Trim suppliers, factories, and skilled workers all dwindled, and like everyone else – I was forced to look elsewhere. Some of my manufacturing was done in Italy, which was super expensive and deliveries were rarely on time. I love Indian craft, detail and products but deliveries were difficult as well.

So I too tried China. I had horrible experiences at first, so I personally went to see what was going on. I realized the integrity of our negotiations was unreliable and walked away from the meetings very concerned about doing business in China.

After one of the very difficult meetings a woman who worked at one of the factories asked if she could speak with me. She said she knew exactly what kind of quality I wanted and that if I gave her a chance – she would prove her work to me.

Yes she did, a hundred times over.

She revealed a few years ago that when she met me she was at a terrible point in her life. She had to leave her husband and did so with her children. She started this factory to do my work and we have grown together as business associates and as soul sisters.

She makes beautiful clothing for me and watches my back at every turn, and I, in turn, will be loyal to her. I know that her factory is well run and top level, and it is evident in the quality of the product she produces.

However, I understand why you ask this question and I am very sensitive to the why.

In the end I still do manufacture in the USA because I am proud to provide jobs and offer opportunity in the USA with my company. I am expanding domestic production, and always searching for American made materials as well as for new opportunities for future domestic growth.
We need to train more skilled American workers and focus on how to rethink manufacturing in the USA.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell you my thoughts and respond to your question.

Norma Kamali