Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne Rogelstad.
Hi Suzanne, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Isla & Saige was born from a shared dream between a mother and daughter who believed that beautiful clothing should be made differently. After years of watching the fashion industry move toward fast fashion, synthetic fabrics, and overseas production, we felt there was an opportunity to create something more meaningful—timeless pieces made with integrity.
We started Isla & Saige with a commitment to American craftsmanship, natural fabrics, and thoughtful design. Every garment is made in the USA using high-quality linen, cotton, and other natural fibers because we care deeply about what people put on their bodies, not just what they put in them. Our designs are inspired by a sense of nostalgia, blending the effortless elegance of East Coast summers with the relaxed beauty of the California coast.
What began as a passion project has grown into a brand that resonates with women who value quality, sustainability, and timeless style. Today, Isla & Saige is expanding through boutique partnerships, trunk shows, and a growing community of customers who appreciate clothing that is designed to last—both in quality and in style.
At its heart, Isla & Saige is about creating pieces that become part of life’s most cherished moments while preserving the values of craftsmanship, authenticity, and connection that inspired us from the very beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, we’ve learned a lot through trial and error. We’ve invested significant time and money into developing samples and conducting photoshoots, only to ultimately decide that the finished product didn’t meet our standards and start over from scratch. While painful, those experiences reinforced our commitment to quality and never putting our name on something we don’t absolutely love.
We’ve also faced production delays that resulted in missed opportunities and lost sales, as well as the financial challenges that come with building a business from the ground up. Traditional financing has not always been available to us, which has meant making personal sacrifices and finding creative ways to keep moving forward.
One of our biggest challenges has been navigating wholesale relationships. Early on, we offered generous payment terms to boutiques in an effort to get our brand into stores. Unfortunately, not every retailer honored their commitments. We ultimately had to file two small claims court cases to recover unpaid invoices—money we were counting on to support operations and pay down debt. Those experiences taught us valuable lessons about protecting our business while still building strong retail partnerships.
We’ve also experienced the emotional side of entrepreneurship. We’ve invested in trade shows and markets, spending thousands of dollars and months of preparation, only to have buyers walk past our booth without stopping. Those moments can be incredibly discouraging when you’ve poured your heart into creating something you believe in.
But every setback has made us stronger. We’ve learned to trust our instincts, refine our processes, and stay focused on our long-term vision. Building a brand is rarely a straight line, and while the challenges have been significant, they’ve also shaped who we are as founders and strengthened our determination to create a company built on quality, integrity, and perseverance.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the co-founder of Isla & Saige, I wear many hats. Since we’re still a young company—just two years old—I handle everything from bookkeeping and cash flow management to planning future collections and ensuring we have the resources needed to continue growing.
While there are many aspects of running a business that I enjoy, my favorite part is building relationships with boutique owners and helping them determine whether Isla & Saige is a good fit for their customers. It can be challenging at times. There are days when emails go unanswered, phone calls aren’t returned, or conversations are shorter than you’d hope. But I genuinely love connecting with people, hearing their stories, learning about their businesses, and sharing the story behind our brand. When I have the opportunity to speak with someone who is excited to learn about what we’re creating, it never feels like work.
What I am most proud of is how far my daughter and I have come together. Building a business has challenged us in ways we never expected, but it has also helped us grow tremendously as entrepreneurs and as individuals. We started with a vision and a belief that there was a place in the market for thoughtfully made, high-quality clothing, and today we’re seeing that vision come to life. One of our proudest accomplishments is seeing Isla & Saige outperform long-established brands in boutiques that carry our collection.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality, health, and craftsmanship. Isla & Saige is a non-toxic clothing brand that uses natural fibers such as linen, cotton, and silk, and every piece is proudly made in the United States. We believe people care not only about what they put in their bodies, but also what they put on them.
Beyond our products, we are known for exceptional customer service. In an era when it’s difficult to reach a real person, we’re the company that answers the phone, responds to questions, and goes above and beyond to support both our customers and retail partners. We stand behind everything we create, and we believe those personal relationships and commitment to excellence are what truly make Isla & Saige different.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was the only girl among four children, so I was never afraid to get my hands dirty. You were just as likely to find me playing in the dirt with toy cars or building forts as doing anything traditionally considered “girly.” I loved being outside, especially during the summer, and spent as much time as possible enjoying the outdoors.
I was always active and involved in a variety of activities. I played tennis, took ballet lessons, spent countless hours swimming, and loved riding my bike around the neighborhood. Looking back, I think those experiences helped shape my adventurous and determined personality.
I’ve always been a people person. I loved being around others, making connections, and building friendships. As I got older, I also discovered an entrepreneurial side of myself. I was fascinated by the idea of creating something of my own and dreamed of owning a business one day. Even before I knew exactly what that business would be, I was drawn to the freedom, creativity, and challenge of entrepreneurship.
In many ways, the person I am today isn’t all that different from the girl I was growing up. I still love connecting with people, I still enjoy creating and building things, and I still have the same adventurous spirit and determination that have helped me navigate the journey of building Isla & Saige.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.islaandsaige.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islaandsaige/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/islaandsaige
