Margaux Minutolo, the Philanthropic Fashionista, is an inspiring woman. She is the founder and creator of "Karma for a Cure," a fashion line that donates 10% of all proceeds to charity. Margaux's inspiration was her father's own battle with cancer. Check out our interview with her below.
Head to Toe: What was the inspiration behind "Karma for a Cure?"
Margaux: Karma for a Cure is inspired by my father's battle with prostate, lung and brain cancer. His journey through cancer inspired me to create a brand that united supporters on the sideline to show love and support for our fighters on a daily basis. I remember going to the cancer center and being in a huge room with patients having chemo. I wanted to show my support for them and inspire them to keep fighting their battle. I combined my passion for design in a unique way so that I could cater to a fashion-forward customer who wanted more than a generic ribbon t-shirt...a lifestyle brand that told a story.
Head to Toe: What charities do you support?
Margaux: I support several causes and charities including: At Risk Animals: Rational Animal, Dating Abuse & Prevention: Break the Cycle, Anti-Bullying: Hey U.G.L.Y, Lung, Prostate, Brain & Breast Cancer Research: John Theurer Cancer Center, Parkinson's Disease: Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Drug Treatment & Prevention: Phoenix House, Ending Hunger in NYC: Food Bank for NY, Heart Disease Research: American Heart Association, Children with Autism & Special Needs: The Calais Foundation , Ending Human Trafficking: All We Want is Love, Anti-Violence & Weapon Control & At-Risk Elephants . I also support other charities such as "Animals for Ava" through our Charity of the Month campaign. Although we may not have a specific design for some causes, our COM designs allow us to give back to new charities each month.
Head to Toe: What has Karma for a Cure accomplished?
Margaux: In just 9 short months since launch, Karma for a Cure has created awareness and raised donations for over 15 causes. We have received positive press reviews from FOX Business, ABC News, and Z100, amongst others. We have created a team of supporters who understand the mission and vision of the brand and who continue to spread good karma. Karma for a Cure has inspired others to give back and to have a voice to tell their story.
Head to Toe: How did you come up with "Philanthropic Fashionista?"
Margaux: The "philanthropic fashionista-o" was created as my target customer. The lady or gent who was philanthropic but did not want to compromise a fashion-forward aesthetic. Essentially, I was the original philanthropic fashionista. When my father was very sick and going through treatment, it motivated me to donate more to research and to purchase items that donated back. That is where I found a niche market. I realized there were little to no products that suited my philanthropic & fashion-forward needs. Hence, the "philanthropic fashionista" and her lifestyle brand was created.
Head to Toe: Where did you learn about fashion and fashion design?
Margaux: I learned about the fashion industry through my studies at FIT (The Fashion Institute of Technology). Ever since I were a young girl, I dreamed about attending FIT. I decided to major in the business end of fashion in hopes of one day becoming an entrepreneur. I grew up making my own artwork and sketching my own fashion designs, and knew that I would need business skills to take my inherited talent to the next level. (my talent in art came from my father's skills, his paintings were amazing!)
Head to Toe: You channeled your sadness into creating something incredible. How did you do it? Where did you find the strength?
Margaux: Creating designs for Karma for a Cure was an outlet for me. It allowed me to create designs that told a story. I was able to tap into my creative side and express how I was feeling and inspire others to be strong. When you are faced with adversity, you do things you thought you could never do. Your inner strength shines and you are able to grow into the person you were meant to be. It forces the growth to happen suddenly, and it is an amazing and shocking experience.
Head to Toe: What was the inspiration behind "Karma for a Cure?"
Margaux: Karma for a Cure is inspired by my father's battle with prostate, lung and brain cancer. His journey through cancer inspired me to create a brand that united supporters on the sideline to show love and support for our fighters on a daily basis. I remember going to the cancer center and being in a huge room with patients having chemo. I wanted to show my support for them and inspire them to keep fighting their battle. I combined my passion for design in a unique way so that I could cater to a fashion-forward customer who wanted more than a generic ribbon t-shirt...a lifestyle brand that told a story.
Head to Toe: What charities do you support?
Margaux: I support several causes and charities including: At Risk Animals: Rational Animal, Dating Abuse & Prevention: Break the Cycle, Anti-Bullying: Hey U.G.L.Y, Lung, Prostate, Brain & Breast Cancer Research: John Theurer Cancer Center, Parkinson's Disease: Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Drug Treatment & Prevention: Phoenix House, Ending Hunger in NYC: Food Bank for NY, Heart Disease Research: American Heart Association, Children with Autism & Special Needs: The Calais Foundation , Ending Human Trafficking: All We Want is Love, Anti-Violence & Weapon Control & At-Risk Elephants . I also support other charities such as "Animals for Ava" through our Charity of the Month campaign. Although we may not have a specific design for some causes, our COM designs allow us to give back to new charities each month.
Head to Toe: What has Karma for a Cure accomplished?
Margaux: In just 9 short months since launch, Karma for a Cure has created awareness and raised donations for over 15 causes. We have received positive press reviews from FOX Business, ABC News, and Z100, amongst others. We have created a team of supporters who understand the mission and vision of the brand and who continue to spread good karma. Karma for a Cure has inspired others to give back and to have a voice to tell their story.
