Latinx Sustainability Influencer Spotlight: Jackie from @Jacquitabanana

Jackie is a Salvi-Angeleno Aquarius based in Washington, DC. In her free time, she shares information about sustainable fashion, climate justice and wealth justice. She uses fashion as a medium to talk about ways communities of color, specifically Latinas, can break free from extractive and exploitative cycles of consumption. Jackie aims to redirect purchasing power to build generational and community wealth and still have a positive impact on the environment. She hopes fashion can help anyone new to climate change dip their toes into the topic with her content. Jackie also aims to keep her content fun but also radically about us and for us!

When did you first get into sustainable style and why?

My interest in sustainable fashion started as an effort to get more creative with my work attire and in turn challenge “professional” (and often unspoken but deep-seated) dress code standards. In doing so, I found myself always shopping at consignment stores in DC since they have the best options for quality, affordability, and style.

Given that I worked in labor policy at the time, I also couldn’t ethically continue shopping fast fashion. And as a maturing millennial, I was also looking to build a quality, timeless wardrobe, and from there things snowballed.

Why is it important that you should be considered as a “thot leader” versus an influencer?

Haha. This makes me laugh. It’s me being extra but as someone who cares about disrupting a culture of mindless consumption within the Latinx community, I don’t want to be seen as just another channel for brands to sell their products.

Of course, I love to amplify and invest in Latina-owned, WOC- and POC-owned businesses, but I’m not here to be another cog in the marketing wheel. I’m here to share what I know and have learned with the hopes that it resonates with others to join a larger movement that’s about investing in ourselves, communities, and protecting the environment.

Why is it important to share your sustainable journey online?

The sustainability conversation online has largely been led by non-POC’s, making many to think that Latinxs or people of color don’t have an interest in sustainability or climate change, but the reality is we haven’t been given a platform or the content just isn’t speaking to us, which is why it’s important for me to share my journey and thots (hehe).

What is the hardest and best part of being a Latinx sustainable thot leader?

Putting out content while working a demanding full-time job in DC and being on a platform that profits from the unpaid labor of content creators and the daily content of everyday people. It’s crazy when you think about the hours that some people spend without getting paid to gain followers. The key is to use the platform in a way that serves you and your purpose in a sustainable way.

I’m here to share what I know and have learned with the hopes that it resonates with others to join a larger movement that’s about investing in ourselves, communities, and protecting the environment.