IWD Special: The Moms Powering Retykle 

From working in luxury fashion to creating a platform that promotes circular children’s clothing, Sarah’s journey is all about entrepreneurship, motherhood, and empowering women. In this interview, Sarah Garner, Founder of Retykle, shares her role at Retykle, her thoughts on sustainability, and the important role women and moms play in shaping a better future.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at Retykle?

A: I’m Sarah Garner, the founder and CEO of Retykle. Before starting Retykle, I had a career in corporate luxury fashion, working with companies like Lane Crawford and LVMH. After becoming a mother, I realized the need for a solution to efficiently recirculate children's outgrown clothes, which led me to create Retykle. My role involves leading the company's vision and further innovating towards a truly circular solution.

Q: What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A: International Women's Day is a celebration and recognition of the progress women have made and the courage of those who drive change. For me, it serves as a reminder of the vital importance of empowering women and girls with equal opportunities, representation, and resources, ultimately propelling us closer to achieving true gender parity.

Q: In what ways do you feel like you’re making an impact—not just as a professional, but as a woman and a mom?

A: As a professional, I’m building a platform that fosters more sustainable consumption in the fashion industry. As a woman and a mom, I’m contributing by instilling in my children the importance of entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship. For us, Retykle is more than just a way to get dressed; it has evolved into a guiding philosophy on how we approach consumption as a family, emphasizing sustainability and responsibility in all aspects of our lives.

Q: How do you think women, or mothers, play a role in driving sustainability?

A: Women, particularly mothers, play a pivotal role in driving sustainability due to their significant influence over family purchasing decisions. In many households, mothers are the primary decision-makers, with 80% of household purchases being made by women. By choosing sustainable products and practices, mothers not only shape consumer behavior but also drive demand for environmentally friendly options. This collective power positions women, especially mothers, to make significant changes in promoting sustainability and driving a more environmentally conscious future.

Q: If you had to describe women’s strength in one sentence, what would you say?

A: Women’s strength is rooted in their ability to shape the world with resilience, adaptability, and determination, empowered by empathy and perseverance.

Q: What’s your hope for the next generation of women and moms in business?

A: My hope is that the next generation of women and mothers in business will continue to break barriers, supported by global cultures and governments that prioritize policies and practices enabling balanced domestic responsibilities and equal opportunities, allowing women to be boundary-free in their careers and pursuits.

Q: Favourite brands to recommend for sustainable children’s clothing?

A: For durable and well-designed children's clothing, I recommend brands like Bonpoint, Patagonia, and Stella McCartney Kids. These brands offer high-quality options that align with Retykle's mission to shop quality items that will sustain multiple rotations.