, Ethical, Women-Centered, Plastic Free, Circular & Local.
Her mission with MATE the Label is "to provide people everywhere with essentials that are clean from seed to skin". This mission comes to life in her line of organic elevated basics, all made ethically in California with non-toxic materials. Kayti continues to innovate and evolve with MATE the Label, paving the way for a more sustainable future with programs like reMATE Circularity, a take back program that gives used MATE the Label clothing a new life and keeps them out of the landfill. Learn more at matethelabel.com.
1) Place: Paradero Hotel in Todos Santos - I recently went on a Founder’s retreat here and was in awe of the understated natural beauty of the property. They have incredible spa treatments and healing offerings including a Temazcal ceremony that was life changing.
2) Skin: I am a big fan of clean beauty brand Osea, a seaweed-infused skincare line. I have very dry skin and their Undaria Body Oil and Body Butter offer serious hydration without any harmful chemicals.
3) Drink: During postpartum, I rediscovered my love for a morning matcha after being sans caffeine for 2 years (so needed as a new mom!). I love adding pistachio milk from Tache, which is free of oils and additives unlike most oat milks. It’s super tasty and easy for me to digest.
4) Podcasts: The Expanded podcast by To Be Magnetic has been incredibly helpful to me as I navigate growing my business, balancing motherhood, and living with intention. Their unique framework for manifestation really resonates with me and has helped me uplevel in so many ways. I highly recommend Lacy’s courses to anyone looking to unblock from limiting thoughts and patterning to live a more rich and authentic life.
5) Restaurant: Dunsmoor in Glassel Park (East side, Los Angeles) recently opened and my husband and I are obsessed with their hatch chile cornbread and green chili stew. The atmosphere is really chill and reminds me of being in Brooklyn.
6) Comfort: I live in my brand’s Organic Fleece Oversized Sweatshirt and Organic Fleece Relaxed Sweatpant. The set is super comfy, and the perfect amount of oversized. Wearing organic, natural, and non-toxic materials is really important to me as the Founder of MATE but also being a new mom who wants to have the cleanest fabrics possible around my little one. The products we bring into our homes can really impact our overall health and a great place to start is within our own closets.
7) To visit: We recently did a croissant collab and event with Brooklyn bakery, L'Appartement 4F. I wasn’t able to attend the event as I am in Los Angeles but I am dying to get my hands on their swoon-worthy pastries! If you are in the area or visiting, please go for me!
8) Home: I have had my eye on the Mojave rug from Armadillo for my bedroom for awhile now and it will probably be my next big purchase. I love the company’s commitment to sustainability and their better for you material portfolio. The brand is also a B Corp, which is an extremely rigorous process. (We just went through it!) Rugs can be a big culprit of harmful chemicals including PFAS, or “forever chemicals” in your home that most people do not think about. If you have pets or kids, it’s really important to look for rugs that are made from natural materials and do not contain harmful dyes or treatments.
9) Bedding: We spend a third of our life in bed and what we choose for bedding is so important not only for comfort but for our health. I am a big fan of Coyuchi’s Organic Linen sheets and duvet cover. They are breathable, luxurious, and the perfect weight year round.
10) Activity: I am a sucker for any new wellness trend and have been loving contrast therapy for energy, inflammation, and an overall mood boost. I visit Pause Studio in WeHo and do a 30 minute infrared sauna followed by a cold plunge. I absolutely hate being cold and it’s been a very challenging mental practice but the benefits are worth it.
