Not only can Latinos secure green jobs, we can become green business owners! To find out more, we asked Marta Mele'cio, the owner and founder of Bangledox Eco-friendly Clothing, a Chicago-based company, to tell us about her business and how other Latinas can pursue verde opportunities in this new economia.

GVA: Tell us a little bit about your company.

MM: Bangledox Eco-friendly Clothing is a Latino-owned business that is helping set the standard for businesses that sell green apparel and accessories, while incorporating environmentally safe materials such as organic cottons and earth friendly inks and dyes into their clothing line. Our company also creates much of the line by hand as to save on energy cost, we recycle many of our materials as well as use efficiency lighting in our studio. Bangledox started participating in outdoor events several years ago, then in 2003 we launched our online store with plans for a brick and mortar in the near feature.

GVA: Cool! Why did you decide to begin this company?

MM: I've always known, even at a very young age, that one day I would start my own company. With a love for cool t-shirts, and living an organic lifestyle...it just made sense to start a company that expressed both loves. There were not many companies out there incorporating organics when we started, and consumers were still far behind in knowing what Organic meant, but I felt very passionate about Bangledox and continued forward....this is just the beginning for great things to come for Bangledox.

GVA: Well, you’ll have to keep us posted. Tell me how your product and your company can it benefit users financially and benefit the environment?

MM: Our clothing is affordable..our prices really run about the same or less than other brand names; with our green practices we feel that we are leaving a far smaller carbon footprint in the world, as opposed to traditionally manufactured products.

GVA: So, at Go Verde Ahora, we’re committed to providing nuestra communidades with more information on green jobs. What kind of jobs do you offer? As your business expands, what type of jobs do you anticipate filling out your staff?

MM: As with any growing business, with every expansion there is a need to balance the work load/employee staff. We are currently creating new products and look forward to growing our team as well as creating new positions. For our future brick & mortar stores there will be a huge need for sales teams, merchandisers, stock and management.

GVA: What do you look for when you're hiring?

MM: Experience in retail sales, merchandising, etc. Those who understand why we do what we do... promoting green living, and support it.

GVA: What’s your best advice to someone looking to secure a green job?

MM: Get educated about it, get involved in it. Employers like a candidate who understands what "green" means. However it does have different meanings to different companies/people... companies that manufacture green products, or are involved in green practices (recycling, etc), or could mean companies focused on clean energy. But by getting the knowledge on it, you begin to understand it and hopefully start living green once you see the importance of it.

GVA: And beyond that - what is your best advice to someone hoping to start a green business?

MM: Starting any business can be daunting and even intimidating to some, but with the right resources/business plan and a mentor...perhaps someone who has already been there, you can begin your journey on the right foundation. To Latina/os, it is even more important for us to have education under our belts, the business world is not forgiving to those who are unprepared. If you are looking to start a green business, do it because you are passionate about it, learn what it means, and teach others about the importance of preserving our planets resources.

GVA: What is the most common misconception about green jobs?

MM: That you must have tons of knowledge and years of experience in this industry.

To learn more about Marta’s green company check out her website at: www.bangledox.com.