How a Social Entrepreneur in Honduras Is Creating Fashion With a Conscience

 

When she started the company in 2016, environmental concerns were not a top priority for the fashion industry, and upcycling was largely unknown to many Hondurans.

 

In 2018, Cinthya became a Fellow of IYF’s Youth Action Net program. Through the program, she received support and mentorship from companies that are now her business partners—for example, supplying them with staff uniforms made through upcycling. Coming full circle with her recent appointment to IYF’s board, Cinthya brings experience as a nationally and internationally recognized social entrepreneur, a passion for female empowerment, a deep concern for the environment, and a desire to support young people across Central and South America.

 

"In countries like Honduras, Guatemala, or Costa Rica," Cinthya says, "there are young people who have so much initiative and are so eager to do things. I would like to contribute to supporting them, just as I was supported."

 

Below, she shares her experiences, insights, and advice.

 

1. How and why did you decide to create Beleaf?

It all started here in Honduras, where it is very common for grandmothers and great-grandmothers to have their own sewing machines. My grandmother was one of them. The idea came about when my cousin and I (then 34 and 27 years old) found the leftover scraps of fabric that my grandmother had kept—material from 20 to 30 years of sewing! We were impressed by how, despite its age, the fabric was still in good condition.

 

Before deciding to become an architect, I wanted to be a fashion designer, but there was no fashion design career path in Honduras at the time. So I chose to study architecture and technical design. Meanwhile, my cousin was working as an environmental engineer. We had talked before about how the fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world, and we had discussed starting a business together. That’s how Beleaf was born.

 

I’m so glad I chose this path. Beleaf merges my interest in fashion and technical design with a focus on environmental care—which is the core value of our brand.

 

2. What was the journey like after you started the company?

Today, the concept of upcycling is well understood in Honduras, but it wasn't when we founded Beleaf. We were pioneers—the first company in the country to establish itself 100% under this concept. All the material we use is surplus fabric from designers, seamstresses, and the maquila industry.

 

At first, it was difficult to introduce upcycling to people. Customers would come in, look at our products, and just see a shirt, a hoodie, or a tote bag. Each collection and garment we make is unique, and that’s what attracted customers. But we always explained the concept behind the brand. One of our key objectives became raising awareness about the consumption habits of Hondurans. It was a long journey, but worth it—because we created synergy between product, education, and consumer habits. Our customers came to love our products even more once they understood and embraced the idea of fashion with a conscience.

 

Today, the Honduran community understands upcycling and recognizes the Beleaf brand. Since 2016, we’ve saved approximately 3,000 pounds of textile waste from going to the landfill. But the most important thing is contributing a grain of sand to improve the planet for future generations by creating awareness. Because climate change is happening!

 

3. What are you passionate about, and what inspires you in your work as an entrepreneur and in life?

Creativity—and doing new things every day—is my engine! I consider myself someone whose mind works a thousand miles an hour. I love finding creative ways to turn an idea into something tangible that expresses what’s in my head. It’s not just fashion design that I’m passionate about; it’s making something good that helps solve a problem—like climate change and other environmental issues.

 

I am also inspired by the passion I see in young people. Their perspectives, determination, and drive to follow their dreams. They give 100%, and nothing stops them. That attitude reminds me that nothing is impossible and that, if you set your mind to it, anything can be accomplished—even if it takes time.

 

4. What do young people in Honduras say about environmental care? Is it important?

Yes, young people in Honduras care about the environment—the care of parks and outdoor recreation sites is a standout issue. Although Honduras has a lot of natural wealth, this is not reflected in our cities. There are few parks and not many places where you can truly enjoy the outdoors. Young people are looking to get out of the city. They want less concrete, more nature, more trees, and fresh air. I’ve shared this thought with many peers in the construction industry lately: young people are paying attention, they care about the environment, and they want to see more green infrastructure.

 

5. What advice do you have for young women who are planning for their futures?

It is important not to be stereotyped by the roles imposed by society—especially in Latin American societies, where at a certain age a woman is expected to have children, get married, and so on. We must not let ourselves be limited by stereotypes. In fact, we should break them down and remove barriers. If an opportunity presents itself, take the reins. It is vital to break down those barriers that have been created through generations.

 

Women have unique creativity and are incredibly versatile. Women can do it all. There are more and more women working in industries and sectors that previously excluded them—construction, for example. We are the ones who set the limits. It is a matter of learning, little by little, to break down those social barriers and move forward. The sky is the limit!