Catherine Sustainable Fashion & Lifestyle Creator..
madre natura JOURNAL with Project Catherine at Continental Deli Newtown on TIK TOK
Please share a little bit about yourself, your background, where you were born and raised, noting some of the defining aspects that have contributed to the person you are today? Hi, I'm Catherine! I have a mixed heritage with my father's side being Chinese and my mother's side Taiwanese. I was born and raised in Gadigal Land, Sydney, near the beaches. Since I was young, my strong work ethic has been shaped by my upbringing in an immigrant family. My parents worked tirelessly to build their own businesses, and their dedication has inspired me greatly. This inspiration motivates me to pursue similar ambitions in my own career.
Catherine you become a sustainable/slow fashion content creator 4 years ago on the side of your full time job, how long did it take from the side hustle to launch it as a business? and why did you decide to become and influencer and why sustainability/ slow fashion? My side hustle actually started before I landed a full-time job - some even joke that my full-time job is just my side hustle! I began the platform during a two-week COVID hotel quarantine after returning from a year in Europe. I posted outfit photos and connected with content creators, which fueled my desire to grow the platform. A year later, I pivoted to focus on sustainability after discovering the movement “slow fashion”, which resonated deeply with my approach to consuming fashion - I consume clothes with intention to rewear, at a slower pace, and prefer second hand options. Also, my first paid collaboration came about a year in too, working with a small beauty brand!
Catherine in times of the environmental climate crisis, being sustainable can be an incredible tool to amplify the importance of creating a positive future for our planet and its people, what processes have you implemented in your every day to create change? In response to the environmental climate crisis, I’ve integrated several sustainable practices into my daily life. I cycle to work every day, choose products from brands focused on sustainability, and use tofu litter for my cats. I also try to reduce plastic usage, though it’s challenging to eliminate completely. Progress over perfection leads to a positive future for our planet and its people.
Catherine tell us about your relationship with nature and how to do you implement it in your daily life? My relationship with nature is something I'm working on, especially since my full-time office job limits my time outdoors. Over the past year, I've started camping and staying in tiny homes in regional areas to disconnect and reconnect with nature. These experiences help me reset my mental health and appreciate the present moment. I wish I had more time for these activities!
Catherine how would you describe your style? And how has it changed over the years? I used to dress in a minimalistic style, choosing weekend outfits that could double for work. However, over the past year, I’ve embraced wearing colors and patterns which has made my style more vibrant and playful. I’ve discovered that incorporating these elements really uplifts my mood and adds a vibrant touch to my wardrobe. I now get why people wear colour!
Catherine what is your favourite madre natura garment and why? My favourite is the Happy Wanderer bucket hat—it brings back nostalgic childhood memories of wearing these hats in primary school. Wearing it as an adult feels like a full-circle moment. While bucket hats are often seen as childish, I don’t agree. Madre Natura has shown they can be stylish, and I love how breathable it is when I sweat. And, its plastic-free design and thick denim give it a cool, edgy vibe.
Cathrine how can we create an optimistic future for fashion? To create an optimistic future for fashion, we need a collective effort focused on sustainability, ethical practices, and transparency. It's crucial that consumers, businesses, and change-makers each do their part. Investing in quality over quantity and encouraging mindful consumption will drive positive change. For a deeper dive into the future of fashion, check out Wear Next by Clare Press and Consumed by Aja Barber. These insightful and accessible reads offer practical tips on how we can all play a role in creating a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. They’re not only engaging but also packed with ideas to inspire change!
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