Meet the Founder

Jessica Rodriguez

Jessica started SOTE in September 2022 — when a God-dream and a necessity in the journey of infertility collided. What began as a quiet hope became a purposeful brand, born out of waiting, resilience, and the desire to build something honest and lasting.

At the heart of SOTE is a commitment to natural fibers at an accessible price point — thoughtful staples made to serve the everyday woman.Each piece is crafted to be better for her body, her hormones, her children, and the world around her. Designed to last — and when they don’t, to return gently to the earth — these garments are created with care for both the present and the generations to come.

Supported by her husband and young son, SOTE is Jessica’s offering — a reflection of faith, family, and the belief that even in the unknown, something good can grow.From her small office in Orange County, she designs each piece with intention — guided by thoughtful detail, honest storytelling, and a deep care for women navigating each chapter of life. She hand-selects every fabric, ensuring it's gentle on the skin and made only from natural fibers. Whether it’s through a softly structured blouse or a simple moment shared in rhythm with the day, she hopes SOTE invites you into a slower, more intentional way of living — one that honors where you are and what you're becoming.

What 'SOTE' Means

Acronym for: Salt Of The Earth.
Salt, in its truest form, is a preservative — it helps things last. It also enhances flavor, making things more enjoyable and bringing out the best in every ingredient around it. That same spirit shapes our brand: we design pieces meant to last, to complement what you already own, and to elevate your everyday wardrobe with intentional style. Interestingly, “sote” in Middle English also means sweet or fragrant — a beautiful reflection of the heart behind this label.
At its core, SOTE exists to:Create pieces that endure.
Make your wardrobe more tasteful and curated.
Complement other pieces with ease.
Leave a sweet fragrance wherever you go.
And above all, to be a pleasing aroma to God.

Our Mission

At SOTE, we’re here to do good, be good, and help you wear good. Our mission is to redefine modern women’s fashion by creating high-quality, timeless staples that stand in contrast to the disposable nature of fast fashion. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to make getting dressed feel effortless—not overwhelming—with small-batch production, inclusive sizing, and enduring style at the forefront.

We are guided by transparency, integrity, and creativity. We believe excellence isn't found in excess, but in intention—and that what you wear should reflect what you value. Through every garment, we aim to empower women to build wardrobes that are thoughtful, sustainable, and truly their own.

SOTE exists to slow the fashion cycle and champion mindful consumerism. We’re more than a clothing brand—we’re a movement toward simplicity, sustainability, and lasting beauty.

Labor & Production

At SOTE, we believe that how something is made matters just as much as how it looks. Each piece in our collection is ethically and intentionally produced in small batches — allowing us to minimize waste, honor craftsmanship, and stay rooted in purpose over mass production. We work exclusively with manufacturing partners who prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and quality at every step. Every garment is thoughtfully made using naturally derived materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and cashmere knits — with less than 5% stretch fibers added only when necessary for comfort and fit. Our garments are 95% sustainable, and we are committed to minimizing synthetic content wherever possible. While our packaging is still in transition and currently includes some plastic components, we’re actively working toward a fully compostable and zero-waste solution. As it stands, our overall production process is 95% sustainable, and we’re committed to full transparency and continual progress as we grow. SOTE is slow fashion with soul — clothing made with integrity, intention, and care.

Meet the Team

Yolanda

Social & Partnerships

Elizabeth

Photographer

Camilla

Model

Samella