Svetlina Charbonneau-26 years old-Designer of the company “My 2e Chance”

«I was born in this ecovillage in Canada called La Cité Écologique. I would like to share my experience growing up in an ecovillage where businesses are a core part of the community.

While growing up, I had the chance to participate in different internships and practical hands-on learning classes in all working areas (cooking, accounting, sowing, gardening…).I was mostly interested in the sewing and fashion department. Once I graduated, I did an internship in our clothing business, Respecterre. I am really thankful for all the work and energy our parents expended to create for us working opportunities. Already, at 18 years old, I was working and learning through all the different sectors of this business, from accounting to sewing and from selling to shipping. It is great to see the multiple facets of a company: its challenges, requirements and multiple learning opportunities!

As time goes by, I got more and more involved and eventually I was placed in charge of the designing of new models for our clothing line. This opportunity gave me interest for leadership and the desire to overcome my own challenges. So, I found my passion and in 2010, I decided to start my own line. Respecterre is producing eco-clothing and select its fabrics for their low ecological footprint. My brand My 2e Chance is using their fabric leftovers and second-hand clothing to create : ”unique designs to honor your unique look!” Offering a fashionable clothing alternative in respect of the environment, is my small step toward a better world. My vision of sustainable development inevitably requires a greener economy. Why always create new products? There are so many resources available. What a lovely dream! I work all day in our company Respecterre and I grant all my free time to this new project. Yes, I LOVE my job! But soon enough I realized that my talent were focused on production; great creations pile up in my office and… stay there! Outreach, marketing and sales are definitely not my cup of tea! At that point I realized I needed help, so I approached two of my best friends. Mirka is talented in marketing and in the creation of catalogs. Aladiah is good at selling and outreach. The three of us are now associates and we run this small business while supporting each other with our respective qualities. Of course, teamwork is motivating, but it also has its adjustments, we must make space for the others’ ideas and share a common vision. But these little challenges appears to be promising. This association allowed our project to flourish. My 2e Chance clothing’s can now be purchased across Quebec and Ontario in 7 stores and through our on-line boutique. Just in January, we received so many orders, I now need to ask for more support. With the help of all my friends we will sew all those models!

For me, the experience of growing up in an environment where the business world is combined with ecology and education was an amazing experience. It gave me the chance to get involved in supporting this great project I love. I am proud of going to work with like-minded co-workers every day. I feel like the work I do is helping the community and supporting the continuation of the school. I want the next generation of kids to benefit from the same great learning environment my parents offered me. One day, soon I hope, I could offer internships for students wishing to explore the joys of upcycling! »

Note:
The founder and a group of parents started this project as an educational center. The main focus was to give priority to kid’s education. In this new school, we want parents to participate actively. The establishment of businesses on the site of the ecovillage proved to be the best solution, creating jobs and providing a great learning platform for young people. Therefore, La Cité Écologique now counts three main businesses and many entrepreneurs running their own companies.