Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

"Cycled-up stores KE (Kenya)" leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence tools to design and market upcycled fashion products. We mainly upcycle the clothing items that would otherwise be incinerated or dumped in our environment causing pollution.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

The recent developments in artificial intelligence for instance in fashion e-commerce promote poor consumption and production models such as fast fashion. My solution uses the same artificial intelligence tools to design and market upcycled fashion. There is a current rise of more eco-conscious consumers who are avoiding buying brand-new clothes to mitigate negative environmental impacts. Through upcycling second-hand clothes, our solution provides clothing alternatives for these eco-conscious fashion consumers. We intend to market upcycled fashion aggressively in a way that will inspire eco-conscious fashion consumption behavior change.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Cycled-Up Fashion Stores Ke. is dedicated to transforming the landscape of fashion pollution through innovative recycling of second-hand clothing. We strive to empower eco-conscious consumers and collaborate with secondhand dealers to promote sustainable fashion practices, such as upcycling, enhanced by AI technology. Our mission is to create a greener, more sustainable fashion future.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

The major benefit of Cycled Up Stores is to create pristine environments by encouraging sustainable fashion models such as timeless upcycled fashion in the second hand fashion industry using AI tools to expedite this process.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our start-up targets eco-conscious fashion consumers. Currently, the youth are the most receptive to upcycled fashion products. They however usually struggle to get suitable products. Our business is slowly filling this need.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-09-11

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Edith Augustine Achieng is Social Economist graduate, from Egerton University aged 25 Years. She is in charge of our merchandise database management and financial record Keeping. The other co-owner of our start-up is Beatrice Adhiambo Otieno. She is a Fashion design graduate also from Egerton University aged 27 years. She is incharge of our marketing and design functions.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://ianslidezz.wixsite.com/cycled-up-fashion-st

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Our project has created retail jobs for upcycled fashion clothes and AI fashion designers. We also have created training programs that equip individuals with valuable skills in fashion design, tailoring, and the use of AI tools. These skills enhance their employability and empower them to pursue careers in the fashion industry or start their own businesses thus avoid poverty.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

By creating jobs and generating income through our upcycling initiatives, we enhance the economic stability of local communities. With better financial resources, families can afford nutritious food, reducing the prevalence of hunger and malnutrition.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Brand-new clothes contain chemicals that were used in the production process of the clothes which are harmful to the skin thus causing skin cancer and even respiratory problems. Second-hand clothing usually has undergone many washes and is rid of the many harmful chemicals. The colour-fast dyes used in new clothes contain higher concentrations of carcinogens, such as Mercury, Lead and heavy metals such as Zinc, Copper, and Manganese . Dyeing is the most toxic wet process in clothing production. Traditional dyes achieve colour fastness of about 75% with over 25% being washed away polluting the environment. Young male children will benefit from second-hand clothes because new clothes are linked to chemicals that cause infertility problems later. By promoting upcycled fashion, our project ensures good health and well being of fashion consumers.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

By incorporating AI in the design and marketing of upcycled fashion products, our project offers training programs that teach designers and other employees about the latest technologies and sustainable practices. We host online workshops and collaborate with institutions to create public lectures on sustainability as a whole. Sustainable education is key to the success of our business model.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

The upcycled second hand fashion industry has provided meaningful employment many women mostly. By ensuring that our upcycled fashion products are designed with inclusivity in mind, catering to diverse body types and styles, we also promote body positivity and self-expression for all genders. We also train women on using AI tools for marketing which has given them flexible working conditions, through remote work options and flexible hours, can help women balance work and family responsibilities. This is especially important in regions where women often have additional caregiving duties.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Our project aims at reducing the textiles' Water Footprint. The textiles industry uses over 93 billion cubic meters of water annually which is not sustainable. Dirty wastewater from the fashion industry manufacturing process ends up in our rivers. We use waterless dyeing techniques or digital printing techniques to save water. Other than purchasing upcycled clothes, consumers should practice water conservation techniques such as not over-washing their clothes, and purchasing stain-resistant clothes to save water.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Our Upcycling and recycling initiatives does not influence affordable and clean energy in any way.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Our business directly creates jobs in the fashion industry through upcycling clothes. This involves roles in design ( with AI assistance), collection, sorting, tailoring, marketing, and sales. Upcycled fashion is not as labour-intensive as creation of new textile garments.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

pioneering the use of AI in upcycled fashion design, a novel approach that can revolutionize the industry. This can inspire others to develop new upcycling techniques and technologies.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

NA

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

By upcycling clothing, we divert textile waste from landfills and incineration. This reduces pollution in cities and contributes to a cleaner environment. Our business model encourages a shift towards sustainable consumption patterns by offering unique, eco-friendly clothing options. This promotes responsible production and consumption within communities.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Our project addresses poor fashion practices such as fast fashion through the creation of unrealistic fashion standards. Through AI-driven sustainable or circular fashion paradigms to unlock the specific goals of designing. manufacturing and marketing upcycled second-hand fashion products.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The fashion industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gases. Upcycling reduces the environmental impact of clothing production, contributing to a more sustainable and climate-resilient city. Textiles also ranks as the fourth largest contributor when it comes to environmental and climate change pollution after food, housing, and mobility. Over 11 million tons of garments produced end up incinerated or in landfills before being reused or repurposed while over half a million tonnes of microfibres are dumped into oceans annually

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

The fashion industry heavily relies on synthetic dyes and finishing chemicals that can pollute waterways during production and washing. Upcycling reduces the demand for new clothing, lowering the overall amount of these chemicals released into the environment. Synthetic clothing sheds microplastics when washed, polluting waterways and harming marine life. By promoting upcycled clothing, especially natural fiber garments, Cycled-up Stores KE can indirectly contribute to reducing microplastic pollution in oceans.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

By giving new life to used clothing, we divert textile waste from landfills. This reduces the environmental impact of overflowing landfills, which can contaminate soil and water sources, impacting plant and animal life. Upcycling minimizes the need for virgin materials like cotton, which requires significant land for cultivation. This helps conserve land for natural ecosystems and reduces pressure on deforestation.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

While Cycled-up Stores KE's core business model directly addresses environmental sustainability, the connection to SDG goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions might seem less obvious. However, there are some ways your business can indirectly contribute to this goal. By ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for all employees throughout your supply chain we foster respect for human rights and contributes to a more just and equitable society.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

There are existing global and regional treaties regarding fashion sustainability that should be adopted and implemented. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report (IPCC) which was finalized in March 2023 also recommends greenhouse gas reduction by 45% below 2010 levels by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. For there to be global success in these agreements, partnerships are needed. In my context, I am concerned about the effect of fast fashion practiced say in European countries on African environments. Government policies should also ensure workers' safety and well-being are catered to through measures such as raising the minimum wage globally, and ensuring the safety concerns in terms of their working environment are safe. They are protected from the effects of chemicals used in the textile industry

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

4

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our project relies heavily on artificial intelligence for design. This is an innovative approach to the current fashion industry.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

We face high competition from traditional fast fashion brands. The increasing rise of eco-conscious fashion consumers gives us hope for future success. There is also a fluctuating consumer interest in upcycled fashion which affects us.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes