JeanSisters
A Fashion Social Enterprise for Rural Australia
JeanSisters takes worn Lady Rider jeans and gives them new life, refurbishing them for the urban market as authentic cowgirl denim. 100% of profits go toward easing financial hardship in rural families by funding entrepreneurial education and start-up support—turning every pair of jeans into a vehicle for stronger, healthier country communities.
JeanSisters is designed to serve rural families and the wider fashion community through a unique circular model. Once Lady Rider jeans have been worn to the point they’re no longer suitable for the competition arena, customers can trade them in for store credit. The jeans are then professionally refurbished by our partner and resold to the urban market as authentic cowgirl jeans—garments with real stories and character. Unlike artificially distressed denim, these jeans carry the truth of country life, making them premium, ethical fashion pieces.
100% of the profits from JeanSisters will be directed toward supporting rural families facing financial hardship, with a focus on easing the pressures that contribute to overwhelming stress and hopelessness. This will be achieved by funding entrepreneurial education and start-up support for rural businesses and social enterprises, ensuring that every pair of jeans sold creates new opportunities, new income streams for rural families and stronger communities.
I have come to realise that our biggest struggles in life, once overcome, are the gold nuggets of wisdom which we are uniquely qualified to pay forward. For me, as a single mother, the challenge to become financially sovereign was a difficult mountain to climb. But I see it as a gift which serves me to humbly, but with great passion, offer others guidance and help in a meaningful and empowering way. It has provided me with insights as to the exact ways budding entrepreneurs are underserved in Australia.
My biggest learning is that pursuing profits above all else is an empty chase. However, creating positive impact while making money at the same time is hugely rewarding. So, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered Social Enterprise as a business concept!
Now my mission is to encourage, educate and provide financial assistance to others to discover and develop their own social enterprise idea. To not just become a business owner, but to create impact in their own lives while at the same time being of service to others. This is my mission, now let me explain my idea.
TARGETS
We are set to provide $100,000 worth of loans and grants for rural start-ups in the first5 years with steady growth projected as new markets are opened. Our products are Australian made, using ethical clothing manufacturers based in Melbourne. We lead with vision and set the highest levels of ethical and sustainable business practices possible, whilst supporting a transition to a circular economy.
We partner with existing business education organisations to fill the gap in start up funding in rural Australia. Providing opportunity not offered by traditional lending institutions. We seek an initial investment of $15,000 for the first production run of our Australian made jeans. Please consider supporting our cause through crowd funding.
Pledges can be made via our Kickstarter campaign. Sign up now to be notified when the campaign launches: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/angeliza/jeansisters?ref=cyqokk&token=ad78e82c
We are here to create real change—one pair of jeans at a time.
OUR STRATEGY
I was so shocked with the state of suicide rates in the bush that I wanted to find a way to help. My research confirmed what I knew from experience to be true – financial hardship is a huge ingredient in the pressure pot of depression and hopelessness.
From this place of understanding, JeanSisters was born. JeanSisters is a fashion social enterprise for rural Australia. We are an independent support social enterprise that transforms broken-in cowgirl jeans into premium upcycled denim.
100% of our profits empower rural communities with financial resilience. It’s fun, unique, on-trend and profitable!
Our aim is to provide low interest loans and grants to budding rural entrepreneurs, empowering them with the education, mentorship and funds to create their own social enterprise. As Lao Tzu said “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach him to fish, feed him for a lifetime.” It is my hope that this pay-it-forward approach will spark a movement in rural Australia, providing relief, purpose and financial freedom.
Angeliza Wanstall
Founder & Designer
