Live Sustainably and Feel Sexy With Activewear Brand, Aura7
We believe that sustainability is sexy, so when we find brands that share our same way of thinking, we jump at the chance to have a convo.
Recently, we were introduced to an activewear brand, Aura7, who is all about sustainability. Franciska Bray-Mezey started the brand from the ground up and paid extra special attention to the potential effects it would have on the environment. Want to learn more about this fashionable, comfortable and sustainable brand? Keep scrolling for our full interview with Franciska of Aura7!
Sweety High: How long has Aura7 been around? What's your story?
Franciska Bray-Mezey: I'm the founder and creative director of Aura7 Activewear (launched in August 2020 but the idea and development goes way back to 2019.) I was born and raised in Hungary, but my adventures led me to sunny Southern California where I live with my husband and three beautiful boys. I spend my days teaching and practicing yoga while living a healthy, active and eco-friendly lifestyle. Over time, I realized a need for a brand that's not only fashionable, high-quality, high-performance and comfortable, but one that also keeps our planet safe so the next generation can experience the miracles of our beautiful Earth. Welcome to Aura7!
SH: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
FBM: Most of my inspiration comes from Mother Nature. Our color choices and prints all are inspired by our beautiful planet and universe. Our leggings are named after different stars of the universe while our tops are named after beautiful California beaches.
Our other inspiration is the female body. Our message is clear. We are all beautiful, unique, and worthy of love and compassion. We celebrate the female body and we are working hard to create designs that make all women feel sexy and gorgeous. As we say it: Sexy, meet sustainable.
SH: What's the most popular product on your site?
FBM: The Capella leggings ($112) for sure! They are high-waisted and super sculpting. Want a full range of motion without compromising on support or comfort? Capella has you covered. The perfect bottoms for any outdoor activity, or even for lounging at the beach or home. The high waistband shapes your tummy while the scrunched back provides your booty with the support and shaping it needs to look naturally full and round. The only thing you need for a perfect bum day.
Another one is our gorgeous crisscross Malibu top ($84) that gives you the perfect amount of support with the most flattering exposure so you can move freely and safely doing your favorite indoor or outdoor activity. The racerback strikes the perfect balance of seamless support. An innovative elastic band creates increased breathability for extended wear, while the crossover front design reduces heat retention. It was designed and uniquely fit to flatter every size.
SH: Tell us about the fabric you use!
FBM: One of our buttery soft, high-end fabrics is made from ECONYL yarn, which is a 100% regenerated nylon yarn derived from discarded fishing nets and other nylon waste. Another yarn, Amni Soul Eco, is made from reused materials and is also biodegradable. Most nylons take more than a half-century to decompose, but Amni Soul takes less than four years in the landfill.
Both materials are made with green technology, utilizing methods that reduce water and energy and decrease the environmental footprint of the end-product. And it doesn't stop there—everything we do, from shipping materials to the labels and hangtags, incorporates recycled and/or biodegradable materials. All of our pieces feature shape retention, UV protection, excellent coverage, and provide a perfect fit with extra comfort. Aura7 is on the cutting edge of research and constantly utilizes the latest technology and eco-friendly techniques.
SH: What activities do people typically do when wearing Aura7?
FBM: Because of the nature of the fabric, its UV resistance, moisture control and super soft feeling, you can wear the garments to do hot yoga, running, a workout at the gym or even for a beach day or a hike in the woods. I literally live in them. They are so comfortable and breathable.
SH: Any favorite celebs wearing your apparel?
FBM: We are a small brand but already having lots of attention from different celebrities like Keke Palmer, Lucy Hale, Gabrielle Union, Jana Kramer, Heather Rae Young, Debbie Matenopoulos, Teddi Mellencamp, Katrina Bowden, Catt Sadler, KJ Smith, Edy Ganem and Lyndon Smith!
SH: What are the must-have pieces every girl needs to own?
FBM: The Capella high rise leggings ($112) and Malibu top ($84) are a must. They literally work for all body types and shapes and they are so comfortable! The Capella Leggings give you an instant booty lift, while the Malibu Top is the sexiest, most comfortable no-bra bra out there.
SH: What has it been like running a business during COVID?
FBM: Even better—launching a business during COVID lockdown—it was kind of nerve-racking to start something brand new in a time when everything is so uncertain. I would be lying if I told you that quitting didn't cross my mind. But at the end of the day, no matter how difficult a situation looks like, if you truly believe in something, you work hard, and your heart is in the right place, you'll succeed. So I jump headfirst and here I am. No regrets!
SH: What is your role with One Tree Planted?
FBM: We partnered with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization to offset our carbon emissions. With every purchase you make, we plant trees where they're needed the most with the help of One Tree Planted.
We are also a member of the non-profit Healthy Seas, and we give one percent of all revenues to fund these brave volunteer divers who collect discarded fishing nets and other waste. One of our high-end recycled fabrics is made of ECONYL® yarn, which is a 100 percent regenerated nylon yarn derived from discarded fishing nets, and other nylon waste. As we like to say—clean the seas, plant more trees!
SH: Anything else our audience should know?
FBM: It was really important for me to make sure that our production and shipping process is as sustainable as possible. We don't use single-use plastic in our production or shipping process. Everything we use is compostable, biodegradable or recycled and recyclable. Our garments are made in Orange County, California. It is important to us to know that every single person in the process of creating Aura7 Activewear was treated fairly with respect at a safe workplace.
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