https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv Marie Bourinat Fashion Project en-us 2022-12-11 13:05:09 UTC 2023-05-24 16:37:13 UTC hello@padlet.com mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2437719240

To excel in their activities, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts need specialized clothing designed to meet the demands of their hobbies. This type of clothing not only enhances their performance but also provides the necessary safety and weather protection required for their activities. Performance clothing is typically expensive due to its use of technical fabrics and intricate manufacturing processes. As a result, sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers often invest a significant amount of money in technical and functional clothing.

• The disposal of sports clothing post-consumer waste is a significant environmental issue as recycling this type of clothing is challenging. High-performance clothing is typically made from multi-materials, petrol-based and blended textiles, and hardware such as zippers, snaps, or buckles. The complexity of the materials and design makes disassembly challenging, leading to these clothes being discarded in landfills or incinerated.

• Moreover, due to the intensive use that is done of them and the harsh weather conditions they are often exposed to, sports and outdoor clothing can deteriorate quickly, despite being designed to last. While users would like to extend the life of their garments, repairing damaged or worn-down outdoor clothing is often impossible as it requires specific machines and materials that most tailors and dressmakers do not have. As a result, many consumers have no choice but to buy new garments to replace damaged clothing that could have been worn much longer if repair services were available to fix them, leading to unnecessary waste. Isn't it ironic that garments designed to explore and enjoy nature end up generating such detrimental effects on the planet?

]]> 2023-01-09 13:07:10 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2437719240 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2439205174

I dream of creating a business that offers sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts access to more circular and sustainable consumption models, allowing them to reduce their purchases of sports clothing and equipment, save money, and reduce their impact on the environment.

• My intention is to establish my business in my hometown, Barcelona, to be closer to my target audience (as there is a great tradition of mountain sports in Catalonia and a large number of people who practice sports). I have not yet decided on the geographical scope of my business, whether I will limit it to Barcelona and its surroundings, Catalonia, or the entire northern region of Spain. In fact, I would like to give a local focus to the business, in line with its environmental objectives, although it could limit its growth prospects and affect its profitability. That's why I plan to start the business locally and, as it grows, I could expand its geographical reach by replicating the model in other cities, regions, and even other countries. This is actually my dream and ultimate goal!

• My vision extends beyond just creating a sustainable and profitable business. I also want to contribute to making the planet a better place to live, by promoting ecological awareness and encouraging people to live and consume more sustainably. To achieve this goal, my plan is to organize educational, inspirational and participatory activities to provide the attendees with tools and resources to become environmentally-conscious consumers. 

• I would also like the project to have a social focus and generate positive impacts on the community. This is why I have the intention to hire people who are often excluded from the job market, such as seniors, long-term unemployed, undocumented immigrants, and those belonging to vulnerable or socially excluded groups. In addition, I plan to collaborate with social organizations in the city, on projects and initiatives that generate positive impacts on the community, with a special focus on those groups that need help the most. I could, for example, co-finance vacations for people at risk of social exclusion or children living in extreme poverty, enabling them to enjoy nature and practice outdoor sports. Alternatively, I could also sponsor young sports talents with limited resources, providing them with equipment and financial support to help them pursue their hobbies and improve their performance.

• So my project is not solely focused on creating and running a business; it is about creating a movement towards a more sustainable future and a less unequal society. I am committed to making my business both profitable and sustainable in order to create a more positive impact on society and the planet. With all these missions in mind, I am excited to embark on this journey and contribute to a more sustainable future for humans, animals and nature!

]]> 2023-01-10 12:32:57 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2439205174 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2439205968 My project creates a range of valuable outcomes, including sustainability, community building, cost savings, social impact, education and emotional well-being.

