Meet Kate – SWAPR’s Founder Story & Sustainable Fashion Mission
Hi, I’m Cate — the founder of **SWAPR**, your new favorite **second-hand fashion store** built around love, sustainability, and personal stories. My real name is Caterina, and I’m proud to say that SWAPR is more than just a circular fashion marketplace — it’s a piece of who I am.
## From Brazil to Italy: A Personal Journey That Shaped My Values
I was born in Brazil and moved to Italy when I was just six months old, adopted by my incredible Italian parents. I grew up surrounded by strong, generous women — a female-majority family where **sharing clothes** was part of our everyday life.
I’m a proud March Pisces (born March 12), but I often joke there’s a bit of Leo in me too — I’m either crying or shining, no in-between!
## How My Love for Circular Fashion Was Born
The idea for SWAPR came to me on a cold February evening in my small apartment. I had just finished reading an article about the impact of **reusing and recycling clothes**, and something clicked. Instantly, a flood of childhood memories came back to me.
Growing up, one of my favorite moments was when my older cousins would bring bags of clothes they no longer wore. My sister and I would light up — those were magical moments. We’d try everything on, mixing and matching with what we already had. That experience felt both creative and empowering.
Looking back, those early exchanges were my first taste of **sustainable fashion**. We weren’t just sharing clothes; we were sharing style, identity, and stories.
## The Moment SWAPR Was Born
That night, inspired and emotionally reconnected to my roots, I knew: **this had to become something bigger**. SWAPR was born in that moment — as a dream, as a mission, and as a love letter to the way women have always supported each other through clothing.
It took a few months before I was ready to officially launch, but that spark stayed with me. I knew I wanted to create a platform that celebrated the **joy of second-hand shopping**, made sustainable fashion accessible, and honored the emotions tied to the clothes we wear.
## What’s Next for SWAPR?
Now, SWAPR is here — a growing online space dedicated to **slow fashion**, **recycled wardrobes**, and a vibrant community that believes in giving clothes a second life. We're just getting started, and I can't wait to share more of my **founder journey**, behind-the-scenes moments, and fashion stories with you.
✨ Stay tuned for the next chapter: how I turned my idea into a startup!
With love,
**Cate**
Founder of **[SWAPR – Love It Again](https://yourshopifystorelink.com)**