Ethical Fashion Store
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Interview with Chloe Perez, Owner of Green Threads, an Ethical Fashion Store in Portland, Oregon
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got interested in ethical fashion?
I've always been interested in fashion, but as I learned more about the fast fashion industry and the negative impact it has on both people and the environment, I knew I wanted to do something different. So, I started researching and learning about ethical and sustainable fashion and realized there was a big gap in accessibility and education. That's when I decided to start Green Threads, a store that focuses on ethically made and sustainably sourced clothing.
2. What kind of challenges did you face when starting Green Threads?
When I first started, finding reputable suppliers and brands was a big challenge. I spent a lot of time researching and reaching out to different companies, but it was difficult to navigate the market. Additionally, I had to raise a significant amount of capital to get started, which was a daunting task. But, I was determined to create a store that aligned with my values, so I persevered.
3. Can you talk a bit about your business's unexpected success?
To be honest, I wasn't sure if the ethical fashion movement was going to catch on in our community. But, after opening our doors, we were met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Our customers appreciated our mission and were eager to support us. Plus, partnering with Shopify to create an online store allowed us to reach a wider audience and grow our business beyond our physical location. It's been amazing to see the support we've gotten over the years and how much the ethical fashion industry has grown as a whole.
4. How did Shopify help you grow your business?
Shopify has been a game-changer for us. It's provided us with a user-friendly platform to build our website and reach customers all over the country. Plus, Shopify's marketing tools have allowed us to connect with our audience through social media and email campaigns. Shopify has definitely helped us reach our goals faster than we expected.
5. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in starting an ethical fashion business?
My biggest piece of advice would be to stay true to your values and mission. There will always be challenges and obstacles in starting a business, but if you have a clear purpose and stay consistent with it, your passion will shine through and attract like-minded customers. And, of course, partnering with a reliable platform like Shopify can help you reach your goals faster and more efficiently.
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