1. Sustainability: All three of the proposed services promote sustainability by extending the life cycle of clothing and reducing waste. Repairing and refurbishing clothing can prevent it from being thrown away, while renting and buying second-hand items can reduce the demand for new clothing purchases, resulting in a decrease in the production of new garments.
2. Community building: The business can help build a sense of community by providing a space for people to come together and share their love for sustainability and their passion for sports. Thrift shops in particular can be a hub for local communities, while rental platforms can connect people who want to share their items.
3. Cost savings and economic value: Repairing and renting clothing can be a cost-effective alternative to buying new items, especially when it comes to outdoor garments, which are typically expensive. Thrift shops also offer affordable options for people who are on a budget, while rental platforms can allow people to use items at a fraction of the cost.
4. Social value: All my services create social value by offering individuals on a limited budget access to high-quality outdoor clothing that may have been unaffordable for them through traditional channels. This makes it easier for people with lower incomes to engage in sports and outdoor activities, which in turn has a positive impact on their mental health and emotional well-being. I also want to promote and participate in charitable initiatives that positively impact the community, particularly those who benefit these initiatives: individuals excluded from labor market whom I offer the opportunity to work and receive a fair wage; children and people living in poverty whom I provide with the chance to go on vacation; and promising young athletes with limited budget whom I support in continuing their training and improving their performance.
5. Emotional value: Many of us attach sentimental value and memories to our clothes, particularly those worn during special occasions or events. This is especially true for sports enthusiasts and adventurers, who often form deep emotional connections with their high-performance clothing and gear. As a result, they may be reluctant to part ways with items that have served them well over the years, even if they are no longer in fashion. My project offers solutions that allow them to extend the life of their beloved garments, giving them the opportunity to relive the memories and experiences associated with them, and bringing them joy. My project has the potential to have a positive impact on the emotions of users of my services in many other ways, improving their well-being and quality of life in various aspects. For example, my rental platform enables users of my services to save space in their closets, explore new activities without spending a fortune on equipment they may never use again, save money, and eliminate the hassle of gear maintenance, freeing up more time and money for them to plan, embark on, and enjoy new adventures. Furthermore, by embracing sustainable consumption practices, environmentally conscious outdoor enthusiasts can help protect the natural environments they cherish, while also experiencing the fulfillment of living in alignment with their personal values. Moreover, my charitable actions have the potential to improve the mood and emotional well-being of the people they are directed towards, and to transform their lives. By providing job opportunities and allowing those excluded from the labor market to earn a salary, I help them regain their dignity, feel useful to society, and achieve greater personal satisfaction. Likewise, by offering people with limited resources the possibility of going on vacations or simply continuing to practice their favorite sport, I allow them to enjoy nature, experience positive emotions, and disconnect from their routine, resulting undoubtedly in an improvement in their emotional well-being.
6. Educational value: The educational value of my business is enriched by the range of activities I plan to organize to promote the circular economy and raise awareness about sustainable living. My objective is to inspire attendees to adopt eco-friendly practices, by equipping them with knowledge and tools to do so.

]]> 2023-01-10 12:33:46 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2439205968 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2443798678

STRENGTHS:

1. By focusing on circularity, one of the fastest-growing segments of the world economy, the project has significant potential for scalability. It aims to meet the growing demand from consumers both for repair services that extend the lifespan of products, and alternative consumption routes allowing them to reduce purchases of new clothes and environmental footprint.
2. Clothing repair services for complex garments, thrift shops and rental platform specialized in sportswear and high-performance clothing, are a niche market with limited supply, presenting a significant opportunity for growth.
3. The initial investment required for the project is relatively small if we compare with businesses with a larger scope. However, it may be significant enough to compromise its profitability, at least during the first few years (so this can also be a weakness).
4. My project offers a wide range of products and services, especially my rental platform. I offer not only high-performance clothing, but also sports equipment for high mountain activities and adventure sports, such as snowshoes, crampons, ice axes, backpacks, tents, sleeping bag covers, among others. In the future, other product categories could be incorporated, such as skis, bicycles, surfboards, etc, depending on the growth of the business and customer demand, as long as I have the required space in the business's premises or the financial capacity to open new spaces close to the places where these sports are practiced.
5. The integration of multiple services aimed at a common objective in the same space confers a competitive advantage to my project: By offering the customers and users diverse options to acquire sports clothing and equipment sustainably, I am in a unique position to provide them with the best solutions and generate greater impacts.
6. Locating the physical space in Barcelona offers numerous advantages, such as its accessibility and the existing customer base for mountain sports enthusiasts, as well as the city's vibrant sports culture, with many locals participating in a wide range of sports activities. However, it is worth noting that the cost of renting a space in the city can be high, which may compromise the viability of the business.
7. By targeting athletes and outdoor sports enthusiasts, my project gains a new advantage. These individuals often value and cherish nature, and tend to follow a sustainable lifestyle to preserve the planet. As passionate advocates for the environment, they are sure to appreciate and support my services and products.
8. My background in the textile industry, my strong professional network and my passion for fashion, sports and sustainability, are valuable assets that may help me launch and run the business.

