The students’ venture has taken off, with their pop-up shops now popping up all over Fort Myers. Their mission is to provide affordable, eco-friendly clothing options to students, reducing the demand for fast fashion and promoting sustainable fashion practices. At Florida Gulf Coast University, two seniors, Holly Barney and Camden Walsh, have turned their passion for sustainable fashion into a thriving business. Their venture, Second Chance Co., sets up shop on the library lawn and in the student plaza, offering a unique solution to the challenges faced by students when it comes to affordable and environmentally friendly clothing.
- Second Chance Co. aims to cut out the hassle of thrift shopping by bringing picked-over clothes straight to students’ doorsteps.
- The pair credits their success to FGCU’s teaching, particularly the Runway Program, which provided them with the necessary skills and knowledge to turn their idea into a reality.
Their first sales outside Lucas Hall led to a full-fledged company that now pops up all over Fort Myers, offering a range of affordable and sustainable clothing options to students.
| Location | Event/Activity | Date | Event/Activity Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Coffee and Wine | Pop-up sale | – | Students can trade in used clothing in good condition for store credit, making it easy to refresh their closets. |
| Ceremony Brewing | Pop-up sale | – | Students can trade in used clothing in good condition for store credit, making it easy to refresh their closets. |
“The Runway Program was instrumental in helping us develop our business plan and pitch,” said Walsh. “It was like Shark Tank, but instead of investors, we got feedback from our peers and professors.”
Barney studies entrepreneurship as her main focus, while Walsh picked it up as an extra learning. The school’s Runway Program, which Walsh likens to Shark Tank, gave them the push they needed to turn their idea into a reality. “We are looking at an overall picture of preventing fast fashion and promoting secondhand clothing to show people that it is an option and there’s really no need to be buying firsthand items when there is so much clothing going into landfills,” Barney said. The pair’s mission is to make sustainable fashion accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation or lifestyle. They aim to reduce the demand for fast fashion and promote secondhand clothing as a viable alternative.
“I think it’s really cool that we can bring sustainable fashion to the students, because it’s something that we all care about, but we don’t know where to start or how to make it happen,” said Walsh.
Their success is a testament to the impact that FGCU’s teaching can have on students’ lives. The university’s strong focus on entrepreneurship and sustainability has provided the perfect environment for Barney and Walsh to turn their passion into a business. To stay updated on their next sale, follow @2nddchanceclothing on Instagram for dates and spots. Second Chance Co. is a shining example of how students can turn their passions into successful businesses, while also making a positive impact on the environment.
Key Takeaways
- Second Chance Co. aims to provide affordable, eco-friendly clothing options to students.
- The pair credits their success to FGCU’s teaching, particularly the Runway Program.
- The company’s mission is to reduce the demand for fast fashion and promote sustainable fashion practices.
By providing a platform for sustainable fashion, Second Chance Co.
