Check out our most recent interview with founder and CEO Stephanie Beaulieu, LL.B., MBA. We are excited to support Ecova at the upcoming stop on our international tour: WCEF in Brussels.
What motivated you to start Ecova?
I had been wanting to see some changes implemented in the fashion industry for quite a while, more specifically in the environmental and social dimensions. My dual perspective as both a lawyer and a model has given me a unique perspective; I have observed firsthand how corporations manipulate language to greenwash their brands, and have witnessed the realities unfolding in the fashion industry.
I found there was a lack of information and transparency from brands, creating a challenging path towards conscious shopping practices for consumers.
My aspiration was to build a company which would strive to fully explain what's actually happening behind the scenes, providing consumers with the transparency they rightfully deserve alongside sustainable products.
What are some challenges you are facing while scaling your business?
I find that the most significant challenges often yield the most satisfying rewards. These challenges encompass locating and collaborating with manufacturers committed to complete transparency, fair living wages for their workers, optimal working conditions, and adopting sustainable production practices. In our upcoming collection, this challenge was further compounded by the necessity of persuading the manufacturer to embrace an innovative bio-based material requiring different treatment compared to their conventional materials.
How did the Dobson Centre play a role in Ecova as we know it today?
The Dobson Centre played a major role in Ecova's evolution. Ecova won the first place of the Dobson Cup in the environmental track in 2023, participated in the X-1 Accelerator last summer which led the company to win the Chad Williams Enrepreneurial Grit Award, and is currently participating in the Dobson International Fundraising Tour in partnership with Investissement Québec. Being part of the McGill Dobson ecosystem has provided Ecova with invaluable support from mentors every step of the way, while fostering meaningful connections crucial for its progress.
Who would be an ideal partner or collaborator for Ecova?
An ideal partner or collaborator for Ecova would align closely with its vision and objectives. The company's mission extends beyond business interests; it seeks to enact meaningful change within the fashion industry and inspire consumers to embrace conscious shopping practices. Thus, a partner who shares this overarching vision and commitment to sustainability would be an optimal fit for Ecova's collaborative endeavors.
What are you most excited about for the WCEF in Brussels?
When discussing Ecova, I frequently emphasize the underestimated environmental and social impacts inherent in today's fashion industry. It's crucial to underscore why addressing these issues is of utmost importance and requires urgent attention. I was delighted to observe that the 2024 WCEF has allocated a significant portion of its forum to sustainable, circular fashion.
I am most excited about the prospect of connecting with individuals who share the same vision and engaging in exchanges with diverse stakeholders accross the industry.
About Ecova
As a sustainable fashion brand, Ecova bridges the gap between conscious shopping and busy lives. The business achieves this by offering its own range of sustainable products to consumers, accompanied by comprehensive information. Through engaging short documentaries accessible on its website, Ecova transparently showcases every step of its products' production process, narrated by the various actors involved in its supply chain.
