Own Your Story · Sustainable · Women-Owned ·Apr 28, 2021

Own Your [Woman Owned] Business Story: Jaswinder Salh of Keep Leaf

Beginning March 17th (Buy Women Owned Day), Sitti is elevating the stories of women-owned businesses through an ongoing blog series titled, “Own Your [Business] Story.” Throughout the past year, we’ve recognized (and experienced first hand) the hurdles for small businesses to pivot and push forward through the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic challenges that have come with it. Through it all, these businesses have shown determination, grace, and resilience. In this series, we get up close and personal with some incredible women so you can hear more about their business stories: what (or who) inspired them to start their brand, what are the challenges they’ve met along their journey and what keeps them going.

Say hello to Jaswinder Salh, the founder of Keep Leaf! Keep Leaf is a sustainable lifestyle brand creating reusable and organic products. They are creating stylish products that are meant to last. Keep Leaf has reusable tote bags, make-up bags, lunch bags, and even baby bibs! The brand is also committed to ethical production: all of its products are made in a clean, family-owned facility. The greatest part of Keep Leaf is that your purchase means fewer toxins and waste going back into the environment. Read more about Jaswinder and the story behind Keep Leaf.

Q: Where did the idea of Keep Leaf begin?

My love for design developed at a young age and I followed my passion with a degree in design. My career took me to New York and London where I was introduced to sustainable design in apparel and textiles. After working in the industry for over 10 years, I decided to follow a different path: to fulfill a longtime dream to start my own business. With a growing concern for our environment and commitment to social responsibility, I began developing products that facilitate the new imperative: an environmentally and socially conscious lifestyle. Starting with only two products, Keep Leaf has grown into a full lifestyle brand with distribution in North America, UK, Europe, and Australia.

Q: What is the purpose of Keep Leaf nowadays?

Our purpose is to design and manufacture products that encourage a lifestyle that is good for the planet and for you.

Q: Why should we stock up on Keep Leaf items?

We bring a fresh and modern approach to sustainable, reusable, and organic lifestyle products.

Q: How has the pandemic affected your business?

With the pandemic lockdowns in 2020, we were faced with multiple challenges, from canceled orders to supply change issues and we had to quickly pivot to stay afloat. With the demand for cloth masks, we designed and manufactured high-quality masks for some of our key retailers. We were able to provide a much-needed item for health and safety as well as keep our production running.

Q: What is a social enterprise you look up to, and one that everyone should know?

Eileen Fisher is a company that is a leader in a sustainable fashion. From design, materials, recycling, and social responsibility - this is how a brand can be a force for positive change.

Q: What is your one piece of advice to women-owned businesses?

Think big and do something you are passionate about.

Thank you so much Jas for being part of our series!

**SPECIAL ALERT: For every purchase, you make on Keep Leaf, you will receive a free gift. Be sure to head over, and remember your purchase makes a difference to the environment.