In today's installment of our Good People Doing Good Things blog series, we are speaking with Cassandra, the founder of Chic Made Consciously. I first met Cassandra four years ago, long before I decided to launch Daria Day, at her booth at the Buy Good Feel Good show. I was immediately struck by the quality and design of her purses and accessories - all repurposed from tires. As I walk down the path of entrepreneurship, Cassandra continues to be a source of inspiration for me. Last week I once again had the pleasure of speaking with her (over video, of course) and learn more about what drives and motivates her.
MEET CASSANDRA CIARALLO, FOUNDER OF CHIC MADE CONSCIOUSLY
Cassandra's story begins in the summer of 2014 when she traveled across South East Asia, pursuing her passion for immersing in different cultures and exploring the world. She became inspired and fascinated by the art, culture, and lifestyle in Asia, especially Bali, Indonesia.
One of her favorite cities in Bali was Ubud, where artisans, craftsmen, and painters filled the streets. As she came across a shop called 'Oh Waste,' she met an artisan named Dana, who was upcycling accessories from inner tire tubes. She fell in love with his magnificent work and was invited to spend the day creating and working with the material herself.
Cassandra was so inspired by Dana's passion for making a change in his homeland and giving waste a new life that this sparked a fire inside of her. She eagerly wanted to be a part of this movement.
Since 2016, Cassandra has been working with the team at ArtCycle Bali to distribute its handcrafted accessories to the North American market. She also designed her first collection in 2017.
Since then, she has collaborated with other global artisans around the world who are repurposing unique materials such as brass from war remnants and textile waste in Cambodia.
Through this journey, she has learned so much about the unfortunate social and environmental issues in the fashion industry. She has made it her mission to make a significant change by providing an alternative for consumers to purchase consciously.
"Our mission at Chic Made Consciously is to disrupt fast fashion with a conscious alternative. By offering fashionable and sustainable accessories that make a difference in the lives of our global artisan partners as well as repurposed to help our planet, we are letting know there is a different way to do business."
Cassandra isn't just stopping at Bali and Cambodia. Cassandra believes Chic Made Consciously biggest strength is its ability to build relationships with global artisans who are finding creative ways to repurpose waste! There more stories for Cassandra to tell, and we can't wait to hear them.
WHAT WE ARE LOVING CURRENTLY AT CHIC MADE CONSCIOUSLY
What we love most about Chic Made Consciously is that the designs are gender-fluid and allow you to express yourself as you are. Here are some of our personal favorites.
The Titus cuff is bold and daring and will make you feel empowered. I love it because you can wear it day or night.
The Influence Belt is pure fun! Dance the night away in this belt or pair it with your favorite skirt or shorts to add a little flair to your outfit.
The Power Ring is both dramatic and eye-catching.
LEARN MORE
Visit more Chic Made Consciously here to see more of her beautiful pieces.
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This blog is part of a series at Daria Day featuring stories of people doing amazing things to make the world a little better. If you know someone we could feature, please email us at hello@dariaday.com.
Stay tuned for more good people doing good things.