When it comes to après-ski chic, few brands capture the spirit of mountain living quite like Krimson Klover. But behind the bold knits and vintage-inspired base layers is a story of grit, growth, and a deep love of the outdoors. In the latest episode of The Momtrends Podcast, Nicole and Sarah sit down with Rhonda Swenson, the brand’s founder and creative director, to talk about building an ethical fashion company from the ground up—and doing it on her own terms.
A former flight attendant turned ski industry rep, Rhonda carved her own entrepreneurial path long before “founder” became a buzzword. From the snowy slopes of Texas (yes, really) to Boulder, Colorado, she’s spent decades refining a brand that blends performance, personality, and purpose.
A Different Kind of Knitwear Company
Krimson Klover isn’t your average outdoor apparel brand. With a small-but-mighty 15-person team—and up to eight dogs padding around the office—Rhonda has created a company culture centered on balance, intention, and craftsmanship. Products take 18 to 24 months to go from idea to market, with every step handled thoughtfully. That means working with world-renowned illustrators, nurturing two-decade-long relationships with factory partners, and honoring the artistry of her South American knitters.
“My knitters leave a little piece of their soul in every sweater they make,” she shares. “You can turn these sweaters inside out, and they’re as beautiful as the front side.”
A Manifesto for Work-Life Balance
In an industry known for hustle, Rhonda takes a slower, saner approach. “We pride ourselves on work-life balance,” she says. “Nobody works more than 40 hours a week. We all take time off. We encourage travel.” It’s a model that not only supports creativity—it sustains it.
And she lives it. An avid backcountry skier who calls Vail her home mountain, Rhonda embodies the outdoor lifestyle her brand represents. She’s not just designing for ski moms—she is one of them.
Style Staples for the Ski Season
For moms building their winter wardrobes, Rhonda suggests starting with two Krimson Klover standouts: the Switchback Jacket, a best-seller for good reason, and the Carving Skirt, a versatile layer that goes from mountain to village with ease.
Her style POV? Functional doesn’t have to mean boring. With bold colors, unexpected patterns, and a retro-meets-modern feel, Krimson Klover is redefining alpine fashion for women who want performance gear with personality.
Words to Build On
Whether you’re launching a brand or just trying to make it through ski season with style and sanity intact, Rhonda’s advice is refreshingly clear-eyed:
“Go for it. What have you got to lose? You’ll have regret if you don’t. I think fear drives people’s hesitation to jump in and do something new.”
It’s that fearless spirit—and her refusal to compromise on quality or values—that makes Rhonda Swenson a true trailblazer in the outdoor industry.
Listen to the full episode below for more on Rhonda’s journey, her design process, and her insights for entrepreneurial moms.
Find Krimson Klover at KrimsonKlover.com, on Instagram @krimsonklover, and in ski shops nationwide.
The post From the Slopes to Slow Fashion: How Rhonda Swenson Built Krimson Klover Into a Standout Ski Style Brand appeared first on Mom Trends.
