Zingmade Origin Story

Before finding my way to knitwear design in New York City, I grew up in Canada and spent four formative years in California. 

My name is Keren and at 27 years old I decided to 180* my entire career to become a fashion designer. I grew up in Chatham Ontario, Canada, a small rural town most known for it’s corn and crocs. Let me just say that crocs are a fashion statement of their own, and I will respect their art form as my foundational youth. 

At 19 years old, I pursued my first degree in Sociology, where I spent time learning about the way society behaves. Although I am not actively pursuing my first degree, I do believe these lessons shaped me into seeing the design world through the lens of the people. 

At 23 I moved to Santa Barbara, California to support my now Husband while he completed his PhD. This move was very huge and difficult because I was introduced to a new country and a new way of living. Financially there were struggles, I switched to thrifting and DIYing everything in my life. Although more difficult, one of my favorite forms of this lifestyle was saying goodbye to fast fashion while pursing ethical and sustainable shopping. I believe myself to be a true sustainable designer. Everything I make now has been thought out and crafted  with my people in mind. I’ve thrifted absolutely everything in my life for the past 5 years as a dedication to this lifestyle.  

There was a career struggle here too, yes I finished my undergraduate degree but was I happy with what I had pursued? I remember Michael sitting me down and asking what I really wanted to do with my life. Telling me he would fully support any decision I made forward, this was a pivotal moment. All you need is one person who sees you for all that you are and your potential. Without Michaels loyalty and encouragement I don’t think I would be the designer I am today. 

Then fate happened, I was sitting in my car knitting on a random weekday. A man named Charlie came up to my car window holding two chihuahuas. He asked me if I was looking to buy new yarn from his garage, an obvious kidnapping scenario right? I politely declined but Michael thought it would be fun to “check out”, an out of character move for my usually rational and careful partner. 

So we drove uphill to Charlie's house and he was not kidding. He pulled out 12 large XL totes full of high quality yarnballs. We’re talking Angora, Merino Wool, Cashmere, Silk. Charlie said he would sell it to us $1 per yarnball if I promised to do something big with it. Thus began Zingmade’s knitwear journey. I purchased a knitting machine and self taught myself how to knit all types of garments.  

I loved spending my days doing this, but I knew I needed a solid foundation. I wanted mentors and a community I could grow alongside. With lots of research, I decided to apply to fashion school. Not just any ofcourse, I am an extreme person. I applied to the top schools in the country. After teaching myself to draw too, to sew, creating a portfolio and interviewing with schools- I got accepted to each one of them. 

Currently I am pursuing fashion design in New York City at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I love it here and I love what I do. 

When I’m making sustainable fashion for Zingmade I’m using deadstock fabrics, deadstock yarns, I’m sourcing and planning each piece you see. My followers help me decide of course through moodboard planning, polls and online comments. So if you want to interact and help me design feel free to follow @kerenzingman along on the journey. 

My path towards Zingmade has been anything but linear. Raised in Canada, shaped by years in California, and now rooted in New York City. I hope it resonates with you and I appreciate your interest in supporting sustainable fashion. While Zingmade is a knitwear brand, it’s also proof that fashion can be sustainable, personal, and shaped by community. Thank you for being part of this story.