Sarah Van Aken

_{Sarah Van Aken is the C.E.O. & founder of S.V.A. Holdings Corporation, a vertically integrated and  sustainable private label apparel business located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The company is  comprised of four private apparel brands; Van Aken custom shirts, Van Aken Signature custom hospitality uniforms, V.A. Private Label manufacturing services and SA VA women’s ready-to-wear.}

_{Sarah designs clothing with an artists sensibility, with an eye for form, color and texture.  In fact, Sarah graduated with a B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Delaware.  Even then  it seemed as though Van Aken was destined to be a designer, while in college Van Aken could often be  seen ripping apart old clothing and making it new again moments before a night out.  The results were always the same, beautifully unique pieces that were artful interpretatinos of the former garments from which they came.  Most importantly they reflected Van Aken’s own personality.  Sarah’s design philosophy  is rooted in clean, flattering cut, sensual pieces that balance form and function.}

_{After graduating, Van Aken moved to New York City and worked in garment production at an apparel  wholesaler.  She eventually relocated to Philadelphia and took a slight detour from fashion, while learning about the business world as an executive manager for a highly successful local restaurant corporation.}

_{In early 2005, she decided to pursue her dream of creating her own apparel line that transcended the  boundaries of traditional fashion.  By 2008 she had two successful clothing brands that were manufactured in a company owned factory in Bangladesh.}

_{As the industry, the economy and her life changed in 2008, Sarah began to envision a new kind of  apparel company that was socially responsible.  The new company would consider all aspects of  sustainability including; local job creation, carbon footprint reduction, considered design and community  partnerships.  In 2009, Sarah worked with the City of Philadelphia to open a Philadelphia based garment center hiring local workers at living wages and obtaining a grant to increase their skill levels.  The company is creating 22 full time jobs in Philadelphia within the first 3 years.  Moving the garment center to Philadlephia from Bangladesh reduced the company’s carbon footprint by fifty percent.  Sarah furthered this effort by using recycled fixtures in the store, down to the recycled paper hangers and compostable  shopping bags.}

_{In August of 2009,  Sarah opened the first SA VA retail store and design studio.  Most recently the company launched its online store and interactive blog.  Sarah went on to create community partnerships with two local non-profits, the People’s Emergency Center and The Career Wardrobe helping women and completing the consideration of the complete garment lifecycle.}