As we step into 2025, we took a moment to sit down with our CEO, Anna Brakefield, to reflect on the past year and share her vision for the future. From overcoming challenges in 2024 to unveiling exciting new products and strengthening our sustainability efforts, Anna provides insight into what’s next for Red Land Cotton.
In this Q&A, she shares lessons learned, her goals for the year ahead, and what customers can expect from our brand in 2025.
How would you reflect on 2024?
2024 was a difficult year for Red Land Cotton. From the farm that suffered a serious drought to our US supply chain that saw 4 plant closures, it was a year of significant challenges. However, EVERY opportunity is one to learn from and I think we’re coming into 2025 with more wisdom and learnings that will only make us better!
Can customers look forward to any new products in 2025?
There are so many gorgeous new products to look forward to in 2025! For example, you will see new embroidery options, new blankets in a wide variety of patterns and colors, and fun new prints. This is just to name a few!
Do you have a personal favorite product?
I can’t get over the new embroidered bedding and blankets we’re launching this Winter! I think it really elevates the brand as a whole and gives our customers so many new ways to use Red Land Cotton in their decor this year.
What’s one personal New Year’s resolution you’re setting for 2025?
I’m personally trying to share more responsibility across our amazing team at Red Land Cotton so that there is more input and opinions developing what we do here! Delegation and growth without compromising our core principles and company focus is my goal for 2025!
What sustainability practices will Red Land Cotton focus on in 2025?
I think Red Land Cotton is doing a better job this year of utilizing the cotton we’re growing to make new and different products than how we have done in the past. We’ve implemented new practices in our manufacturing facilities to create less waste and produce less seconds. We’re also consistently donating any product that can’t be sold. Further, we’re looking to make more items like our tea towels and aprons so we are using every bit of our fabric.
What challenges are cotton farmers currently facing, and how do you plan to address them?
Cotton farmers are facing an uphill battle with the price of cotton vs the input cost to plant, maintain and harvest cotton. IF we can increase domestic manufacturing here at home and increase the number of bales needed in these mills at home we could help the American farmer out simultaneously. We need the demand for these products to go up across the board. It would also be nice to lower inflation but I’m not sure we are poised to really make a change in that regard! :)
How do you ensure Red Land Cotton stays committed to American-made quality?
We ensure American made quality by checking in with our vendors constantly and having transparent conversations and visits with them. In February we are taking a trip to visit old vendors and new vendors in the Carolinas. I hope to share some behind the scenes on that trip on our social channels!
What’s a fun fact about Red Land Cotton that most people don’t know?
A fun fact people MAY not know is that my Dad and I started this business in his gin office. We started with 2 racks of sheet sets and I sold our first sets of sheets based on a charcoal drawing I did!
What’s one lesson you’ve learned as a business owner this year?
I learned the lesson of persistence in 2024. Not only were we faced with a drought and plant closures, we dealt with a hurricane that flooded our spinning plant and ruined our yarn. All while that was happening professionally, I was also dealing with the ups and downs of having an infant. My third sweet baby didn’t sleep as well as my others and that was also a struggle. But, even through exhaustion and not knowing what would be “next” I learned to persevere and keep moving forward.
What message would you like to share with your loyal customers as we enter 2025?
I want to thank all of you for sticking with us through the ups and downs of last year! For still being loyal when products went out of stock and for being understanding when there were shipping delays from factories. When we live in a world of Amazon, Shein and Temu, sometimes it’s hard to be a small growing business and live up to seemingly impossible standards. That’s why I’m so thankful to have a loyal base of customers who encourage us and support us through the growing pains, stumbles and hardships. We appreciate it so much!
Anna’s reflections highlight the resilience and dedication that drive everything we do at Red Land Cotton. From navigating obstacles to introducing new designs and improving our practices, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year.
To our loyal customers, thank you for supporting us through the challenges and triumphs of 2024. Your encouragement inspires us to continue delivering the high-quality, American-made products you know and love. We’re thrilled to have you with us on this journey and can’t wait to show you what’s ahead!