HUMANS WE HEART: GINA STOVALL, FOUNDER OF TWO DAYS OFF
We love a look-good, feel-good moment, which is one of the reasons we were so excited to discover Gina Stovall and Two Days Off, her carbon-neutral lifestyle brand that’s ethically and sustainably made. We recently had the chance to ask her about her background in climate science, her design aesthetic, her favorite fellow entrepreneur and more.
Hi Gina! Mind if we go through a few getting-to-know-you Qs?
Coffee order: I love a strong and frothy flat white.
Ideal outfit: Any linen Two Days Off top, high-waisted jeans, mules and usually a fun piece of statement jewelry from an artisan friend.
Books on your nightstand: : Being the typical Virgo I am, I always have a stack. Right now I’m reading The Body by Bill Bryson, The Heart of the Lotus Sutra by Daisaku Ikeda and All We Can Save from Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson.
Podcasts/albums/playlists in your earbuds: I always have the Taste of Two Days Off Spotify playlist on repeat. I also love a good storytelling podcast. How I Built This, This American Life, Resistance and How to Save a Planet are a few of my favorites.
We’re so impressed by your background in climate science—how did you make the leap from that profession to starting your own clothing business?
It was a slow progression—my work focused on climate policy and solutions, but my personal interests led me to evaluate my own lifestyle. When I learned about the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry, I started looking at my own consumption patterns. I challenged myself to sew any new clothes I wanted to bring in so I could better appreciate each item and be thoughtful about what I added to my wardrobe (I have sewn since I was a teen). It was only after making my own designs and sharing them online that I thought of creating a line of clothing. Within a couple of years, Two Days Off was born!
What inspires your design aesthetic? How do you hope your clothes make the wearer feel?
I am drawn to timeless and effortless clothing with thoughtful details. I like to make things that are versatile and won’t go out of style in a few years. Ultimately, my design ethos centers around ease. I want people to feel like themselves, never need to fuss with their outfit throughout the day and have peace of mind that their clothes were ethically made.
Do you have any tips for aspiring business owners who want to put the health of our planet first?
Absolutely, and I think every business owner should be considering the health of our planet in what they do. The biggest tip I have is to question the status quo. In my case, every time I have been told something is just done a certain way, I ask why and figure out if there could be a more sustainable way to achieve the same outcome. Plastic in our packaging was one of these “why” moments, and we have found alternatives that are better for the planet and serve the same purpose.
Finally, since this is our Humans We Heart series, is there someone you admire that you’d like to shout out here?
Scarlet Penaloza! Scarlet is a dear friend and fellow entrepreneur, she owns and makes all the beautiful pieces at Hey Moon Designs. When I first moved to Los Angeles from New York we met at a craft fair and she has proven to be one of the most generous and sweet souls.
Thank you so much, Gina. Get to know Two Days Off right here.