Growing up on the coast, teenager Myla Tucker has always been aware of sustainability and the environment.
So, it was only natural the Newcastle Grammar School student became concerned about the ecological toll of fast fashion and wanted to take action to address the issue of overconsumption.
With the help of best friend Olivia Lorenz, the pair started a business to reduce waste by producing stylish swimwear for tweens and teens made from recycled materials designed to be long-lasting.
The 13-year-old explained the key focus of Cinnamon Cove was to focus young people on quality rather than quantity – and to reuse and recycle valuable resources.
“We learnt that the fashion world is the second biggest polluting industry,” Myla said.
“We’re determined to show that there is a way to love fashion and be respectful to our planet.”
Since launching, the business has generated tens of thousands of dollars from online sales and its success has led to Myla winning the 2022 Edstart Achievement Awards in the entrepreneurship category.
The national program by education payment provider Edstart is designed to recognise student ambition and contribution across a range of disciplines.
Winners were selected by an independent judging panel of leaders out of thousands of nominations from across Australia.
As part of the award, Myla received a $1,500 Edstart grant to continue the momentum for her swimwear venture.
As well as investing in new creative designs and increasing the range of products, she wants to continue to educate young people about sustainability through their blog and social media.
“We would also really like to inform our age group about slow fashion,” Myla said.
“This means buying less but buying the things that you really love, especially if they have been produced in an ethical and sustainable way.”
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