San Francisco, CA
“Transilient: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Erin: A scientist. I wanted to do chemistry, like a mad scientist though.
Transilient: Like to stop bad guys?
Erin: Yeah, but I think I wanted to be the bad guy probably! [laughs] Yeah, I think what I love about entrepreneurship in general is that I get to do something new everyday, and it's like a giant problem that always needs to be solved. And it’s just like every day, you wake up and do something new and it’s constantly a challenge, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Transilient: Do you think that creating clothing is also a science as well as an art?
Erin: Yeah, and tailoring obviously has such a long history. The more that I learn about the garment that I’m selling, the more I don’t know anything about what I’m doing. And so I’ve been very lucky to work with tailors that have really taken me under their wing and taught me quite a bit about the garment and what to do, and I’m constantly in the process of learning ― and that’s what I most enjoy.”
More about Erin: Erin Berg co-founded Kipper Clothier in 2013, following the repeal of Proposition 8, out of a need to create clothing that inspires pride and confidence within the LGBTQ community. Personally frustrated by the lack of options for transgender men looking for high-quality, custom-fitted suits, Berg decided to start Kipper Clothiers to provide a comfortable and safe space that catered to every body type, despite gender identity.