NEW INVESTEE: SALT LEISURE WEAR

VERGE is proud to announce SALT Leisure Wear as one of our newest investees. While our loan was approved and funded in late 2021, SALT just recently celebrated its public launch and is now officially open for business!

SALT is co-founded by Monique and Tara, friends since high school and tireless advocates for those living with chronic health issues. Driven by their personal experience with endometriosis and cystic fibrosis, Monique and Tara set out to create a social enterprise that offered high-quality, eco-friendly, and inclusive apparel for ‘every body’.

What does that mean? Rather than chasing the throwaway trends inherent in the fast fashion industry, SALT offers athleisure basics from XS to 4XL to suit a much wider range of body shapes and sizes than the industry norm. They also consulted people with chronic illnesses and worked with their healthcare practitioners to design a special line of apparel that looks the same as their mass market line, but with discrete and easy access to PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) lines or other medical devices.

Monique and Tara wanted to keep manufacturing local as well, and found the perfect co-design and production partner in their own backyard – another London-based social enterprise (and VERGE investee) Carmina de Young – who contributed their wealth of experience in sustainable fashion and zero-waste manufacturing practices.

The results of this wonderful partnership are now available for purchase on SALT’s online store. You can also learn more about their 5x5 KICKBACK program that continues Monique and Tara’s long-standing support for Cystic Fibrosis Canada and other charitable organizations that support those living with chronic illness. Follow them on their social media channels and help spread the word!