On Thursday, September 29, the Long Beach Post hosted an event to honor young people from around the city who are doing great things to better their community and beyond. Out of hundreds of nominations from our readers, judges chose 40 winners, representing a range of professions and activism. The Post will be profiling each honoree in the coming days.
Katie Welty Fraser and Jackie Loughery, co-founders and owners of the successful women’s contemporary clothing company, roe + may, were described as “determined” in their nomination. And the two Long Beach-based business savvy designers in their early 30s are certainly a fine example of where a large dose of determination can take you.
Since roe + may was founded just last year, the company’s wares are sold in over 60 entities throughout the United States, including major retailers such as Planet Blue and Free People. The company is also scaled to make $1 million in sales within the year.
“I felt really excited and touched to be honored,” said Welty Fraser on winning the nomination. “Jackie and I have worked really hard on roe + may, so it was truly an honor to be nominated in our hometown.”
Designed in Long Beach and manufactured in Los Angeles, the two “strive to create an effortless and coastal chic clothing line that mimics the casual and beach lifestyle that Long Beach represents.”
“It was such an honor to be recognized by the city that I was born and raised in,” said Loughery. “I have so much pride for the city of Long Beach.”
Best friends since their water polo days at Woodrow Wilson High School, next steps include opening an office in Long Beach, ultimately supporting Cal State Long Beach interns and other creative professionals living and working in the seaside city.