We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaclyn Patterson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaclyn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve been working as a wardrobe stylist for 8 years, with a focus on sustainable fashion! Essentially this means I help people dress to feel their best while incorporating sustainable practices into my work ethos. For example, I’ll help people define their personal style so they can avoid micro-trends, shop their closets or introduce them to more sustainable brands to shop.

Over the years through my work, I realized so many people want to shop smarter and vote with their dollar, but without sacrificing style or convenience. I recognized there needs to be an easier way for people to shop and discover sustainable brands they can trust, and from this moment, Shopwise was born.

Shopwise is a sustainable fashion marketplace, making it easier for people to vote with their dollar from 25+ pre-vetted sustainable brands that prioritize both people and the planet.

I truly believe if I hadn’t started my career as a stylist, I wouldn’t be working on this business too.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Shopwise, we prioritize people and the planet over profit, which means we consider the environment and the people who make our clothes at the forefront of every decision we make. From which brands we onboard to our marketplace, to our messaging on social media.

In order to change the future of fashion, we need to re-educate and inspire our communities collectively and individually to change their buying habits.

Shopwise was born through my work as a sustainable wardrobe stylist. Over the last 8 years of working with clients, I developed a massive library of more sustainable and ethical brands worldwide. So many of my clients were excited to discover these brands through me, which sparked the idea that more people would choose to shop smarter and sustainably if it was more convenient, and from this moment I felt responsible to launch a marketplace making it easier for people to vote with their dollar from vetted brands they can trust. Fashion without sacrificing style or sustainability.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As I’m in Toronto, I’d most definitely be bringing my friends to the Saturday Farmer’s Market (either Evergreen Brickworks or Wychwood Barns) where we’d sip on fresh coffees and walk around in the sunshine picking up some local veg and goodies.

From there we’d take our time walking through the parks on our way to visit some local consignment shops in the west end, browsing through some vintage pieces and accessories.

Later in the day, you’d most likely find us catching up over vegan eats on the patio. Sounds like a day well spent to me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to shout out all the amazing brands behind Shopwise! Our business wouldn’t exist without the partnerships of the inspiring, hardworking and successful fashion brands on our site who said YES when we were just getting started. Each company is a small business, with 98% of our brands women-led and founded, and over 30% of our brands BIPOC owned. We are so proud to support and advocate for these business owners and partners.

Website: https://shopwiseofficial.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopwiseofficial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-patterson-3b202066/

Other: My styling website is: https://www.jaclynstyled.com/

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