WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

We are inspired by the skilled women of our American supply chain and without them we would not be here. The pandemic brought on more obstacles to their daily routines but they showed up and continued to push forward. They embody what American Giant stands for. In honor of International Women's Day we are celebrating these women that play a crucial role to our business. Take a moment to learn more about these incredible women who are changing the textile business.

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LOOK LIKE?

Although the duties vary depending on the season, work begins at 7am and continues for at least 11 or 12 hours. When scouting, I walk through cotton fields, using a X, Z or W pattern, to check plants for developmental issues or damage due to insects or nutrient loss because of weed pressure. Plant, insect, or weed issues are written on a card and pictures are taken as documentation. At the end of the work day, the information is compiled into a report for the grower. Then a plan of what fields to scout, what order to scout the fields in and what pattern to use in the field is created for the next day. Scouting requires a positive mentality and determination to do a good job as each day is long and hot due to walking through hundreds of acres in 90-110 degree temperatures. Thorough and accurate scouting allows for timely management decisions to be made during the growing season, which ultimately helps with the production yield.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE PROCESS OF MAKING CLOTHES?

There are many steps involved in creating what people pick up off the rack or shelf. When looking at the price tag there is no consideration given for the input and hard work required to create that one article of clothing (production, design, creation, distribution). If people had to create their own clothing, as was done many years ago, there would be a renewed appreciation for the ease in which quality clothing is available in a variety of styles at really affordable prices.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My daddy, Jerry Hamill. Anything I do, I know I should do it well and give 110%. He has lead by example throughout the years doing just that.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES / WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO ON THE WEEKENDS?

I enjoy spending time with my children, socializing with friends, cooking, reading, gardening, and going to the beach.

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LOOK LIKE?

Ensuring that we are on schedule with all of the different styles we have to sew for that particular week.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE PROCESS OF MAKING CLOTHES?

That it is a long process to perfect styles. It takes time to get to a finished product that the customer enjoys.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I am inspired by all of the incredible people I work with on a daily basis. Being able to interact with people of different cultures and backgrounds for over 40 years is a great feeling.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES / WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO ON THE WEEKENDS?

No hobbies, I really just enjoy spending time with my immediate family.

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LOOK LIKE?

It is my job to assist customers in developing fabrics. From yarn to finished garments while also helping customers source current fabrics. My day-to-day routine can include problem-solving for customers, sending fabric swatches and creating new fabrics for the future textile market.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE PROCESS OF MAKING CLOTHES?

I really wish people understood the process and the time it takes to make a good quality piece of fabric before developing a garment. Yarn size and type are important along with knitting/weaving specifications. Finishing weights and widths that can affect the way a garment shrinks after one home wash and dry. I think the most important thing for people to do is to support US made fabrics and read the label in your garments before spending money.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My mom inspires me daily. She is a strong, self-motivated woman who isn’t afraid of a challenge. She is an entrepreneur who owns her own RV park! It is more of a luxurious camping experience.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES / WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO ON THE WEEKENDS?

On the weekends you can catch me at the golf-course, gym or hiking up a mountain! I also enjoy searching for the best Cabernet Sauvignon and reading a good book.

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LOOK LIKE?

As the Enfield Gin Office Manager, it is seasonal work, but ginning can start in September and run as late as the end of January.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE PROCESS OF MAKING CLOTHES?

Plastic is a big issue. You see litter, like bags and other plastic in fields and it makes it hard for the farmers to maintain the land. Makes it harder to process the cotton from harvest to ginning. I wish people took better care of their trash.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My grandma, I learned a lot from her. She was always out there in the field picking cotton and showing us how it's done.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES / WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO ON THE WEEKENDS?

Love the beach, like to read and fish. But I spend most of my time at the softball fields with the kids, taking them to games and tournaments.

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LOOK LIKE?

Making markers for the cutters to use to cut garment pieces. Planning and supervising the cutting staff.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE PROCESS OF MAKING CLOTHES?

All the different procedures and how many hands the product goes through before you get a finished garment.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My Mother. She taught me so much about life. How she worked everyday and cared so much about her family. She fought breast cancer for 12 years and never complained. She was an angel here on earth.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES / WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO ON THE WEEKENDS?

I like to relax and spend time with family.

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LOOK LIKE?

Start the day touring the plant and reviewing reports to make sure we are on schedule with customer’s fabric deliveries. Releasing fabric to ship and keying in customer orders & color assigning greige goods.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE PROCESS OF MAKING CLOTHES?

Some people have their minds set to purchase clothing based on the lowest price. If they only knew more about what textures are best, pricing wouldn’t matter. You get what you pay for!

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I am inspired by the great women of my family. I really look up to my Grandma, Mother and two Aunts who always put the family first. These women are truly amazing! They worked from sun up to sun down to provide for 7 children. Making sure we were clothed, given a great education, while also keeping us out of trouble. Lastly they raised 5 military veterans!

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES / WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO ON THE WEEKENDS?

Working in the church is my number one hobby! Spending time with my great family and friends. Did I leave out shopping?!