• WEAKNESSES:

1. The business has a limited customer base due to its narrow focus on a specific market segment. To increase its profitability and appeal to a wider audience, I can broaden my services by offering repairs for streetwear and fashion garments. Doing so will not only help to expand the customer base but also maximize the utilization of the sewing machines, which in some cases can be used for both sports and street garments.
2. Limiting the scope of the business to a specific geographic area (yet to be determined if it will be Barcelona and its surroundings, the entire Catalonia region, or the northern area of Spain) could limit the growth prospects of the business. However, to maintain consistency with the environmental sustainability and community values that the project intends to promote, I would like the business to preserve this local approach (at least in its initial stage).
3. Although locating the business's physical space in Barcelona offers numerous advantages that I mentioned earlier, the cost of renting a space in the city can be high, which may affect the viability of the business. Therefore, I will need to carefully consider my options and weigh the potential benefits against the costs.
4. Sourcing replacement materials in small quantities and at competitive prices may be a challenge, potentially compromising the business's profitability.
5. As I lack the necessary sewing skills, hiring a technician or investing in training may be necessary to perform clothing repairs, thereby increasing the initial cost.
6. The need for a sufficiently large space to accommodate the second-hand store, the clothing and equipment rental area, and repair materials and machinery, could be a challenge for the project, especially during its initial stages, due to the associated costs.
7. The need to secure a bank loan to launch the business may impose a financial burden during the initial phase, potentially impacting its viability.

]]> 2023-01-13 16:32:50 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2443798678 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2448298026

OPPORTUNITIES:

1. By focusing on circularity, the business operates in a rapidly developing market with promising growth prospects in the future. Mentalities are changing and more consumers become aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, so the demand for circular models will only continue to rise during the next years, providing ample opportunities for the business to scale up.
2. With consumers increasingly demanding more sustainable products and services, there is a great opportunity for the business to expand its offerings beyond sports clothing and tap into the larger market of sustainable fashion.
3. There is potential to attract partnerships and collaborations with other sustainable businesses and organizations, further expanding the reach and impact of the business to other cities, regions or countries.

• THREATS:

1. Future competitors may pose a risk to the business's revenue and profitability, such as premium outdoor and sportswear brands that may offer repair services to their customers (actually some of them already do). However, this risk could also represent a new business opportunity if I manage to partner with these brands and become their official repair shop within the operating area of my business, potentially expanding the range of services offered and attracting new customers. Why not turn a potential threat into a chance to grow? 😉
2. Peer-to-peer second-hand buying and selling apps like Vinted or Wallapop (a popular app in Spain, Portugal, and Italy) could pose a threat to my business. However, while their multi-product approach can make it challenging for users to find specific items, my platform's single-product focus offers a convenient and streamlined experience for customers, giving it a competitive edge.
3. The current economic uncertainty may result in creating an unrealistic business plan, which in turn could lead to financial unviability for the project.
4. Higher energy prices, rising material costs, and increased interest rates could potentially impact the profitability of the project. However, these challenges could also bring new opportunities. In times of high inflation, consumers may lose purchasing power and seek more affordable options for their sports and outdoor clothing. This economic situation could even benefit my project, as it offers affordable products and services that can help people reduce expenses.

]]> 2023-01-18 13:07:40 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2448298026 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2516354791

1. Individuals interested in exploring affordable and eco-friendly consumption models that allow them to save money and lower their environmental footprint by reducing their reliance on new clothing purchases.
2. Travelers, sports enthusiasts and outdoor lovers who prioritize sustainability, affordability, and adventure. This includes hikers, climbers, mountaineers, mountain bikers, trail runners, free riders, snowboarders, sailors, horse-riders, divers, and more.
3. Workers in specialized industries (such as industrial, building and primary sectors), as well as companies and governments that need to provide high-performance clothing to their employees (e.g. firefighters, soldiers, police officers, and more) and prioritize reducing costs and waste by repairing damaged equipment to prolong its lifespan.

]]> 2023-03-14 15:53:43 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2516354791 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2516499010

My primary goal is to establish a specialized sewing workshop that focuses on repairing consumers' sports, outdoor and high-performance clothing. While a streetwear and fashion clothing repair service will also be offered, the main focus will be on repairing garments that have a higher level of complexity.

