A trailblazer on the eco-friendly fashion scene, L.A.-based Linda Loudermilk designs clothing—from red-carpet-worthy dresses to jeans—with fabrics that are sustainable and organic. Her new store opens on Melrose in September. Loudermilk talked to us about her work and living green in L.A.

How did you start your business?

I started with a couture line that was not at all green but I knew it was not all I was supposed to do. In one of my shows I had pieces that showed my connection to nature—one showed a human body fused to a tree with a heart in it that was very goth. I realized after that show that it was the story of what I needed to do with my life: share with people ways to connect with nature, how to respect their bodies and respect nature at the same time—to really connect all the pieces and to make this life of consumerism make sense. Then I did research on sustainable fabrics. Back then, it was only organic cotton so it was very limited. I started talking to fabric and fiber manufacturers and asked to start developing new fibers and new weaves.

Best part of your job?

Constantly creating. I recreate everything I see. I can look at something and be inspired by it. I also have the opportunity to create a new business in a new market and that is a blast.

What is your favorite local green restaurant?

I frequent Vegan Glory because it’s convenient and the food is great. I also like Wilshire in Santa Monica.

Where do you shop for organic groceries?

Mostly Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s because of the convenience.

What are some of your favorite local green businesses?

APS Wash House, which we use for the business. I like Big Red Sun for greens. Patrick Tighe is a great architect who did our building on Melrose. We also worked with Ryan McEvoy at Gaia Development; he is awesome and LEED certified.

Are there particular environmental non-profit you support?

Healthy Child Healthy World is terrific. Also Charity: Water is great and we’re working with them. And Global Green.

What’s your favorite thing about living in the city?

I love the different characters and different lifestyles. I live in an area where there is so much diversity. I truly love the city.

What would you say is the city’s undiscovered or underrated jewel?

I love the Japanese Museum downtown.

Where do you like to take out-of-town visitors?

I like to take them to the desert.

What’s your favorite vacation destination?

Hawaii. I’m not a beach girl and I like the big island because it has mountains and the volcano. The energy is insane.

What’s your favorite weekend outdoor activity?

Passing out! Seriously, relaxing. Sitting outside, being with the dogs.

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

A Yew tree. The Yew is the oldest known tree and they have planted it historically to celebrate burial grounds, so it’s a place where the spirit resides.

Describe your path to green: how and when you became eco-conscious.

I had an experience with nature that healed me from a disease and that literal exchange told me that I needed to respect the earth. That was really a spiritual experience with nature.