I’m Carin, a Master Dyer and founder of Dye on the Side, where I combine my passion for dyeing with the healing power of nature.
After spending years in the high-pressure world of corporate fashion and becoming a mom at the start of the pandemic, I found myself in burnout and disconnected from my creativity. Working in the fashion industry, I witnessed the toxic practices that went into adding prints and colors to fabrics—harmful to both the planet and the people involved. Natural dyeing became my personal and profound way to heal, reconnect, and resist those harmful systems. Now, I teach others to do the same through workshops that inspire creativity, mindfulness, and sustainable practices.
I began my dye journey as a young teen, learning the art from an incredible mentor, dye master Karen Skoglund. Together, we dyed vibrant rainbow tapestries and twisted spirals for thousands at parties, school events, and festivals. It was through these hands-on experiences that I discovered the magic of creating with my hands—how bringing new life to cloth can spark joy, foster connection, and uplift the community. I believe deeply in the power of art to bring people together through shared, meaningful experiences.
That love for dyeing led me to a career in Textile Design, but even as I worked in corporate fashion, I kept teaching dye techniques and running workshops as a passion project. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients like Airbnb, Apple Inc., Facebook HQ, and Athleta. Through it all, my mission has remained the same: to help others reconnect with nature, find their creative spark, and embrace a more mindful, non-toxic way of living.