Head to Toe: How did you come up with "Philanthropic Fashionista?"
Margaux: The "philanthropic fashionista-o" was created as my target customer. The lady or gent who was philanthropic but did not want to compromise a fashion-forward aesthetic. Essentially, I was the original philanthropic fashionista. When my father was very sick and going through treatment, it motivated me to donate more to research and to purchase items that donated back. That is where I found a niche market. I realized there were little to no products that suited my philanthropic & fashion-forward needs. Hence, the "philanthropic fashionista" and her lifestyle brand was created.
Head to Toe: Where did you learn about fashion and fashion design?
Margaux: I learned about the fashion industry through my studies at FIT (The Fashion Institute of Technology). Ever since I were a young girl, I dreamed about attending FIT. I decided to major in the business end of fashion in hopes of one day becoming an entrepreneur. I grew up making my own artwork and sketching my own fashion designs, and knew that I would need business skills to take my inherited talent to the next level. (my talent in art came from my father's skills, his paintings were amazing!)
Head to Toe: You channeled your sadness into creating something incredible. How did you do it? Where did you find the strength?
Margaux: Creating designs for Karma for a Cure was an outlet for me. It allowed me to create designs that told a story. I was able to tap into my creative side and express how I was feeling and inspire others to be strong. When you are faced with adversity, you do things you thought you could never do. Your inner strength shines and you are able to grow into the person you were meant to be. It forces the growth to happen suddenly, and it is an amazing and shocking experience.
Head to Toe: Was this creative process therapeutic for you?
Margaux: Yes, extremely. It kept me focused and motivated. It was amazing to have so many charities believe in my vision and to support me from the start. I would receive so many emails from new charities who wanted to partner with me, and that showed me I was on the right path. Then to have customers email me and thank me for creating products they loved and inspired them as their family members were sick...well that was proof that I was making a difference. There were, and still are, times that it is so hard to be talking about what I am growing through emotionally with my family on a 24/7 basis. My work and life are so in-sync that it gets overwhelming, there is no escape from chemo and cancer to karma. But I wouldn't change it for the world.
Head to Toe: Who is your favorite celebrity who has worn Karma for a Cure?
Margaux: Kourtney Kardashian was so supportive of the brand and I am forever grateful for her kindness. Her father passed from cancer, so I can relate to her on an emotional level. I also love her sense of style and passion for vintage fashion.
Head to Toe: How would you describe the style of Karma for a Cure?
Margaux: Our style is fun, positive and and fashion-forward. I feel the brand emulates two styles: the bohemian free-spirit and the edgy downtowner. It is all about how you merchandise your wardrobe and I personally love mixing our pieces with leather and textures to dress up a not so basic tee.
Head to Toe: What is next for you?
Margaux: I have recently launched my new collection of "Healing Halo" Accessories. This includes head-wraps and head-chains that donate back to brain cancer research. I was chosen out of 1000 designers to be showcased in the most iconic accessories store in the world, Henri Bendel! I am so excited for this opportunity and I vision creating a ready-to-wear collection next.
To learn more about Margaux and Karma for a Cure or to shop from this amazing brand, visit www.karmaforacure.com
Until December 31st, Head to Toe readers will receive 20% off of their purchase! Enter promo code HEADTOTOE
Margaux: Yes, extremely. It kept me focused and motivated. It was amazing to have so many charities believe in my vision and to support me from the start. I would receive so many emails from new charities who wanted to partner with me, and that showed me I was on the right path. Then to have customers email me and thank me for creating products they loved and inspired them as their family members were sick...well that was proof that I was making a difference. There were, and still are, times that it is so hard to be talking about what I am growing through emotionally with my family on a 24/7 basis. My work and life are so in-sync that it gets overwhelming, there is no escape from chemo and cancer to karma. But I wouldn't change it for the world.
Head to Toe: Who is your favorite celebrity who has worn Karma for a Cure?
Margaux: Kourtney Kardashian was so supportive of the brand and I am forever grateful for her kindness. Her father passed from cancer, so I can relate to her on an emotional level. I also love her sense of style and passion for vintage fashion.
Head to Toe: How would you describe the style of Karma for a Cure?
Margaux: Our style is fun, positive and and fashion-forward. I feel the brand emulates two styles: the bohemian free-spirit and the edgy downtowner. It is all about how you merchandise your wardrobe and I personally love mixing our pieces with leather and textures to dress up a not so basic tee.
Head to Toe: What is next for you?
Margaux: I have recently launched my new collection of "Healing Halo" Accessories. This includes head-wraps and head-chains that donate back to brain cancer research. I was chosen out of 1000 designers to be showcased in the most iconic accessories store in the world, Henri Bendel! I am so excited for this opportunity and I vision creating a ready-to-wear collection next.
To learn more about Margaux and Karma for a Cure or to shop from this amazing brand, visit www.karmaforacure.com
Until December 31st, Head to Toe readers will receive 20% off of their purchase! Enter promo code HEADTOTOE