Who we are

We’re Harini, Cafui, and Jaya — three women who met in business school and bonded over our love for the outdoors and one big question:

Why does technical gear still feel like it wasn’t made for us?

We’ve hiked in gear that didn’t fit, shopped in aisles that didn’t see us, and stood on summits that still felt gatekept. So we built the brand we were missing.

Loess was born from both love and defiance: a love for the outdoors, and a refusal to accept that women — especially women of color — should be an afterthought in the gear we rely on.

We’re not just designing better trailwear. We’re creating a platform for women to feel confident, capable, and seen — through apparel, community-driven events, and a movement of sisterhood on the trail.

So come along for the hike, we’re just getting started.

HARINI RAMAKRISHNAN

THE CONSCIOUS CREATOR
I’ve always loved fashion — but hated the guilt that came with it. Seeing tags filled with materials destined to outlive me sparked a need for change. Loess is that change: gear that reflects our values and our style. I’m driven by curiosity and a mission to do things differently. When I’m not working, you’ll find me mid-run, deep in a novel, or lost in a great film.
Founder Superpower: Keeping us rooted in purpose and planet.
CAFUI AWASU

THE OUTDOOR INSIDER
To me, the outdoors has always felt like home. Growing up on open land taught me that nature isn’t about performance — it’s about presence. Whether I’m running a ridge or on a paddleboard, I move with what feels natural. That same grounded instinct shapes Loess: built for the backcountry, not just what looks good on paper.
Founder Superpower: Turning trail wisdom into better gear.
JAYA YADAV

THE STYLE DISRUPTOR
I believe clothes should speak the truth about who we are. I love putting together looks that feel bold, playful, and expressive. But when I stepped into the outdoor world, the gear didn’t reflect me. Loess was born from that gap — to make room for those of us who want to be seen and show up fully, whether skiing greens or hiking in the Bay.
Founder Superpower: Giving voice — and style — to every woman outdoors.