Tom Kay is the founder of Finisterre, a pioneering outdoor clothing brand he started in 2003. Born from his love of the sea and a desire to make exceptional products, Finisterre is multi-award winning and known for innovation and sustainability. It’s also B Corps certified. A force for good, Tom continues to prioritize the environment. He is also a member of YPO, the global leadership community of extraordinary chief executives. Tom operates his business from clifftop workshops in St. Agnes, Cornwall, UK, where he lives and is a volunteer lifeboat helm.
Born over a decade ago from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre designs functional and sustainable product for those that share a love of the sea.
It started in 2003 in a flat above a surf shop with an innovative fleece that was designed to keep out chill winds and warm up cold bodies. Since these early days, driven by those who have jumped on board, supported by our customers and suppliers, the brand and product has widened beyond these original beginnings. Yet from our cliff top workshop in St. Agnes, we stay true to our original design ethos of functionality and sustainability brought to life in an understated style and identity, always remaining committed to product, environment and people.
The name of one of the most rugged headlands that bravely bears the full brunt of the North Atlantic gales, and a former shipping forecast area, Finisterre literally means end of the earth or land’s end. The place where land ends has intrigued man for centuries, fostering both a real and a romantic relationship with the sea; a relationship that runs deep in our narrative.
Since day one we have taken a pioneering approach to making better and more sustainable product, challenging and innovating, seeking alternatives to what has gone before. We’re committed to making informed decisions about our impact on the environment and are constantly trying to push boundaries to make the best product we can. In our eyes this is gear that will be with you the longest; and the longer you have it, the more attached to it you become.
Article reprints: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/social-impact-heroes-why-how-tom-kay-of-finisterre-is-helping-to-change-our-world-eba808f25f10
Fast fashion is a serious problem. The price of a $3 t-shirt is higher than you might think—unsafe and unfair labor conditions, unsustainable livelihoods and serious environmental issues. By choosing clothing and textiles made of Fair trade fabrics like Silk, cotton, you are standing up for the rights of cotton farmers and workers.
CHOSE FAIRTRADE PRODUCTS
By supporting People living in challenging socioeconomic conditions your buying decisions build marketable skills, assist small businesses, and secure fair wages and ethical work. This in turn gives them the power to make their own money and have control over how they use it, this not only empowers them economically, but is also one of the best ways to help reduce global poverty.
Fair trade businesses put more money into the hands of these communities at every step of the supply chain, supports producers through local and regional expert networks, and creates demand for ethical goods in countries like the US and around the world.
Fair trade connects artisans in the Global South (Latin America & the Carribbean, Africa & the Middle East, Asia and Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas) with businesses and consumers in the US and around the world—and all of the traders and manufacturers in between. We specifically work with local, indigenous communities to source and Give Back.
On a personal note - we must confess, we are very fortunate and blessed to align our mission to further support locally made, indigenous and fairtrade manufacturers and distributors.