• My second objective is to transform the sewing workshop into a creative hub, where consumers can receive assistance in refreshing, restoring, refurbishing, or remixing their damaged, worn-out or outdated sports and outdoor clothing, allowing them to create unique new styles or items that they will hopefully cherish and use for a long time.

• My third objective is to gradually expand the scope of the business by creating a second-hand shop and a rental platform specializing in sports, outdoor and performance clothing and equipment, where consumers will be able to purchase or borrow items and even sell or rent their own belongings.

• The true objective of my project is to serve society and the planet by encouraging people to embrace a more sustainable way of living. To achieve this, I plan to organize various activities focused on creating ecological awareness among attendees, assisting them in building a circular wardrobe, and providing them with expert advice, tips, and tricks on repairing or refurbishing clothes like professionals.

• Activities may include informative talks on sustainable living and consumption, as well as events promoting the circular economy, such as clothing swap parties. In addition, workshops may be offered to teach and train individuals on how to care for, repair, refurbish, or even sew their own clothes. This furthers my goal of promoting sustainable and circular practices and empowering consumers to embrace a more sustainable way of living. I may also engage the business in external events that promote the circular economy, hosting workshops and participating as a speaker or lecturer at events organized by other entities or schools.

• In addition, I aim to partner with a local design school to offer paid internships to students, where they can work on tasks such as garment redesign and customization. Through this partnership, I will also organize workshops, classes, and talks on eco-design and circular economy, using my project as an inspiring example. In this way, I will not only promote practical learning and knowledge exchange, but also foster the development of new skills and talents in the field of sustainable design.

• To align with the values it promotes, my business should take specific measures to minimize its environmental impact. Some of these measures may include seeking highly energy-efficient facilities, reducing energy and water consumption, acquiring second-hand furniture and machinery (which also results in cost-savings), using renewable materials and energy sources for business operations, and implementing waste management practices, among other options.

]]> 2023-03-14 17:30:15 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2516499010 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2516508632 My project combines three different business models: Circular, platform and community-based.

• Circular Model: The sewing workshop operates on a circular business model that prioritizes repairing damaged or worn-out clothing items, keeping them in use at their highest value for as long as possible.

• Platform Business Model: The second-hand shop and rental service operate as platform business models, providing consumers with a space to purchase or rent outdoor gear and clothing from multiple brands, as well as items listed by other users for sale or rent.

• Community-based Business Model: The second-hand shop and rental platform also serve as community-based models. The thrift shop sources items from private donations made by users, while the rental platform allows users to both borrow and lend their own items, similar to a clothes-sharing or peer-to-peer rental system. These models foster a sense of community and collaboration among users.

]]> 2023-03-14 17:36:36 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2516508632 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2521765408

Banks/Financial Institutions for securing loans.

Investment Funds who may invest in the launch and expansion of my project.

Crowdfunding supporters potentially contributing through collective funding campaigns.

Friends and acquaintances who may become shareholders or donors of funds, materials or products.

The community itself (users and consumers of our products and services), that may also become business partners.

Local authorities, national and European governments for the award of public funds.

]]> 2023-03-18 16:20:47 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2521765408 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2543774633

Running the repair and sewing workshop:

1. Perform manual processes of repairing, restoring and sewing garments.
2. Interact with customers, evaluating the feasibility and cost of their repairs and, in case they want to refurbish a garment, offering them personalized and quality advice so they entrust us with the task.
3. Manage the inputs and outputs of the materials used to repair, refurbish and sew garments.

• Running the thrift store and rental platform:

1. Take care of both spaces in a way they attract the right customers.
2. Deal and interact with customers in a meaningful way by understanding their unique preferences, tastes, requirements and needs, and providing them with tailored advice so they can make appropriate and relevant decisions.
3. Manage the inputs and outputs of products for sale or rental.

• Managing the business marketing strategy through social media, traditional marketing campaigns, as well as organizing events and activities aimed at promoting the circular economy in the community, as I mentioned earlier.

• Overall, the business model of the project emphasizes the R-Strategies, including Repair, Refurbish, Repurpose, Reuse, Reduce, Rethink, and Refuse. By focusing on these strategies, the project aims to provide consumers with access to circular consumption models, and empower them to adopt mindful and less impulsive purchasing habits through the provision of tools and resources to reduce their clothing consumption.

