Sarah Hoppé is a name synonymous with sustainability and community empowerment. As the Founding Director of Sew Ready, a social enterprise based in Lisburn, Sarah’s journey is as inspiring as it is impactful.
Sarah’s passion for sewing began at a young age, learning the craft from her grandmother after receiving a sewing machine as a gift. This early interest blossomed into a career, leading her to roles at Hugo Boss. However, Sarah’s true calling was to create something that would benefit her community and the environment. This vision led to the birth of Sew Ready.
Initially, Sarah envisioned a concept akin to Hello Fresh but for sewing. However, the complexity of the idea prompted her to seek advice from her local council after an invigorating climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. With guidance and mentorship, Sarah transformed her vision into reality, establishing Sew Ready.
Sarah recently shared her inspiring journey at Ulster University’s Sustainability Socials, a series of events dedicated to championing sustainable practices and community initiatives. Her talk highlighted Sew Ready’s mission to bridge the skills gap in garment making by educating both young and old. The enterprise’s key goals are to be a force for good, raise awareness to effect change, and strengthen communities. Through workshops and creative textile art sessions, Sew Ready teaches essential sewing skills, promotes upcycling, and fosters a sense of conscious consumerism.
Event organiser, Dr Fodhla McGrane,
MLN Advocate for UN PRME explains:
“Like environmental sustainability sustains the planet, social sustainability sustains society, and that includes us all in Ulster University. Did you know that relationships are the greatest protective factor against all forms of ill health? The famous employee engagement survey, the Gallup 12 Qs, includes this illuminating question: ‘Do you have a friend at work?’ Collegiality is a value that is highly esteemed at Ulster University. The benefits of face-to-face human interaction, over digital interaction, are evident. Let’s reconnect with purpose, on our new campus, post Covid.”
In a move that could have been inspired by our PRME Chair Professor Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas, Sarah encourages everyone to give sewing a try, starting with something as simple as learning to sew a button. This initiative not only empowers individuals with a valuable skill but also promotes sustainable living practices.
For more information about Sew Ready and their initiatives, visit their website; https://www.sewready.org
To learn more about the Sustainability Socials series and upcoming events, visit the Ulster University website here.