Privacy Wear Life Inspired Clothing

Carolyn Jones Bio

President and Founder PrivacyWear, Inc.

"We're more than a fashion statement - we're a statement of values. The driving force of our organization is to bring breast cancer awareness to the fashion marketplace. We believe in quality, for our apparel and for human life. We pursue a double bottom line - people, as well as profit. This isn't about me. It's about giving back to a cause." - Carolyn Jones

In 2002, Carolyn M. Jones, 43, formed a clothing company, PrivacyWear, with a mission: Find a cure for breast cancer, the disease that killed her mother seven years ago.

It all started one day during the 12-months between her mother's diagnosis and her passing on November 16, 2000. Jones was in the City of Hope Hospital with her mother having a conversation about passion. Her mom knew that she always loved clothing and the fashion industry.

"Mom looked at me and said, 'Do something that you're passionate about and find a way to give back.'" Thus PrivacyWear was born.

But why the name PrivacyWear?

Troubled by the immodesty of her mother's hospital gown, Jones decided to name her company in homage to the wearer's dignity and respect. Because her mother died on Nov. 16, that number would figure prominently on the clothing, as would designs of the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon, the PRVCY logo, crowns, eagle's wings and inspirational slogans such as 'Mission. Purpose. Cure.' and "We cannot be silent."

Carolyn's mother, Jean James, passed away before the first design or concept of Privacy Wear.

Today, the clothing brand graces the pages of O (Oprah Magazine), VIBE, and Teen Vogue, as well as ads on Lifetime Network, MTV, ESPN and VH1. Jones, a single mother of a 14-year old daughter, is quick to point out that PrivacyWear is with a purpose - to battle the leading disease affecting women today.

Born in Los Angeles, raised in Carson, California, and now residing in Corona, California, Jones is unapologetic when it comes to being a fresh face in the fashion industry. Jones gave up a six-figure salary in the information technology industry to combine her two passions - fashion and breast cancer awareness. Raised in a closely knit family, she earned degrees in computer science and business from Pepperdine University. She worked for such companies as IBM, Technicolor and Buy.com, and landed a job she loved at Hewlett-Packard, where she worked for 12 years in senior management, traveling throughout the world building H-P's internet infrastructure, web technology and managing over 100 technical resources across the country.

To start PrivacyWear, Jones invested $100,000 and pulled together a team of longtime friends. In the company's early days, she and her staff would buttonhole strangers and pass out clothing samples in mall parking lots.

As the brand began to gain momentum, Jones hired a design team in New York and a manufacturer in Korea. The company grew from standard tops and bottoms to expanded apparel and accessory lines with appliqués, flocking, unusual washes and embroideries, including handbags, totes, vests trimmed with faux fur, plaid footwear, jeans, capris, skirts and mix 'n' match ensembles from head to toe. PrivacyWear strives to set itself apart from other brands by developing a unique design and comfortable fit. Future line expansion of the PrivacyWear collection includes fragrances, sunglasses, jewelry and other accessories.

Today, Jones believes her message is beginning to reach people through her expanding company. The 200-plus items from hats to athletic shoes for men and women are available in over 100 stores nationwide and online. And since 2003, PrivacyWear has donated several hundred thousand dollars to breast cancer organizations throughout the country.

When Jones' mother was diagnosed she found it necessary to research every aspect of breast cancer, from treatments to side effects to hospice care. It was through this rigorous process that Jones vowed to wage the battle. A battle that would soon turn from tragedy to inspiration.

"I literally made the leap of faith to start PrivacyWear with my eyes closed," says Jones. "I knew a little bit about business, a little bit about technology - but I've always loved fashion."

During her mother's illness and without many resources available to them, Jones and her family dedicated much of their time to research. Today, PrivacyWear is committed to supporting medical research and educating women regarding early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

"Statistics show that every 12 minutes a woman in America will die from complications associated with breast cancer," says Jones. "It is PrivacyWear's goal to end the lack of knowledge and help physicians and survivors find a cure."

PrivacyWear provides free mammograms to uninsured women across the country, finding a facility in their neighborhood that will give them a speedy appointment. PrivacyWear covers the full cost of the mammogram, including (if necessary) transportation to get to the appointment.

"We are focused on an early detection program. If you find you have a lump in your breast early enough, your chance of recovery significantly increases," says Jones. "We also allow these women to take a friend for companionship, and then we follow the individual through the process. We like to go right into the community."

In addition, PrivacyWear participates in fundraising efforts for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Divas For A Cure, and other breast cancer organizations throughout the country. PrivacyWear donates up to 10% of its profits towards breast cancer research.

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