Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

As a native of Claiborne County, Nicole Riggs Broesch grew up watching her grandmothers conquer their dreams. Her “Mamaw Fern” was an academic, energetic, and empathetic nurse who cared deeply for her career and community. Her “Mamaw Daisy” was a traditional, Appalachian homemaker who sacrificed and endured hardships for the benefit of her family. With these two models and a supportive home life, Broesch knew she could achieve anything.

In 2013, Nicole took a bold leap of faith to leave her roots in Claiborne County and pursue a bachelor’s degree in textile, apparel, and design.

“Growing up, my parents and grandmothers never discouraged me from anything. So, I went to Bob Jones University in Greeneville, South Carolina,” Broesch said.

It was the first time she realized and fully understood the economic conditions of her family, neighbors, and Claiborne County community.

“I didn’t realize I grew up in an impoverished community because when you’re isolated you don’t know any different. From that point forward, I was very committed to helping the people of Appalachia,” she said.

For eight years, Broesch worked as an apparel designer for major fashion companies. She learned the ins and outs of the industry, made connections, and experienced the transition to fast fashion. Naturally, she also saw the dark sides of clothing manufacturing, including material waste, unfair labor practices, and profit margins.

“I started feeling like I was part of the problem. My conscious couldn’t handle buying a garment for two dollars and selling it for $80, knowing that the person making it could barely feed their family,” Broesch said. “So, I began the journey of creating Fern + Daisy.”

Fern + Daisy, launched in the fall of 2023, is named after her two Appalachian grandmothers. It is a sustainable clothing brand made completely in the United States by people making living wages. Furthermore, the company was founded with the mission to support the people and economy in Claiborne County.

“There aren’t a lot of jobs in my community that pay well, so the ultimate goal would be to bring all of Fern + Daisy’s manufacturing to Eastern Kentucky and Claiborne County,” she said.

Currently, the clothes in Broesch’s line are woven by a small-batch production manufacturer in Michigan. This specific company works with marginalized communities to offer good-paying jobs and a pathway back into society. Broesch said it’s in perfect alignment with her mission at Fern + Daisy – help people.

She also donates 10 percent of the profits to rehabilitation programs and rural higher education centers in Appalachia. Broesch hopes her company proves that entrepreneurship is available to anyone, anywhere.

“People experiencing generational poverty have a mindset that they don’t have the ability or the skills to be entrepreneurs. Many people don’t see the potential beyond their circumstances. I’m super passionate about proving to my community that they can do anything,” Broesch said.

Although most of her time, attention, and donations go toward the people of Appalachia, Broesch is living in Knoxville. She claims the draw to the city is its resources for entrepreneurs such as Let Her Speak, Women in Entrepreneurship (WiE), the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC), the Maker City, and other leadership opportunities.

“I quit my full-time job a little over a year ago to pursue this full-time,” she said. “It’s scary, but I’m glad I did it. Fern + Daisy has seen great organic growth, and we’re only just beginning.”

Currently, Fern + Daisy garments are available for purchase online or at maker markets around East Tennessee. Check out the Fern + Daisy website here.

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