#FollowTheSustainableStudio
Meet Gayle Poppers, the visionary founder of The Sustainable Studio, a luxury resale boutique based in Galway. With a lifelong passion for fashion and a commitment to sustainability, Gayle specialises in pre-owned high-end designer bags and accessories. Her journey into the fashion world began with studying design and has evolved through various entrepreneurial ventures, driven by her dedication to reducing fashion's environmental impact. A mother of three, Gayle balances creativity, ambition, and an unwavering belief in the power of quality over quantity. Her mission is to inspire a more sustainable approach to fashion while creating a thriving business for her family and community.
To get us started - how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
Ambitious, creative, loyal, passionate, introverted (yet social when I need to be!)
Describe your business and what prompted you to start it?
I am a luxury reseller specialising in pre-owned high-end/designer bags and accessories. I have a boutique in Galway but aim to focus on growing online. My business began from my passion for fashion and a desire to reduce the industry's environmental impact. Encouraging people to buy quality over quantity is central to my ethos and business.
Tell us a little bit more about you?
I am a mother of three girls and a long-time fashion addict! I live in Galway and grew up here, although I travelled extensively in my twenties and only settled back when I had my children. My background has always been in fashion, starting with studying design at 19. However, my journey was not straightforward, with several detours along the way. It took time to figure out my place in the fashion world, but I always knew it was my industry. Fashion, to me, is a form of creative expression, akin to art, with a significant societal impact that often goes unnoticed.
My current path began post-COVID, selling my clothes online and recognising the value in existing garments. The excess clothes waste in my home led me to delve into sustainable fashion, realising the importance of buying quality over quantity to reduce our carbon footprint. Besides fashion and luxury bags, I love styling, creating visually appealing displays and photoshoots, music, travel, and good food.
Fill us in on your female founder journey.
My journey has been just that—a journey. As a single mother to my two eldest daughters, aged 2 and 5, I worked as a designer, which eventually took its toll, leading me to close that business. The fashion industry is tough to break into, especially with young children. During my time as a designer, I created a network of fellow designers in Galway for support and community, organising fashion shows and opening a shop. However, the business didn't grow as hoped, so I stepped back to focus on my children.
My entrepreneurial spirit remained, and soon I re-evaluated my career goals. Selling my clothes at markets was a side hustle I enjoyed and excelled at, but I never saw it as a career until COVID. During lockdown, while pregnant with my third child, I started selling my clothes online and saw the potential in the pre-owned fashion market. I realised that the future of fashion is preloved from a sustainability standpoint, focusing on quality, luxury, and designer bags.
The Sustainable Studio started in 2022 from my kitchen table, surrounded by stock, packaging, and chaos. I invested in a website and designer stock to sell online, but struggled with creating effective social media content from home. This led me to open a boutique in Galway, which was a great decision for both my personal and business growth. The physical shop was well-received, but due to its location, I'm now shifting focus back online. Being self-employed has its challenges and daily worries, but my drive and focus keep me going. The hardest part is being a sole trader, which can be lonely. However, being a female founder is empowering, and I aim to create an empire for my girls to step into one day if they choose.
How has being part of the AwakenHub community helped your business?
I have only recently joined and look forward to becoming more involved in the coming months. Although I’m new, I’ve already started jumping into the community by attending drop-in sessions and check-in sessions. I wanted to feature on our blog to share my journey and connect with fellow members.
Why have you joined AwakenHub?
I joined to connect with fellow entrepreneurs for advice and support, as being a sole entrepreneur can be lonely. I also hope to seek investment for scaling my business and am connecting with AwakenAngels to learn more about this process.
As a founder, what are your non-negotiables?
Loyalty, honesty, and kindness are very important to me. I operate my business with integrity and believe there's room for everyone to thrive.
Where do you see yourself in 12 months and 5 years' time?
In 12 months, I plan to have expanded to a larger office space with a team of staff and to be developing an app for customers to buy and sell from. I aim to provide employment opportunities in the Galway fashion industry.
In 5 years, I plan to have expanded globally!
What are your top three tips for other women founders?
Believe in the power of manifestation and positive thoughts and actions to create your destiny.
Success doesn't require burning out; resilience and a clear vision are key.
Hold onto your vision no matter the obstacles—keep going!
To finish up, what are six words to live by?
The best is yet to come!
Any questions or comments?
I would love some support and guidance on how to grow and expand my business to the next level!
Instagram @the_sustainablestudio
Website: The Sustainable Studio – Designer and luxury Resale Boutique
