Burnout can be a beginning…if we let it be.

Hi, I’m Carin—Master Dyer and Founder of Dye on the Side. I spent years in the high-pressure world of corporate fashion, chasing success in an industry that often ignored the impact it had on people and the planet. When I became a mom at the start of the pandemic, everything shifted. The burnout hit hard. The disconnect from my creativity, my body, my truth, it was undeniable.

That’s when I returned to the roots of who I really am.

Dyeing with nature became my way back. Back to my breath. Back to beauty. Back to myself. What started as a quiet act of resistance against toxic systems has become a joyful, liberating practice, and now, a business built around creative connection, healing, and art.

An assortment of fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs including sliced lemon, lime, avocado, red cabbage, beet, onion, yellow pepper, and black beans, with some herbs, a bowl of black beans, a container of cream, a spoonful of turmeric, and crumpled colorful tissue paper.
A woman with long dark hair smiling outdoors, holding a glass jar with flowers, with trees and buildings in the background.
Hand arranging dried leaves, flowers, and plant parts on a yellow surface for flower pressing or craft project.
A young woman with light skin, brown hair tied back, and a gentle smile, holding a newborn baby close to her chest. The baby, with light skin and dark hair, is wearing a blue shirt and is resting with its head on her shoulder. The background shows a white wall with a door and a climbing plant with green leaves.
A man, young child, and dog by a forest stream with green trees, rocks, and clear water.
A young girl with blonde hair covering her face with her hands, smiling, standing outdoors on grass next to an adult, possibly her mother, with long hair and colorful tie-dye pants. The background includes a garden and a wire fence under a clear blue sky.

I lead and design immersive botanical dye experiences that reconnect people with creativity, color, and nature. I've partnered with teams, events, community groups, schools, guiding everyone from toddlers to tech leaders in the magic of botanical dyeing.

Before launching my own, I managed Surface Development at Athleta, leading sustainable textile print and dye innovation. I’ve also designed for fast fashion brands like Free People, Old Navy but always championing for fibers, dyeing and printing methods that honor both people and the planet.

My journey with learning dyeing began as a teen under the mentorship of dye master Karen Skoglund, traveling the country to learn from masters and creating rainbows for festivals and community events. That early magic led me to a degree in Textile Design from Jefferson University and to curating historic collections at The Paley Design Center—work that deepened my reverence for traditional printing and dye techniques.

Rooted in joy, color alchemy, and a belief in the healing power of creative practice, my work continues to hold space for others to reconnect with nature, color, and each other.

I’m a mother, maker, and master dyer with 25+ years of experience working at the intersection of art, sustainability, and textile innovation.

A smiling woman in a white blazer and patterned pants stands next to a decorated table with flowers and tableware in an event space with other people in the background.

Creating with Purpose

At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to creating with integrity for people, for place, and for the planet.

My workshops and collaborations are more than just creative experiences; they’re rooted in care, connection, and advocacy. I’m proud to work alongside local businesses and organizations that share these values, amplifying each other’s work and weaving a stronger, more sustainable community.

From the plants we forage to the partners we support, every decision is intentional. I believe creativity can be a form of resistance, a return to nature, and a tool for healing, not just for ourselves, but for the world around us. The learning never stops, and I remain committed to evolving in ways that uplift community, protect the earth, and support those doing the deep work of change.