Caroline Hartline, a lawyer and mother of three from the NSW South Coast, is making waves in the sustainable fashion industry with her brands Billie Green and Ozeano Glasses. Billie Green is Australia’s first Sustainable Intimates brand for Tweens and teenagers, offering bras made from natural, performance-based materials without nylon and polyester. On the other hand, Ozeano Glasses focuses on premium, bio-based materials for sustainable eyewear, partnering with initiatives in ocean protection.
Caroline’s journey into entrepreneurship was inspired by her love for the ocean and her concern over the hidden plastic in children’s clothing. She saw a gap in the market for safe, sustainable intimates for young people, leading her to create Billie Green. The brand sets itself apart by using innovative fibers like Lenzing Lyocell and Modal, combined with organic cotton, and ensuring all fabrics are Oeko-Tex 100 certified and free from polyester and nylon.
Since its launch, Billie Green has evolved by listening to customer feedback and prioritizing a customer-first approach. Caroline’s most effective marketing strategy has been targeting parents of Tweens and Pre-Teens through meta-advertising, highlighting the brand’s unique selling points. She plans to expand her reach to teenagers through platforms like TikTok in the future.
Success, for Caroline, goes beyond profitability to making a positive impact on the planet. She envisions a future where her initiatives help reduce plastic waste in products like school uniforms. Despite facing challenges like high minimum orders for specialized fabrics, Caroline’s dedication to innovation and risk-taking has driven her brands forward.
To stay focused and creative, Caroline incorporates daily exercise and organization into her routine, essential for balancing work and family life. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace digital tools and continuously learn in today’s rapidly changing landscape. For those interested in learning more about her work, Caroline invites them to visit her website and connect with her on Instagram.
Caroline Hartline’s story is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and sustainability in driving success in the competitive fashion industry. Her commitment to creating healthier alternatives for young people and families is inspiring and sets a new standard for ethical fashion brands.