Pillar Heights creates sustainable cycling apparel out of natural fibres like hemp and organic cotton. We got to speak with Andrew Gonzalez to find out more about them.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Pillar Heights. We create sustainable cycling apparel and soon to be business casual goods out of natural fibres like hemp and organic cotton in Railtown
What made you want to do this work?
Clothing is shelter, it’s very important and we wanted to show that it was possible to improve not only the natural performance of clothing but make it locally, affordable and ethical.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
We want to address any pain or harm that this industry causes while at the same time creating the final products that enhance people’s experiences wearing the clothing.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
The clients are value-oriented. Intentional and passionate people who consider their purchases. The number of topics covered in conversations at the studio and email just goes to prove we’re dealing with some great minds. You’d think we’d talk about cycling or sustainability, but we talk about politics, economics, therapy, healing, consciousness and psychedelics to name a few… I guess this is Vancouver after all!
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We have a collection of our work on display at our studio and retail front and online, when someone sees something they like they either purchase it online or ask us if we can do something new or an adjustment to an existing design. That’s how we’ve been working for the past 2 years at this location. Face masks sales have been pretty good and now our cycling jerseys are becoming more popular as word of mouth spreads.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Pillar Heights is in between studios after moving out of the Railtown location where we were making face masks since the pandemic started.
The best way to find me and to see the products is to contact me directly and we’ll set up a meeting near downtown or I’ll ride on over with a couple of options and sizes. Anything to make sure you’re comfortable and have the right fit. We’ll be looking at getting out to more markers and events as well and who knows maybe get back into a studio before you know it. There’s so much work to do.
pillarheights@gmail.com ph. 236 886 3697
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Why choose us out of the thousands of other manufacturers?
We have a friendship policy! We’re all about how we’re contributing to this city and making sure we can move towards healthier and happier lives together.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Getting thank you messages from customers and keeping in touch with those customers.
The worst part is not being able to do more, we’re wanting to expand the collection for all ages and lifestyles and are going to need to build a team for that, so that’s counteracted with a lot of hope and optimism actually and something to look forward to.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Working for yourself is amazing… I get to pick which 12 hours of the day I want to work…
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
@fabcyclevan A social enterprise on a mission to recycle and reuse fabric waste.
