Why We Need to Rethink the Clothes We Buy | Lacey Cadieux-McLean

For founders, entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders, rethinking the clothes we buy connects sustainable fashion with a bigger question: how can a business make everyday life better while reducing waste? A full closet doesn’t always make a style decision easier. Wardrobe organization can help us see what we own, discover outfit combinations, and use our clothes longer. But textile waste also raises questions about what our clothes are made from—and what happens after we stop wearing them. Jennifer Loehding sits down with Lacey Cadieux-McLean, Founder & CEO of Rhubaia Ventures, to explore her sustainable clothing line and AI-powered clothing app. Drawing on her background in IT project management and creative design, Lacey is connecting personal style, confidence, and environmental responsibility. They discuss sustainable fashion, synthetic fabrics, clothing waste, virtual try-on technology, and how decision fatigue affects getting dressed. Lacey also shares the entrepreneurial lessons behind her work: learning from mistakes, seeking mentorship, and staying committed as a business grows. Chapters 00:00 Why We Need to Rethink the Clothes We Buy 00:51 Meet Lacey Cadieux-McLean 02:16 From Ranch Life to Fashion Technology 04:04 Building Rhubaia’s Clothing Line and App 06:41 Sharing and Organizing Your Virtual Closet 09:18 Decision Fatigue and AI Virtual Try-On 11:37 Textile Waste and Synthetic Fabrics 13:59 Discussing Microplastics and Health 16:00 Rethinking Everyday Choices 25:09 Personal Style and Confidence 30:29 The Future of AI Wardrobes 33:39 Training AI to Your Style 35:39 Lessons from Building a Business 42:07 Grit Through the Messy Middle 47:47 Where to Find Rhubaia 48:48 The Story Behind the Name Connect with Lacey Cadieux-McLean Website: https://rhubaia.com Find Rhubaia on social media. Connect with Starter Girlz Starter Girlz features conversations with founders, entrepreneurs, creators, and thought leaders about what they've built, what they've learned, and the ideas that can help others grow in business and life. https://startergirlz.com Want to be a guest on Starter Girlz? https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b