Kitts is a new, and super cute, Toronto based underwear company that was launched by local entrepreneur Sara Young in late November of 2013. It’s a brand that understands how sex appeal oozes from simple, everyday moments (note the smokin’ hot chick surfing the web on laptop,) but it’s also a company that gives back to the community.

Similar to successful fashion brands like TOMS shoes or Warby Parker glasses, Kitts donates a pair of underwear back to the community for every pair sold. Unlike sweaters, old dresses, or shoes, new underwear is actually very hard to come by at local shelters and charity shops. Young has already formed relationships with Dress for Success and Dress Your Best Toronto, with more partnerships currently in discussion.

As if all of this wasn’t awesome enough, Kitts underwear is made right here in Toronto! Keeping production local and supporting the local economy is also part of the company mission.

Get inspired by this smart startup, and the savvy young businesswoman behind it, and at the the bottom of this Q&A you might find a surprise! (Girl, you’d look so hot in these undies.)

Shedoesthecity: What made you decide to start an underwear company?

Sara Young: I have an interest in discovering ways that we can apply business solutions to social problems. I was really moved to do something when I discovered the need for underwear at clothing charities and shelters. It’s something most people never realize or stop to think about. We can donate all other items of used clothing to charity, but everyone still needs good, clean underwear. It’s small, but makes a huge difference to ones dignity and self worth. In speaking with local clothing charities and shelters they all echoed that they currently can’t provide underwear to those in need as they don’t have a sustainable source. Kitts was founded to creatively address this problem.

Shedoesthecity: How does Kitts differ from other undies?

SY: Kitts is a values driven company. We value taking a different approach to business and believe a future is possible where businesses can be a force for good in society. This means that, wherever possible, Kitts tries to conduct business in a way that is socially responsible and sustainable. Very few major underwear brands produce in North America. This not only hurts the local manufacturing industry, but also means the underwear you are wearing right now was likely made by overseas companies with poor environmental and social standards.  This doesn’t need to be the case. We have talented people right here in Canada that know how to make an awesome pair of high quality underwear. Making Kitts here in Canada means we have greater control over the production process, resulting in a higher quality pair of underwear produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way and at the same time we can support the health of our local manufacturing industry.

Shedoesthecity: What special qualities go into the making of Kitts underwear?

SY: Kitts underwear themselves are awesome as they are made from sustainable fabrics, bamboo and modal (which is from Beechwood trees). These fabrics are so super soft and comfortable you will never want to wear anything else again. Our cuts are made for ultimate comfort and functionality so you won’t even notice you’re wearing them! We also try to be a brand that isn’t taking itself so seriously, unlike a lot of the underwear companies out there. We want to be a brand you can relate to – with real people, depicting real life and reflecting values and images you can get behind.

Shedoesthecity: What did you do before you ran Kitts? Is your background in fashion?

SY:I have a background in international development and economics. I spent the last few years living overseas in Europe completing my masters at the London School of Economics and working for the United Nations. In a way, I see Kitts as a continuation of my mission to make the world a better place in any small way that I can. I truly believe the future is one where the corporate sector is going to have to start doing things differently if we want to create a sustainable world where people and the environment are valued. Two of the most problematic industries are oil and fashion. My hope for Kitts is that in addition to providing underwear to those in need, it can help to build awareness of the way in which our clothes are produced and the unsustainable consumption choices we make.

Shedoesthecity: What do you love most about running your own business?

SY: The people I have come to meet are fabulous. In the course of starting this company, I have met so many different people all genuinely interested in helping me to make Kitts happen. I have learned a lot from them. I am grateful and inspired. It also makes me hopeful that a company that tries to do things differently and stick its neck out to stand for a different future will really resonate with people.

Shedoesthecity: What is one lesson you’ve learned along your journey that you think about most often?

SY: Never give up. It has been a huge challenge to navigate the production of underwear here in Canada. Our manufacturing base has had such little support hardly anyone makes underwear here anymore. There have been times when I thought it might not be possible, but if you continue to believe in your idea and just keep going you will attract solutions and people who also believe in you and your vision.

How’s that for inspiration? Talk about a vision with integrity! Sara, we wish you and your company huge success!

Check out the sexy www.getkitts.com website and find the perfect Kitts undies for you! Shedoesthecity readers will receive a 15% discount by entering the promo code kitts4all. Valid until Feb 8th, 2014. 

Watch the video below and share with your friends!