Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marianna Sachse. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Marianna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Jackalo was born out of a personal need and a passion for sustainability. As a parent, I saw firsthand the wear and tear that kids’ clothes endure and the sheer volume of garments that quickly become unwearable or outgrown. I was frustrated by the lack of durable, eco-friendly options in the market. Every time I had to buy new clothes for my kids, it struck me how unsustainable the cycle was. I thought, “There has to be a better way.”

One day, while sorting through yet another pile of outgrown clothes, I had an epiphany. What if we could create kids’ clothes that were built to last, made from sustainable materials, and designed to be part of a circular system? A system where clothes could be bought back, renewed, resold, or responsibly recycled? This idea lit a fire in me. I knew it was not just a solution to my own problem but a way to make a meaningful impact on the environment.

The emotional drive came from wanting to leave a better planet for my children. The logic was clear: parents like me needed durable, sustainable clothing options. I started researching the market and found that while there were many eco-friendly brands, none were tackling the issue of longevity and circularity in kids’ clothing the way I envisioned. This was a unique approach, and it filled a significant gap.

I felt confident it would work because the demand for sustainable products was growing, and parents were becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases. The idea of clothes that could be part of a circular economy resonated deeply with many. The excitement came from the challenge of creating something truly innovative and impactful.

Building Jackalo was about solving a problem that hadn’t been adequately addressed. It was about offering a unique approach that combined sustainability with practicality. What got me most excited was the potential to revolutionize the children’s clothing industry and make a real difference for future generations.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into the world of sustainable fashion began with my mother and grandmother, both of whom were makers who saw opportunity in problems and sought creative solutions. From a young age, I learned that many things can be made by hand. I learned to sew and knit as a child and started making and modifying clothes in high school. However, coming from a highly academic family, I always saw these activities as hobbies or side projects.

Professionally, I spent the early part of my career in public health and social work, earning master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and working with some of the nation’s top organizations and foundations. These roles opened my eyes to the public health impact of a good job and the broader vision of health. I realized that I wanted to combine my creative work with my passion for social change.

Jackalo is the culmination of these two drives. At Jackalo, we focus on creating long-lasting, eco-friendly clothing for children. Our products are designed to withstand the rigors of active play and the test of time. What sets us apart is our commitment to circular fashion—we are the first children’s clothing brand to buy back our clothes for renewal, resale, or responsible recycling. This approach not only reduces waste but also offers parents a practical solution for outgrown garments.

We work exclusively with factories that have high labor standards, creating quality jobs for women, who make up the majority of workers in the apparel sector. At Jackalo, we consider the entire lifecycle of the clothing. From sourcing organic fabrics to ensuring ethical manufacturing practices and providing options for reuse and recycling, every step of our process is designed with people and the planet in mind.

I’m most proud of our ability to make parents’ lives easier and better through sustainability. We often hear from parents that their mornings are easier with our clothes, that their highly sensitive kids love our clothes, or that they last three times as long as other brands they purchase for their active kids. Each of these stories from our valued customers fills me with joy. Parenting is hard, and we are proud to make it easier for parents to dress their kids sustainably and comfortably without compromising on their values.

Jackalo is more than just a clothing brand—it’s a movement towards a more sustainable future.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

We maintain close relationships with our customers through a variety of personalized and interactive channels. After a customer makes their second purchase, they receive an email inviting them to schedule a call with me, providing a direct line of communication and fostering a sense of personal connection and trust.I have dedicated time in my calendar specifically for these calls, ensuring that I can personally connect with and understand the needs of our community.

Regular customer surveys are another key component of our engagement strategy. These surveys help us gather valuable feedback and insights, allowing us to continuously improve our products and services to better meet our customers’ needs. We also have a brand ambassador program that offers a more intimate level of interaction. Our ambassadors enjoy a private chat on Instagram, where they can share their experiences, give feedback, and stay up-to-date with the latest from Jackalo.

Through these initiatives, we aim to build a loyal customer base that feels genuinely valued and heard. By offering direct access to me, actively seeking feedback through surveys, and maintaining a vibrant brand ambassador program, we ensure that our customers are not just purchasers but active participants in the Jackalo community.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’m a survivor of gestational cancer, which I discovered during my pregnancy while my mother was battling terminal lung cancer. She passed away before I completed my treatment; in fact, I had chemo on the morning of her funeral. That year was incredibly challenging, but I emerged stronger and more resilient than ever. Recently, while I had the privilege of joining Techstars, one of the world’s most prestigious business accelerators, my father entered the final stages of Alzheimer’s and passed away. These experiences have reinforced my belief in my resilience and my ability to navigate hard times.

These personal battles have shaped my understanding and empathy, especially for those in the “sandwich generation” who are juggling parenting and caring for aging parents. I know firsthand the weight of these responsibilities, and it drives me to support others in similar situations. My journey has made me not only a more resilient individual but also a more compassionate leader, always ready to be there for those who are struggling to balance these demanding roles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hellojackalo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellojackalo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellojackalo/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianna-sachse-1176066/

Image Credits

Katrina Thaxton