Brian Rath
he/him
he/him
Where are you from?
Iowa
Iowa
What do you do at MINNA?
I am a Retail Associate
I am a Retail Associate
How did you get started with MINNA?
In September of 2020 I resigned from my position at a research hospital, packed my car, and headed east to start a new life in the Hudson Valley. Since moving I have worked as a visual merchandiser for a few companies in the Old Capitol Region. Even though I loved working in visual merchandising, I eventually felt an internal conflict between my desire to work in a creative field, while witnessing first hand the negative impact the fashion and home furnishings industry had upon the environment, its workers, and consumers--locally and globally. In turn, I discovered that MINNA considers how their business practice impacts their employees, the supply chain, customers, communities and the environment. Upon learning that MINNA was recently certified as a B Corporation, I became even more obsessed with the products and the company! I knew immediately that I wanted to become an employee of MINNA and after a few emails and an interview, I am very honored to tell people that I work for a leading company that balances purpose and profit.
In September of 2020 I resigned from my position at a research hospital, packed my car, and headed east to start a new life in the Hudson Valley. Since moving I have worked as a visual merchandiser for a few companies in the Old Capitol Region. Even though I loved working in visual merchandising, I eventually felt an internal conflict between my desire to work in a creative field, while witnessing first hand the negative impact the fashion and home furnishings industry had upon the environment, its workers, and consumers--locally and globally. In turn, I discovered that MINNA considers how their business practice impacts their employees, the supply chain, customers, communities and the environment. Upon learning that MINNA was recently certified as a B Corporation, I became even more obsessed with the products and the company! I knew immediately that I wanted to become an employee of MINNA and after a few emails and an interview, I am very honored to tell people that I work for a leading company that balances purpose and profit.
What does working ethically mean to you?
I believe that working ethically takes into account the individual employees needs and what is in the best interest of everyone and everything that may be impacted in every phase of the business process (from product conception to sales). To work ethically also means that profit never supersedes the humane treatment of humans or the environment.
I believe that working ethically takes into account the individual employees needs and what is in the best interest of everyone and everything that may be impacted in every phase of the business process (from product conception to sales). To work ethically also means that profit never supersedes the humane treatment of humans or the environment.
An unexpected day off looks like…
long walks with my dog, hiking, making art, horseback riding, and/or any activity that involves large bodies of water.
long walks with my dog, hiking, making art, horseback riding, and/or any activity that involves large bodies of water.
Secret/hidden talents?
I spent the majority of my childhood and adolescence obsessing over and riding horses. In the past I have assisted a few horse farms with training young horses. I have always found an unmatched level of inner peace whenever I am near or riding a horse.
I spent the majority of my childhood and adolescence obsessing over and riding horses. In the past I have assisted a few horse farms with training young horses. I have always found an unmatched level of inner peace whenever I am near or riding a horse.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten? The best piece of advice you give?
Pick the path that lights you up and do not let normal get in the way.
Pick the path that lights you up and do not let normal get in the way.
