Khora - Sustainable Activewear Inspired by Nature

In today's world, where fast fashion and mass production often take center stage, individuals like Marina stand as beacons of change. Her remarkable journey, from passionate pole dancer to visionary founder behind Khora, a sustainable activewear brand, is nothing short of inspiring.

As someone who's had the privilege of witnessing Khora's growth and experiencing the magic of its creations firsthand, I'm excited to share Marina's extraordinary story and the profound philosophy that fuels Khora's mission.

A Chance Encounter at Happy Kiss Pole Dance

Marina's journey into the world of fashion began with a love for pole dancing in 2014. Beyond physical activity, it became a means of personal expression and a gateway to a supportive community. It is indeed trough the poledance community that I met Marina In 2019!

Upon my arrival in Gainesville, my top priority was finding a pole dance studio to continue practicing. That's how I discovered Happy Kiss Pole Dance Studio. Little did I know, I'd stumble upon more than just a great pole studio - it was a wonderful community, inclusive, supportive, and always cheering (but that's a story deserving its own post!).

It's within this vibrant community that I had the privilege of meeting Marina. She stood out as an incredibly powerful, energetic, and positive woman, teaching pole choreo classes at the studio (Rock'nPole classes were truly a blast!).

I vividly remember the small corner shop at Happy Kiss Pole Studio where I started noticing new items appearing, including beautiful tank tops and shirts (among those, the iconic "Climb higher" top!).

I was completely fascinated by the idea of integrating nature's inspiration so wisely into such modern and elegant pieces of clothing that I bought the "Climb higher" top with no hesitation.

Only later did I discover that behind this wonderful brand, so curated and sophisticated, was Marina herself. Not a team of designers from the fashion industry, just her! This revelation was incredibly inspiring, and it's the reason I'm so thrilled to write about her story today.

Khora: Where Values and Fashion Converge

Marina's journey from pole dancing enthusiast to sustainable fashion advocate is truly inspiring. Her experience in the pole community, where support and inclusivity thrived, set the stage for her remarkable venture, Khora.

Khora is more than a brand; it's a manifesto - a testament to Marina's unwavering commitment to integrity, quality, harmony ... and fun!

With a strong belief in creating high quality enduring items, Marina has made it her mission to uphold transparency and responsibility throughout Khora's journey producing locally and ethically in small batches, minimizing waste, and using recycled or reusable materials wherever possible.

Sustainable and fun, Khora's clothes are both, designed with flattering cuts and timeless styles they want to make you feel comfortable, inspire confidence and creativity so you can relax and have fun, play, and explore your passions.

The Genesis of Khora

Marina's fascination with fashion choices that broke the mold dates back to her childhood. She would often transform her clothing to reflect her mood and personality. It wasn't until adulthood, when she received a sewing machine as a gift from her parents, that the idea of creating her own fashion pieces took root.

Khora's inception was a collaborative effort, born out of a shared passion for pole wear with a close friend.

Their inspiration? A beloved pole wear brand that had ceased to exist.

Marina's early partner eventually ventured into other pursuits, leaving her to navigate the complexities of the fashion industry.

Navigating the Path from Idea to Reality

The journey from concept to reality proved to be a profound learning experience. Guided by her father, whose expertise lay in apparel manufacturing, she embarked on a voyage of self-discovery. Despite encountering early obstacles and making mistakes along the way, each step brought her closer to realizing her vision.

Khora faced its most formidable challenge with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just as they were poised to commence production, manufacturing facilities shifted their focus to produce vital PPE, causing prices to skyrocket. Faced with this daunting obstacle, some might have considered giving up or waiting for better times. But Marina had a different vision. She chose to invest in new equipment and took matters into her own hands, crafting the clothing herself.

In the face of adversity, Marina transformed what could have been a harbinger of doom for Khora into an opportunity. She used this setback to make her brand even more sustainable and deeply personal.

Nature's Influence on Creation

For Marina, nature is a boundless source of inspiration that seeps into every thread and design. Marina's background in biology has had a profound impact on the way Khora operates. Her constant interaction with nature and the study of organisms have informed everything from the materials used to the designs created. It's a fusion of science and fashion that sets Khora apart.

The Khora Philosophy: Making People Feel Good

Beyond its sustainable practices, Khora's core philosophy is centered on making people feel good, both in and about the clothing they wear (and… yes, I confirm, this is what Khora’s clothes do!).

Marina's passion for creating is surpassed only by the joy she derives from sharing her creations with others! When I asked Marina about the most rewarding aspect of Khora, she had no hesitation:

Seeing people wear and love what she has created is the most rewarding aspect of Marina's work. The satisfaction of knowing her pieces bring joy to others is immeasurable.

The Supportive Network Behind Khora

It is not easy to go anywhere without support, and Marina has been lucky enough to have a network of amazing people encouraging her to be brave, follow her dream, and do what makes her happy. The unwavering support of her original co-founder (her biggest cheerleader!), her husband, and her family has been fundamental for the success of this journey. Last but not least, Marina acknowledges the incredible support received from her clients, whose feedback has been instrumental in shaping Khora since day one!

Marina's journey from pole dancing enthusiast to sustainable fashion advocate exemplifies the power of passion, dedication, and commitment to ethical choices.

Khora isn't just about clothing; it's a celebration of nature, authenticity, and the belief that fashion can be a force for positive change. The name "Khora" itself, meaning "A place of becoming," encapsulates the idea that growth and change are essential parts of life's journey.

I hope you will find Marina's journey inspiring as much as I found it. For more sustainable fashion inspiration, explore Khora's unique designs on their website and social media accounts. Join us on our journey towards a greener, more sustainable future in fashion!

More info: Khora (https://khorastore.com/)

Acknowledgements - Huge thanks to Marina for welcoming me in her house. She opened the door of her working space. It was amazing to see her creative environment and to have the chance to get a closer look to her working flow!

Thanks to Flow Space for hosting our indoor shooting and to Johanna Monserratte by Happy Kiss Pole Dance for providing us with the pole stage and assisting us during the shooting!

Thanks to the whole shooting team, Marina, Rachel and Amanda (from left to right), I could not ask for a better crew!

Words & Pictures: Laura Fanfarillo

Models: Marina Karin, Amanda Rae-Apatow Powers, Rachel Nicole Walker