Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

RESTITCH- Upcycled fashion is a sustainable fashion brand dedicated to transforming discarded/used textiles/clothes/fabrics into high quality and stylish garments, accessories and home decor items. Our mission is to reduce textile waste and promote reuse.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Restitch - upcycled fashion is a groundbreaking sustainable fashion brand whose primary mission is to transform discarded/used clothing/textiles (sourced from thrift stores, declutters and individuals) into stylish garments, accessories ( tote bags, scarves, scrunchies etc), home/office decor items and more ; thereby reducing textile waste on land and in water and also inspire a shift towards responsible consumption, slow fashion and circular economy in fashion. This project will also give room to create job opportunities (especially for females), and support fair labor practices within the local community. There would also be trainings aimed at teaching other young ladies how to upcycle discarded/used textiles offline and online. Conclusively, by implementing this project, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of discarded/worn out clothing (reducing environmental waste) and contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry (Reusing waste).

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

The main problem that Restitch - upcycled fashion is addressing is the staggering amount of textile waste produced by the fashion industry (fast fashion and high consumption). By transforming discarded textile/clothes into stylish garments, accessories and decor items, Restitch aims to reduce this waste drastically and also promote responsible consumption. This project seeks to combat the environmental impact of fast fashion by offering sustainable alternatives that prioritize upcycling and reuse. Lastly, Restitch addresses the growing consumer demands for eco- friendly products in the fashion industry, providing environmentally conscious consumers with stylish options that align with their values.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1. Environmental Impact; One of the major benefit of this project is reduction of textile waste and the minimizing of the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. Each of our products would be crafted from reclaimed/discarded textiles, thereby promoting sustainability and conservation of resources. 2. Community engagement; Restitch will also promote a sense of community and collaboration by partnering with thrift stores, declutters, locals, artisans and trainees, creating job opportunities and economic growth and benefits 3. Educational and awareness building; Through its initiatives, Restitch raises awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry and promotes sustainable living practices. The public will not only benefit from eco-friendly products but also gain valuable knowledge and insights into the important of sustainability.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Restitch - upcycled fashion targeted beneficiaries are environmentally conscious individuals aged 18 to 60 years, residing in urban areas. These individuals values sustainability and ethical practices in fashion and seek unique and stylish alternatives to traditional fast fashion. Restitch target clients are those who appreciate the individuality of upcycled fashion, embracing it as a means of expressing their personal style while making a positive impact on the planet. That are eager to contribute to the circular economy and support local communities through what they decide to buy. Lastly, due to educational and awareness building, we also hope to have more individuals interested in the environmental impact of fast fashion, thereby hopefully making them our target beneficiaries as well.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-05-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

None

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

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

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Restitch - upcycling fashion contributes to the no poverty goal in several ways ; 1. Access to affordable fashion; we offer recycled fashion products at an accessible price point. By providing affordable alternatives to fast fashion, the brand enables individual from lower income backgrounds to access sustainable stylish clothing options, thereby contributing to improved living standards and financial stability. 2. Job creation; By partnering with thrift stores, artisans, we create job opportunities within the community. These partnerships provide employment for individuals involved in sourcing, processing, manufacturing upcycled products, thereby generating income and reducing poverty. Overall, Restitch commitment to ethical and sustainable practices fosters economic empowerment and contributes to the broader goal of poverty eradication by creating opportunities for economic growth, promoting fair labor standards, and providing access to affordable and sustainable fashion.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Restitch - upcycled fashion looks to employ females for all the processes involved in the creation of our products. We also look to train other females how to upcycle physically and online as well.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

