When it comes to ethical fashion, few brands are doing it better than Mirth. Sisters Katie McClure and Erin Breen founded the company 10 years ago, bringing a modern take on traditional techniques like handloom weaving and hand block printing. Their mission helps sustain and celebrate craft across the globe, providing meaningful employment to artisan communities in developing countries. And they do it all with a dose of effortlessly chic, endlessly comfortable, high-quality clothing that will stand the test of time.
As the brand celebrates a decade in business, Mirth’s story feels more relevant than ever: a thoughtful counterpoint to fast fashion, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a testament to the power of building something slowly and intentionally. To honor their 10-year milestone, we sat down with Katie to reflect on the early spark that became Mirth, the evolution of the brand, and the moments that continue to make the work meaningful.
Happy 10 Year Anniversary! Going back to the early days of the brand, what sparked the idea for Mirth?
Thank you! MIRTH started in a way neither my sister Erin nor I ever expected. We were on completely different career paths — I studied textiles at UT but worked in event planning and HR, and Erin ran a therapy clinic for children with autism.
The idea started to take shape when I took time off to travel through Bali. I lived in caftans while I was there — Erin had introduced me to their style and ease when she was pregnant — but I didn’t love the fabrics. There was such a disconnect between the fast-fashion versions in the markets and the beautiful handmade textiles created by artisans across that part of the world. I kept imagining what it would look like to bring the two together: an easy, effortless silhouette made with slow-made, heritage fabrics and refined tailoring.
That idea followed me from Bali to Nepal and eventually to India, where Erin joined me. One day in Jaipur everything clicked — we spent hours meeting textile makers, digging through market stalls and basements for antique and newly made fabrics, completely immersed in the craft. The day ended with an elephant ride in the desert, and we both had this undeniable feeling that we’d found our calling. At that moment we felt pure mirth.
That moment became the spark for the brand and the foundation of everything we’ve built over the past ten years.
What has been the most rewarding part about building this business?
One of the greatest rewards has been seeing the direct impact our work has on our artisan partners. Every time we visit India, we’re reminded why we started MIRTH. Our work helps support craftsmen and their families, and during difficult times like the pandemic, continuing to produce with them felt more meaningful than ever. To witness a textile being made in the fields of India and later see a customer wearing that same piece in the U.S. is truly fulfilling.
There’s also a creative joy that never gets old: watching an idea move from sketch to final sample still feels surreal. And professionally, it’s a pinch-me moment every single time I see someone out in the world wearing MIRTH.
On a personal level, building this brand has changed me. I’ve gained a confidence that feels real and rooted in purpose. I no longer feel the need to show up a certain way, I’m too focused on work that fills my cup and allows me to stand fully in my own skin. Even on the hard days, I’m doing something I deeply believe in, and that is incredibly rewarding.
Tell us about your showroom. What do you love most about the location, and what is a typical day like at HQ?
We’re incredibly lucky to have a location that houses everything—our warehouse, offices, and a retail space we call a showroom. It’s rare to find a space like this in the city center, and even rarer in Houston to find an older building with so much character. We painted the exterior a dark gray, almost black, and the interior is bright white and clean. We love being in the leafy Museum District—a charming, central Houston neighborhood.
A typical day might include a staff meeting and plenty of video calls, since much of our team is remote. I might start with an early morning design session with our head of design in Delhi, then move on to social media planning with Faith in Austin, and sales recaps with our head of wholesale in LA. Our Houston fulfillment team is the most positive and lovely group, and I love taking a break to chat with them. Our team sits alongside our “roomies,” Freya Hats, and there’s never a shortage of laughs. This week’s playlist? A crowdsourced selection of everyone’s most-played songs at 15.
We’re always in motion—prepping for an e-commerce shoot in the warehouse, setting up for a sample sale, shooting product, packing for Round Top, chasing lizards out the back door (ha!), or planning our Thanksgiving Pickleball tournament (coordinated outfits included!). I also love popping by when customers are shopping to chat about fabrics or upcoming collections. And of course, on occasion a quick walk down the street to Agnes for coffee and banana bread is always a highlight.
You build collections inspired by different global destinations. What has been your favorite place to travel to, for work or fun?
Jaipur, of course, and Japan.
Jaipur—the Pink City—is a true fairytale: palaces, lush gardens filled with peacocks, and treasure troves of textiles around every corner. The cafes and creative spaces feel like playgrounds for design lovers. We’re fortunate to travel there twice a year to meet with the family of block printers we’ve collaborated with for years, and to let the city’s color, energy, and craftsmanship inspire the year ahead. If you haven’t been yet, it’s absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.
Japan offers a completely different kind of inspiration. Its restrained design contrasts to India’s opulence and feeling that dichotomy helps me carve out my own niche from what so many producing in India are doing. I love the deliberate design, the vibrant street style and the innovation. It feels intentional and artful. The attention to detail and respect for tradition there continually informs how we approach our own work at MIRTH.
What do you have planned for the next ten years?
I’m not much of a long-term planner, but I do have some exciting ideas I hope to bring to life over the next ten years. Expanding MIRTH into new product areas like men’s, swim, and even kids. I dream of a collaboration with a hotel. I’d also love to dive deeper into traditional handcraft techniques and continue learning from the incredible artisans we work with. Looking further ahead, another goal of mine is to transition MIRTH into a platform that supports a women’s charity in India, giving back to the communities that have inspired us from the very beginning.
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