Caro & Elise, co-founders of Loop

Elise and I founded LOOP (https://shoploop.me/), a platform for university students to buy and sell their gently-loved wardrobes within their campus community. LOOP was founded at Loyola Chicago and continues to grow within the Rambler community. 

We both are passionate about sustainable fashion and frequently shop secondhand/vintage. Similarly, we both have experience in the retail/fashion space and know firsthand the industry's negative environmental impact. Driven by the Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge and our motivations to make a difference in the fashion world, it “just made sense” for Elise and me to embark on this entrepreneurial journey! We took second place in the Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge in the Spring of 2022 and have continued to build LOOP. 

Besides the inspiration and support from the Abrams Challenge and the mentors & resources it provided us, we are SO thankful for the support of the Loyola community at large. From student organizations such as the SEA, who have partnered with us and spread the word of LOOP, to student interns who have expressed the same love for sustainable fashion—all the way to those who have signed up on LOOP’s platform, we are thankful every day for Loyola’s help on our entrepreneurial journey. A very important shoutout for us is Stacy Neier Beran, who constantly supports LOOP’s efforts inside and outside the classroom! :) 

In terms of words of advice, Elise and I are a testament to the fact that anyone can be an entrepreneur. We started as college students with a business plan in our heads, but with lots of passion and hard work, we have made this a reality. Even if you have an idea or concept, it is worth exploring! Invest in your education, resources, and community, and they will invest in you, too!