Latinx Sustainability Influencer Spotlight: Jeanette from @rocessence
Jeanette is a Salvadorena-Guatemalteca sustainable fashion influencer that runs @ rocessence. She makes content around slow and intentional fashion with a focus on conscious styling. For as long as she can remember, she has loved fashion and remembers dressing up and playing with makeup to look like Selena and other fashion icons like her mom! Jeanette is also an interior designer who loves to sew, knit, paint, garden and hang out to have a good time. She loves anything cozy and cherishes cuddles and family time. Learn more about Jeanette and her path in sustainable fashion!
When did you first learn about the issues in the fashion industry? Why did this inspire you to promote slow fashion?
The True Cost documentary opened my eyes to what was really going on in the fashion industry. I was disgusted and horrified with all that I saw and learned about the fashion industry. I knew then that I did not want to partake in what was going on and it forced me to look inward and change my habits. I also wanted to support brands that gave back and supported their workers and community. This continues to be very important to me.
How do you define conscious styling? Why do you think it is important to practice it and do you have any tips for anyone just starting out?
Conscious styling is styling with intention. This can mean adding items to your wardrobe with intention and having the intention to be in a relationship with those garments for the long haul. When I add any new item to my wardrobe - clothes, shoes and accessories, I’m deliberately adding them to my wardrobe. I ensure it works with my current wardrobe. This means I can wear it with multiple garments and confirm I’ll wear it for years to come. This helps me to avoid purchasing items that will go unworn.
An example of conscious styling is when there is a trend I like and buy but realize it’s not for me, I don’t buy it again. I accept I like it on others but that it doesn’t work for me and become okay with that. Awareness is important and potent for this journey. It deters you from buying into the fast fashion model, which is buying and throwing away on the repeat. I also don’t buy around seasons or trends anymore. I purchase an item because it's functional and brings me joy.
For anyone that wants to begin their (slow fashion) journey, document your wardrobe and review the data afterwards. Ask questions like:
What is a common thread that I see present in my wardrobe? Are there items that I don’t wear anymore and why?
Knowing the responses to these questions can help with future purchases and becoming a more intentional consumer. I also recommend tracking wear counts. That means tallying wardrobe items or documenting them digitally. It may seem cumbersome but it can take just 2 mins and you are left with valuable data. The format can be anything you want it to be - an excel spreadsheet, paper list, or through an app like Airtable. At the end of each month, you can review your wardrobe and see what you naturally gravitate towards. This information can help bring awareness to your styling preferences and purchase habits.
How has being Salvadoreña- Guatemalteca informed your slow fashion journey?
My experience growing up has impacted my sustainability and slow fashion journey. My parents owned the same clothing for many years and repaired it when necessary. Whenever we replaced an item with new, the old item would be cleaned and repaired or donated to someone who would benefit from it. Now I see myself reflecting these same habits.
Why is it important that you show your followers your slow fashion outfits?
I want my clothing to represent my values and still have fun doing so. Sustainability and ethics are so important to me. My goal is to have fun, show that you can love your current wardrobe and consume less.
What advice would you give to Latinx and (non-Latinx shoppers) that want to support slow fashion?
Go at your own pace. There’s so much information out there and cute clothes and it may seem like slow fashion is exclusive, but it’s not. Slow fashion is not just the expensive brands, it’s a lifestyle. Baby steps are still steps forward and we may fall down or trip up but we’re still making progress and learning.
Where do you personally go shopping for sustainable options?
Lately, I’ve been sewing all of my garments. But if I need to purchase something I try to purchase secondhand first. Usually I search through Poshmark, ThredUp and Depop first. And if I don’t find something secondhand or while thrifting, I go check my favorite small business slow fashion brands. To name a few: Harly Jae, Sotela Co, and Selva Negra.
What is the best and hardest part about being a sewist and a knitter?
The best part is connecting with older generations and getting to hear their stories and how creating impacted their lives. I love being about to create and make garments. I truly appreciate the crafter and their hard work. It takes time to make clothing, shoes, etc. There’s blood, sweat and tears in them and I acknowledge and appreciate the craft.
Are there any places you would recommend slow fashion lovers to visit while in DC?
I love Shop Kaleidos - they carry items from great brands and have beautiful vintage pieces. Buffalo Exchange and Unique Thrift Store for thrifting and Current Boutique for consignment stores.
What is your vision for conscious styling and slow fashion in the future?
I see it becoming more mainstream and accessible. It’s still a new concept and we need to share information and be inclusive. My hope is that more people are aware of the unethical and unsustainable issues within the fashion industry and are called to do something about it. That’s why I’m here sharing this journey.
Follow Jeanette on Instagram @rocessence
