Less than two years ago, Jackie Kerin sat at the kitchen table with her parents, Chris and Andrea, discussing the ups and downs of her venture in veganism. While the lifestyle proved satisfying, the college-aged woman had trouble stocking her wardrobe with styles not only considered fashionable, but easily accessible and environmentally friendly. The family began searching for a solution, first with frequent trips to New York City, visiting designers and exploring the fashion world. When the perfect antique building just steps from Yale University became available, Chris Kerin made his move and snatched up the space. Nine months, one green design overhaul, and a meticulous inventory selection later, the family’s boutique was officially born. The stylish shop, which sports the family’s last name, is the first all-vegan boutique in New Haven, Conn., selling men’s and women’s wear from affordable attire to upscale chic. With classic vegan designers on standby, including Matt & Nat and Olsen Haus, Kerin also keeps an eye out for up and coming designers—local, national, and beyond—as well as any cutting-edge cruelty-free fashions. Opening its doors in early December 2009, Kerin is already making its mark on the Connecticut college town. Chris Kerin took VN behind the scenes of the new shop and its compassionate philosophy.

VegNews: Kerin’s philosophy is dedicated to veganism and the environment, and you’ve mentioned educating employees on causes. How do you include employees in your mission?
Chris Kerin: There are five colleges in New Haven, and several of our employees are students either locally, or in NYC internships. Most of the people we interviewed loved fashion, had someone close to them who was vegan, and had an interest in helping animals and the environment. Our employees are involved in our buying process, and are quickly becoming experts on how our fashions benefit animals and the environment. While we don’t require employees to become vegan, we encourage them to make one choice each day that benefits animals.

VN: Do you have any plans for animal-rights fundraisers or events?
CK: We are working with animal-rights groups both locally and nationally to help animals, and are currently selling a custom-designed bulldog charity tee, with all profits benefiting animal charities. We will have a contest each season for a new charity tee design. Designers can submit their designs on our website. We started Kerin to help animals. Our goal is to make it easy and convenient to live an eco-friendly, vegan lifestyle, without sacrificing fashion. Any profits from the store will be used to expand the concept and support animal charities.

VN: You’ve taken care to include some important green initiatives in the stores’ operations. What makes Kerin both vegan and green?
CK: Green is vegan. In the store design, we used state-of-the-art low voltage LED lighting, eco-friendly Italian tile flooring, and shelving and table tops made from recycled materials. We even have a display table repurposed from the hood of a ‘70s VW Super Beetle. Our designer clothing is produced using sustainable production methods, incorporating fabrics such as organic cotton and bamboo. We benefit the planet by eliminating leather and other animal products from our fashions.

VN: How do you see veganism evolving within New Haven, as well as the city’s potential impact on veganism as a whole?
CK: I can envision New Haven growing in the future and embracing the green movement. Most vegans I’ve met have one thing in common—they’re smart. They think for themselves, and don’t just blindly follow the herd. New Haven is young and smart—there’s a lot of talent and creativity in the city.

Photo by Carol Hsin, Yale Daily News