While Restitch primary focus is on sustainable fashion and reducing textile waste, the brand indirectly contributes to clean water and sanitation through its commitment to environmental conservation and responsible production practices. By promoting upcycling and reuse of materials, we helps reduce the demand for new resources, including water, which is often heavily used in textile production processes. Additionally, by partnering with thrift stores, declutters and individuals, we support initiatives that divert textiles from landfills, thereby reducing the risk of water pollution caused by textile waste leaching harmful chemicals into groundwater sources. While Restitch’s direct impact on clean water may be indirect, its overall commitment to sustainability contributes to a more environmentally conscious fashion industry, which in turn supports broader efforts to ensure clean water and sanitation for communities worldwide.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Restitch contributes to decent work and economic growth in several ways: 1. Job Creation: By partnering with local thrift stores and artisans, Restitch creates job opportunities within the community. Skilled artisans and seamstresses will be employed to repurpose materials and craft fashion products, fostering economic development and livelihoods. 2. Fair Labor Practices: We are committed to ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical treatment for all workers involved in the production process. By prioritizing ethical labor practices, we promotes dignity and respect for workers, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable fashion industry. 3. Support for Small-Scale Enterprises: Our collaborations with local artisans and small-scale enterprises empower local communities and support entrepreneurship. Overall, our commitment to ethical production practices, community engagement, and support for small-scale enterprises contributes to decent work and economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Restitch contributes to responsible consumption and production in several ways: 1.Upcycling of Textiles: By repurposing discarded textiles and garments into new fashion pieces, we extends the lifecycle of materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. This reduces the demand for virgin materials and minimizes waste in the fashion industry 2. Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Through its business model, Restitch promotes sustainable practices such as reuse and recycling within the fashion industry. By demonstrating the viability of upcycled fashion, the brand encourages other companies to adopt similar approaches, leading to broader adoption of sustainable practices. 3. Education and Awareness: Restitch raises awareness about the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry through its initiatives and communications. By educating consumers about the benefits of upcycled fashion and the importance of responsible consumption.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Restitch contributes to the goal of “Life Below Water” (SDG 14) by 1. Reducing Textile Waste: By upcycling discarded textiles into new fashion items, we helps decrease the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills. Reduced landfill waste lessens the risk of harmful chemicals and microfibers leaching into water systems, ultimately protecting aquatic life. 2. Minimizing Microplastic Pollution: Fast fashion often involves synthetic fabrics that release microplastics into water systems during washing. Our emphasis on upcycling natural and sustainable materials helps minimize the release of microplastics, safeguarding marine ecosystems. Overall, our commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility plays a significant role in protecting and preserving life below water.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Restitch contributes to the preservation and improvement of life on land in several impactful ways: 1.Reduction of Textile Waste: By upcycling discarded textiles into new fashion items, we significantly reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. This decrease in textile waste lessens the environmental burden and helps conserve land resources. 2.Promotion of Biodiversity: By minimizing the need for new textile production, we help decrease the agricultural strain on land, such as the extensive use of monoculture crops like cotton. This reduction in agricultural demand can lead to more diverse and sustainable land use practices.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Restitch contributes to Partnerships for the Goal by; 1.Collaborations with Local Suppliers: Restitch partners with thrift stores,declutters and individuals to source discarded fabrics and garments. This collaboration not only supports local businesses but also strengthens community ties and promotes sustainable practices within the supply chain. 2. Engagement with Artisans and Small Businesses: By working with local artisans and small-scale manufacturers, we create job opportunities and supports the economic development of local communities. These partnerships help to preserve traditional craftsmanship and integrate sustainable practices into production processes. 3. Industry Partnerships:Restitch collaborates with other sustainable fashion brands and eco-friendly businesses to promote a shared vision of responsible consumption and production.These partnerships can include joint marketing campaigns,co-hosted events, and shared resources to amplify the impact of sustainable initiatives

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

2

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

3

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

5

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

6

05.08 Justification

Restitch- upcycled fashion reimagines fashion by transforming discarded textiles into high-quality, stylish garments and accessories. This innovative approach reduces waste and gives new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. Also,Restitch’s product is one-of-a-kind, crafted from a diverse range of reclaimed fabrics. This ensures that no two items are identical, appealing to consumers who value individuality and exclusive designs. We also include Sustainable Sourcing, Community Engagement,Educational Outreach, Digital Presence and Marketing, Customization Options, and Eco-Friendly Operations. By integrating these innovative strategies, Restitch not only addresses pressing environmental challenges but also reshapes consumer expectations and industry standards in fashion.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Main potential competitors include, but not limited to 1. Reformation 2. Rag and bone 3. Eileen Fisher However Restitch - upcycled fashion stands out from potential competitors by combining a strong focus on upcycling( where others integrates sustainable practices as part of a broader strategy), unique designs ( where others create mass production of a particular design), local sourcing, community engagement, and transparency, Restitch differentiates itself from competitors and positions itself as an innovator in the sustainable fashion market.

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

Yes. I have tutored young and aspiring ladies how to sew garments for ladies.