]]> 2023-04-04 14:41:37 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2543774633 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2545263930

An experienced in-house Dressmaker, to provide high-quality garment repair services. He/She is assisted by a freelance external pattern-maker.

An in-house Designer, to co-create new garments with the dressmaker through customization, redesign and restyling of outdated or damaged pieces. His/Her responsibilities include managing the procurement and control of materials needed for repairs and refurbishing, as well as curating the thrift shop, ensuring an enjoyable and engaging shopping experience for our customers through an attractive Visual Merchandising.

A QC Manager, to manage the quality control of materials used for the repair operations, and products and equipment offered in the thrift shop and the rental platform. This includes ensuring that all items meet the business's established standards for safety, cleanliness, and functionality.

 A freelance Marketing Manager, to develop and execute both online and offline marketing and communication strategies, to manage the business's social media channels, and to oversee the design and creation process of the business website. The Marketing Manager is also in charge of organizing the business's educational activities, talks, events and workshops focused on promoting the circular economy among the community. He/She is assisted by a Social Media Manager, a Graphic Designer, and a Photographer.

A freelance Graphic Designer, whose responsibility consists of crafting the visual identity of the business (including logo design) and creating visual contents for the business's website, social media posts, and marketing campaigns.

A freelance Photographer, whose main role is to produce high-quality images that showcase the business's products and services, and are used as visual content for the company's website, marketing campaigns, and social media posts.

An IT Manager, to oversee the implementation and maintenance of the company's hardware and software infrastructure, as well as manage all computer-related tasks. This service should be outsourced to a third-party provider.

Interns, one or several, to help the Designer with the customization, redesign, restyling and refurbishing of consumers' outdated or worn-out garments.

External speakers and experts such as environmentalists, activists, and sustainability professionals, to lead or contribute to the business's educational activities and events, providing valuable insights and practical advice to inspire and encourage attendees to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

Local social entities and charitable associations whom I collaborate with in co-financing and supporting initiatives aimed at generating positive impacts in the community.

As the business owner, I oversee the following areas:

• Finances and Accounting.
• Business Organization and Team Management.
• Business Development, Investors and Key-Partners Relations.
• Procurement for the Thrift Shop and Clothing Rental Platform.
• Inventory Management and Control (together with the Designer).
• Customer Support and Service.
• Events, Workshops, and Educational Activities Planning and Organization (together with the Marketing Manager).

]]> 2023-04-05 17:19:36 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2545263930 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2546374890

"Think big, start small" will be the mantra of my business. I plan to develop the project in three stages to spread the investment over several years and generate early profits to self-finance the launch of subsequent phases. The first stage will involve creating a sewing workshop specializing in repairing high-performance clothing. The next phase will entail the establishment of a specialized thrift store that will cater to sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of second-hand high-performance clothing. Finally, the third stage will involve creating a rental platform focused on sportswear and outdoor clothing and gear.

• As I mentioned earlier, my project will specialize in sportswear and high-performance clothing. Although outdoor clothing is a niche market, I have chosen to focus on this field as there is less competition and it aligns with my personal interests and knowledge. I also believe that specialization is a key factor in a company's success because it allows it to focus its resources and efforts on a specific area, facilitates the positioning of its products or services in the market, helps build its value proposition and differentiate from its competitors, and strengthens its reputation.

• While the focus will be on outdoor clothing, I plan to include streetwear and fashion clothing in the list of products that we repair. Given that some of the machines used to produce high-performance clothing can also be utilized for producing streetwear and fashion garments, it would be beneficial for the business to include these types of clothing in its repair services. This will help amortize the machines while staying true to my goal of extending the life cycle of all products. The success of the business, profits generated, and cash available for new activities will determine whether streetwear and fashion clothes will be included in the thrift store and rental platform in subsequent phases.

• To market my products and services, I will employ an omni-channel strategy that integrates an online sales and rental platform with a physical store. The store will serve as a hub for repair services, second-hand sales, and sports gear and clothing rentals. To promote the business, I will leverage multiple channels, such as social media, traditional marketing campaigns, and the organization of events and activities aimed at engaging and attracting potential customers.

