Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Villegas.
Hi Stacy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Maryland to parents who immigrated from El Salvador, and resourcefulness was a big part of how I grew up. In my family, we were taught to value what we had, waste less, and understand that access and abundance aren’t realities for everyone. Those values have stayed with me and ultimately shaped both my career in sustainability and the creation of Swap Season.
As I got older, though, I found myself caught up in the convenience of online shopping and buying far more clothing than I needed. At one point, my mom asked me, “Do you think self-esteem influences how much clothing you buy?” That question really stuck with me and made me think more deeply about why we consume, what we value, and how much our purchasing habits are influenced by trends and external validation.
Around the same time, I was learning more about the environmental and human impacts of fast fashion. I began looking for a way to enjoy fashion without constantly buying something new, which eventually introduced me to the concept of clothing swaps. I gathered some friends and decided to host my first public clothing swap in Washington, D.C. in 2023.
More than 50 people showed up, and almost immediately, people were asking, “When is the next one?” That was the moment I realized this could become something much bigger.
Today, Swap Season brings together my love of fashion, sustainability, education, and community. We create elevated, welcoming spaces where people can give clothing a second life, refresh their wardrobes affordably, learn about conscious consumption, and connect with others who want to make more intentional choices. Ultimately, I want Swap Season to show that sustainability doesn’t have to feel restrictive — it can be creative, social, accessible, and fun.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As they say, anything great takes time, so I would say it’s actually still a rocky road — but one that has been incredibly rewarding.
Being a small founder while also working full-time can be demanding, especially because so much of Swap Season still requires my personal time, energy, and creativity. One of the biggest challenges has been consistently marketing our events and reaching new audiences, particularly when bringing Swap Season into a new city. Finding the right venues, sustainable brand partners, and community organizations to collaborate with can also take a lot of persistence.
There are definitely moments when I feel stuck or wonder what the next step should be, and those are the moments when I really feel the realities of being a small business owner. But I’ve learned to keep going, stay creative, and remind myself that building something meaningful takes time. Every successful event, new partnership, and person who comes back to another swap reminds me that the work is paying off and that we are, in fact, building a strong community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My background is in public health. I chose that field because I always knew I wanted a career that contributed to something larger than myself and positively impacted the communities around me. As my career developed, I realized I wanted to focus specifically on the intersection of climate change, sustainability, and human health, which led me to pursue my master’s at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and transition into climate and health work.
That foundation is also a huge part of what makes Swap Season unique. Sustainability isn’t just something I’m passionate about — it’s the work I’ve dedicated my career to. I’m most proud that I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned professionally and turn it into something tangible, accessible, and fun for my community. Through Swap Season, I’m able to bring together education, fashion, sustainability, and community in a way that makes climate action feel approachable rather than overwhelming.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to stay consistent and stay true to why you started. Do it for the love of the game, not for recognition or immediate success, but because you genuinely believe in what you’re building. There will always be moments when things move more slowly than you hoped or don’t go according to plan, but passion and purpose are what keep you going. I’ve learned that if you continue showing up, stay connected to your values, and put genuine care into your work, you’ll eventually get where you’re meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://swapseason.org
- Instagram: @swap.season
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwapSeason/about/
