Founder Portraits: Cassandra Ciarallo
October 24th, 2019
An advocate for sustainable fashion, Cassandra Ciarallo is the force behind Chic Made Consciously. After backpacking in South East Asia in 2015, the accountant-turned-entrepreneur launched the ethical accessory line. Since then, she has collaborated with artisans around the world, launched two diverse collections crafted in Cambodia from war remnants and textile waste (which just launched this week (external link) ), and received countless features for her work. As she completes her first year at the SVZ, Cassandra walks us through the story behind her entrepreneurial journey and the lessons learned since starting her business.
Tell us about the journey of starting Chic Made Consciously; what sparked the idea for the ethical accessory line and what is the social issue you want to address?
Well, it’s been quite an unconventional route into fashion! After feeling unsatisfied with my corporate job I decided to travel and explore more of the world. I backpacked all over South East Asia for three months, where I connected with artisans from Art Cycle Bali in Indonesia who were transforming tire waste into gorgeous accessories! I learned all about their stories and reason for upcycling, which ignited my fire to be a part of this movement for change. Shortly after, I began importing their gorgeous accessories to Toronto and launched Chic Made Consciously.
The current model of fashion creates cheap products that are disposable and come at the expense of human life and our planetary resources. Our accessory collections are designed to be fashion forward, repurposed from unique materials to help the planet as well as provide fair work opportunities for our artisan partners around the world.
What are some challenges of working in the sustainable fashion industry?
I think one of the biggest challenges of working in sustainable fashion is that it requires a behavioural shift. The average sustainable product comes at a higher price point because that is the “true cost” of paying people fair wages and not harming the planet. This is why I believe it is important to acknowledge the advocacy work that is sometimes needed in order to influence consumer behaviour – but the good thing is that things are really shifting!
"One of the biggest challenges of working in sustainable fashion is that it requires a behavioural shift. The average sustainable product comes at a higher price point because that is the “true cost” of paying people fair wages and not harming the planet."
Why did you apply to the Social Ventures Zone?
Cassandra: I heard so many good things from other ventures such as Green Story and Brave Soles and knew I had to check it out. After attending many Caffeinated Innovators sessions I knew I had to be part of the community! I really wanted to surround myself with others who shared the same values and passion to make change in the world. I was also looking to get advisor help in various areas such as sales and marketing.
You’ve been in The SVZ for a year, congrats! Reflecting back on the day you pitched until today, what has been some of the biggest highlights for you and for CMC?
Cassandra: In the last year I’ve seen immense growth with CMC and myself. Some highlights have been launching two collections that were featured in Fashion Magazine and are part of the AGO gift shop!
The Social Ventures Zone has given me many tools and resources to help me take my business to the next level, to take it seriously and realize that I have the power to really create change. I also have a lot of people at the SVZ supporting me to make it happen.
What have you learned about yourself as an entrepreneur, one year later in The SVZ?
Cassandra: I have learned more of my own strengths and weaknesses and where I could ask for help. I have definitely become more resilient in how I approach challenges that come up and remembering that being an entrepreneur is knowing that there is a creative solution to any problem!
What is your favourite part about being a social entrepreneur?
Cassandra: Most definitely knowing that I am truly making an impact. Sometimes it can seem very daunting and overwhelming trying to solve these global issues, and progress can be slower than we want it to be. At the end of the day connecting to my why is very rewarding, and realizing that I can truly influence how people shop and change their behaviour is really special.
What’s next for you and Chic Made Consciously?
Cassandra: Well, this week we are currently at Startup Fashion Week - and this has been what we’ve been working on for the past few months! Tomorrow, our newest collection from repurposed textile waste will be on the runway! I have not been part of any fashion week before so it’s been a great learning experience and has definitely opened my eyes to want to do more. Check out this collection that launched online this week at www.chicmc.com (external link) .
Stay tuned for more unique collections coming your way in 2020!