• The strategies of the repair shop and the second-hand store both focus on the life cycle extension of products. The repair shop allows consumers to repair damaged and worn-down clothes so they can be worn longer, while the second-hand store gives a second chance to discarded clothes to be worn again by a new user.

• The rental platform follows a "product-as-a-service" strategy, allowing customers to borrow items instead of owning them and to pay only for the service of using the products, alleviating them from dealing with repair and maintenance.

• The second-hand shop and rental platform also focus on local community building. By allowing consumers to sell their gently used clothing at the thrift shop and giving users the option to rent out their own items on the platform, I am creating a circular economy within the community. As a bonus, product owners receive a voucher or commission for each item sold or rented, incentivizing them to participate in the local economy and promote sustainable consumption habits.

]]> 2023-04-06 15:11:51 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2546374890 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2559981860
The project's stakeholders can be divided into several groups:

• The first group, essential for the launch of the business, includes investors: Banks that can provide loans to finance the initial phase of the project, potential investment funds, crowdfunding platforms, friends and acquaintances who may be interested in investing, providing financial support, or donating products, as well as local, state, or European authorities that could provide grants to fund the project.

• The second group is the human team that is responsible for managing the project after its launch. This diverse group of professionals includes a seamstress, a designer, an IT manager, a marketing manager, and others. Depending on their role, team members can be either in-house employees, interns, or independent contractors working as freelancers or external consultants.

• The third group consists of suppliers who provide various items essential to the business, such as facilities, machinery to run the business, materials for repair services, and products for the rental platform and thrift shop.

• Lastly, the fourth group includes the community that will form around the project. This group consists of consumers who purchase our products, users of the rental platform and repair workshop, attendees of our activities and events, and facilitators involved in the same.

]]> 2023-04-19 10:28:05 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2559981860 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2561880925

A real estate agent to lease the premises for the business.

Equipment and machinery suppliers providing and ensuring maintenance of sewing, washing and iron machines.

Suppliers providing furniture for the second-hand store and the office, as well as other necessary supplies for business operations, such as computers, desks, etc.

Material suppliers providing fabrics, threads, and trimmings for the repairs. These materials can be obtained through new purchases from specialized suppliers or by recycling waste and leftovers from clothing brands and garment manufacturers, with priority given to the latter option, whenever available.

Product suppliers providing the items for the thrift shop and rental platform:

• Textile recyclers and warehouse auctions from whom I could purchase second-hand clothing lots.
• Sports and outdoor apparel brands from whom I could obtain surpluses and/or products from latter collections.
• Thrift shop customers putting for sale their own second-hand garments in my space.
• Rental platform users listing their own items for rent.

]]> 2023-04-20 13:50:44 UTC https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2561880925 mariebourinat https://padlet.com/mariebourinat/vkio7jdxvti2hvzv/wish/2573575667

My project has several long-term positive impacts. Firstly, it promotes circular economy within the community by enabling athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to repair their clothing, thereby extending their lifespan and avoiding the need to purchase new products. Additionally, it provides them with more sustainable consumption routes through a second-hand store and a platform for renting sports clothing and equipment. The project also organizes and participates in initiatives aimed at providing attendees with tips and tools to become environmentally responsible consumers. The project follows the "R" strategies of the circular economy: Repair, Restore, Reuse, Reduce, Rethink, and Refuse. This clearly helps to reduce CO2 emissions, which will have a positive and long-lasting effect on the environment.

• My project also has the potential to generate a very positive impact on society, and specifically on the community where the business operates. First, it seeks to hire individuals who are often excluded from the job market, such as older people, immigrants, or individuals in vulnerable situations. In addition, it aims to collaborate with social organizations in the city, providing financial support and actively participating in charitable actions that have a positive impact on the beneficiaries. Lastly, by offering consumers more affordable consumption options and enabling them to prolong the lifespan of their sports clothing, my project also provides individuals with limited budget the opportunity to practice sports and outdoor activities. Who knows? They might even save enough money to afford a great vacation!...

• My project has the potential to benefit a wide range of individuals. First, those athletes committed to the environment: By adopting sustainable consumption practices, environmentally committed athletes can enjoy the satisfaction of being responsible consumers, protecting the nature they cherish. Secondly, my project also benefits all the individuals to whom the business's social initiatives are addressed: athletes with limited budgets who can receive economic support to practice their hobby without worrying about associated costs; individuals excluded from the labor market who have the opportunity to work and earn a salary; and people living in extreme poverty or social exclusion who can enjoy nature, discover new activities, or simply engage in sports. And last but certainly not least, my project offers benefits to all those interested in exploring circular consumption routes and embracing a more sustainable way of life.

