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

Vanessa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My co-founders and I started this journey because of our love for fashion, but we couldn’t ignore the growing concern about how much it’s harming the planet. Fashion is actually the second biggest polluter worldwide, and with fast fashion and throwaway culture on the rise, the environmental impact was becoming impossible to ignore. For a while, we felt powerless, watching as more and more clothes were produced and discarded, contributing to this cycle. So, we decided to take matters into our own hands.

We created a platform where people can swap clothes instead of buying new ones. It’s not just about making fashion more affordable and accessible — though that’s a huge part of it — it’s also about giving people a way to participate in a more sustainable, eco-friendly fashion ecosystem. Beyond just swapping clothes, we’re building a community that’s connected by shared values: caring for each other and for the planet. Together, we’re working to promote conscious consumption, making it easier for everyone to look good without the guilt of adding to the waste.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a first-generation Canadian born to Cuban and Colombian parents and who moved to sunny Miami 12 years ago. My parents are the personification of hard work and my first memories of what it takes to be an entrepreneur. I am forever motivated by their undeterred sacrifice and unwavering belief in me.

After building a career in fundraising, membership, marketing and business development in other organizations, I am now the proud Co-Founder and CEO of bonnee | the clothing swap app; an app where users can swap clothing, vintage finds and accessories. Our mission is simple: to encourage users to swap secondhand before they shop new. At bonnee | the clothing swap app, we know that fashion is the second largest polluter on the planet, and as a Miami-based start up, we’ve witnessed firsthand how climate change is affecting communities. We offer a sustainable solution for people to access clothing affordably without contributing to the massive amounts of waste ending up in landfills. Through our app, we enable users to swap clothes, making fashion accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or location.

By promoting clothing swaps, we’re not only reducing waste but also empowering our community to make eco-friendly choices. We’re committed to ensuring that fashion can be sustainable and inclusive, giving everyone the opportunity to refresh their wardrobe without harming the planet. Together, we’re creating a more equitable and environmentally conscious community.

We are building something different, something great. bonnee | the clothing swap app has given me the tremendous opportunity to build a company merging my passion for fashion and protecting the planet. This is my greatest motivation.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

My co-founders and I first started off as co-workers almost a decade ago when all three of us worked together at Miami’s flagship art museum – which is the perfect intersection of fashion and art. The journey to becoming co-founders of our startup was a natural one, with each of us bringing something different to the table. As three women who live in image and fashion-obsessed Miami, we understood the pressures people face to look good and always be Instagram photo-ready. And, we also knew that doing so can be quite costly. In our spare time, we had been avid thrifters and resellers on the secondhand fashion apps, and while we knew the clothing resale market is booming, it is still out of reach for millions of Americans who are struggling financially. Having this knowledge, we knew there had to be a better way for people to look good without breaking the bank. The idea for bonnee | the clothing swap app came about in the fall of 2022 after seeing how clothing swapping has started to gain momentum in Europe, and how tons of good (and in some cases brand new clothing) ends up in landfills every year. Knowing how well we had worked together as colleagues in the past, we knew we would be the right fit as co-founders and business partners!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

As an avid reader and self-help book junkie, I’ve found immense value in several resources that have profoundly shaped my management and entrepreneurial thinking.

Jamie Kern Lima’s “Believe It” stands out for its compelling message about the power of perseverance and self-belief. Her journey from a struggling entrepreneur to a successful business leader underscores the importance of trusting your vision, even when others may doubt you. Her insights have been instrumental in reinforcing my own commitment to my goals.

Rick Ross’s “The Perfect Day to Boss Up: A Hustler’s Guide to Building Your Empire” offers a raw and inspiring perspective on building success from the ground up. Ross’s candid advice and practical strategies on discipline, mindset, and resilience have greatly influenced how I approach leadership and entrepreneurship. His focus on creating a structured plan and executing it with passion resonates deeply with me.

Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” is another cornerstone in my journey. Carnegie’s timeless advice on communication, empathy, and relationship-building has enhanced my ability to connect with people, motivate teams, and foster a collaborative work environment. His techniques for influencing and inspiring others are as relevant today as ever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bonnee.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swapbonnee/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swapbonnee
• Other: We’re @swapbonnee everywhere!