Turning 18 is often seen as a rite of passage, a coming-of-age moment that marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood. For us, it’s a chance to look back on where we’ve been, appreciate how far we’ve come, and envision the future with renewed purpose.

When we started, our mission was simple: to create beautiful, sustainable clothing that made it easy for women to make ethical choices. Over the years, this mission has grown, just as we have—evolving from a fledgling brand into a company that stands proudly on its core values of sustainability, fair trade, and family heritage.

But growth isn’t just about becoming bigger or more successful; it’s about deepening our commitment to what matters most. As a family-owned business, we’ve always believed in the power of staying true to our roots, in letting our values guide us rather than trends or fleeting market demands. And now, at 18, we’re more committed than ever to the principles that have shaped our brand and connected us with women like you—women who care about the world we live in and the legacy we leave behind.

We asked one of our owners, Kathleen Williamson- What does being a family-owned business mean to her personally, and how has it influenced the way she has approached decisions at Aventura?

We firmly believe that all the people who work alongside us, are more than employees; they are family and friends. People we like spending time with. People we are concerned about, interested in, and love. We believe that ownership is the same as everyone else here. Growing up in a religious household meant that you “treated others how you would like to be treated” and we are still trying to do that.

Because of our values we also find and work with factories that have the same mindset as us. We only work with factories that have a worker focused operation and treat their employees fairly.

This milestone also gives us a chance to reflect on our personal growth. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has made us stronger, more resilient, and more determined to make a positive impact. We’ve learned that true growth comes from within—from the courage to question the status quo, to learn from our mistakes as well as our successes, and to keep pushing forward even when the path is uncertain.

Looking back, we see how every piece of clothing we’ve designed, every partnership we’ve formed, and every step we’ve taken has been part of a larger story—a story of connection, purpose, and progress. And as we look forward, we’re excited to continue writing this story with you.

Thank you for being part of our journey, for believing in what we do, and for making Aventura not just a brand, but a community of women who are making a difference. Together, we’ve grown, and together, we’ll keep growing—embracing the future with the same passion and purpose that has guided us for the past 18 years.