• As I mentioned earlier, my project will be developed in various phases with the aim of alleviating the initial financial burden and distributing the investment over several years. Additionally, I hope to generate some profits starting from the third or fourth year, which will allow me to finance the later stages of the project. The first phase will involve creating a repair workshop, which I estimate will take 3 to 4 years to launch and become economically viable. In the second phase, I will launch the second-hand store and, if everything goes smooth, after 2 or 3 years, I will start the business of renting out sports equipment and clothing. The complete realization of the project will require a total time of 8 to 10 years.

• To be consistent with its sustainable perspective, the business should adopt a local focus and limit its scope to a small geographical area, even if this may constrain its growth prospects. For this reason, my plan is to establish the business in Barcelona, the city where I live and where there is a great passion for sports. If the business manages to generate sufficient capital, I can replicate the model in other cities, regions, and even countries, thus increasing its impacts. In fact, this is my dream and ultimate goal!

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The project cannot be launched without external investment, as unfortunately I do not have the necessary funds to do so. According to my estimates, around €100,000 is needed to create the repair workshop. This amount includes the acquisition of the necessary machinery and materials for repairs, as well as the rent of the premises for the first 3 months, and the costs of designing and creating the business website. For the second-hand store, a smaller investment is required (around €15,000), which covers the purchase of the clothes we will sell in our physical store and our online sales channel. Finally, I estimate that around €35,000 is needed to launch the rental platform, mainly for purchasing the clothes and equipment that we will rent out.

• Given the high value of the initial investment, I have considered the possibility of reorganizing the launch of the different business activities. Instead of starting with the repair workshop, which involves a more significant initial investment, I could begin with the second-hand store and the rental platform. Both activities do not require such a large physical space, which would result in significant savings in rent. I could even focus initially on online sales of our products. However, this new strategy may present challenges in establishing a solid community due to the lack of a physical space where customers can interact with the team and with each other.

• Although repair services, second-hand store, and rental platform could be conceived as separate businesses, and, theoretically, I could opt to launch only one of them, I believe that the true strength of the project lies in the integration of these services in one single space. By offering my customers diverse options to acquire clothing and materials sustainably, I will be in a unique position to provide them with the best solutions. For example, if a garment cannot be repaired due to irreparable damage, I can offer the customer the possibility to purchase a similar second-hand product available in the store or rent it from the clothing library. Similarly, if a customer cannot find a specific product in the store, I can suggest borrowing it from the rental platform and vice versa. I believe that this integration of services allows me to offer the best possible experience to my customers and have a greater impact on promoting sustainable consumption.

• To make the project viable, I need to generate a constant income. According to my calculations, to achieve this, I would need to carry out around 70 repairs per month, with an average cost of €20 per repair, and sell approximately 100 second-hand items per month, with an estimated average price of €100 per item. In addition, I expect around 150 people to subscribe monthly to our rental platform, with a monthly subscription cost of €35, which will entitle them to rent 5 items during the month. I also anticipate around 100 one-time rentals per month, with an average cost of €10 per rented item.

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In response to the feedback received, I have revised and expanded my initial SWOT analysis of the business, to include the threats and weaknesses that I had not detected and that were identified by the interviewees.

I have also incorporated very insightful suggestions to improve the project. These include adopting measures to minimize the environmental footprint of the business, and implementing actions that give the project a stronger social focus, by involving it in initiatives and projects promoted by associations and organizations, as well as hiring individuals who are typically marginalized from the labor market or from vulnerable and socially excluded groups.

Furthermore, I have decided not only to organize my own events to promote my project, but also to participate in activities organized by others, acting as a speaker in talks, workshops, and events focused on promoting the circular economy.

Additionally, following a suggestion from a reader of my project, I will try to partner with design schools to collaborate with them in organizing workshops, classes, and talks on eco-design and circular economy, using my project as an inspiring example. I will also offer paid internships to students to assist our Designer in the mission of redesigning and refurbishing outdated or worn-out garments.

Finally, I have outlined my sales strategy to effectively sell my services, as well as shared insights on how I plan to approach the promotion and communication of my business.

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