Swaphaholic - A Look Into Circular & Sustainable Fashion

At Swapaholic, we believe that sustainability isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Every small action creates a ripple effect, and together, we have the power to reshape mindsets, redefine consumption, and reimagine a world where fashion is truly circular.

-- Priyanka Shahra, Founder of Swapaholic

1. What does Swapaholic do?

Swapaholic is a B Corp-certified social enterprise with a goal to make fashion consumption circular and conscious. Our omnichannel platform makes it effortless to swap, sell, and buy preloved, excess, and ethical fashion - ensuring fashion stays in circulation for longer, reducing waste, and making responsible consumption accessible to all.

2. What inspired you to create Swapaholic?

I used to be a proud shopaholic until I discovered that fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world. That realisation hit hard. I felt a deep sense of responsibility and an innate calling to use my skills to be part of the solution.

Swapaholic was born from my desire to turn helplessness into action—to make sustainable fashion not just an alternative, but a way of life. Especially for fashion lovers like myself, it’s about proving that style and sustainability can and must, coexist.

3. What is your approach towards sustainability?

Sustainability isn’t a one-time act, it’s a way of life. At Swapaholic, we believe that mindset is the first thing that needs to be swapped. Once we shift our perspective on consumption, making sustainable choices, like swapping fashion, it becomes second nature. Our goal is to make sustainability affordable, convenient, and accessible, ensuring that everyone can contribute to a better planet in a way that fits their lifestyle.

4. Can you highlight a specific project or initiative that showcases your commitment to sustainability? (i.e. success story)

Sustainability is deeply woven into everything we do, it’s not just about swapping clothes; it’s about swapping mindsets, habits and lifestyles. While our business model is inherently circular, our commitment to positive impact extends far beyond fashion.

We actively empower individuals from financially disadvantaged backgrounds by providing flexible job opportunities, fostering both inclusivity and sustainability. Our Swapaholic Gives Back program further amplifies this mission by enabling charities, students, and communities to fundraise and host their own events, making sustainability not just accessible, but a catalyst for meaningful change.

5. Why is sustainability important to you personally?

I struggle with the idea that we see ourselves as ‘consumers’, when in reality, our role should be to contribute to each other and our planet. Overconsumption is at the root of most sustainability issues, and I believe the solution lies in awareness and accessible alternatives.

As a mother, my sense of responsibility has only deepened, knowing that future generations may not experience the same natural luxuries we did growing up.

But I’m an eternal optimist, I truly believe that with the right mindset, normalising conscious behaviours, and collective action, we can revive our planet. My three-year-old twin girls reinforce my faith, constantly reminding everyone "not to waste"—even if they don’t always practise it themselves yet.

6. Can you share the story of how you or your company began your sustainability journey?

In 2013, I exited the first company I co-founded to pursue a path in sustainability, not knowing exactly what I was looking for, only that I wanted my work to create meaningful impact.

Many online courses and a Master’s programme gave me a deeper understanding of the complex challenges we face. But fashion sustainability felt deeply personal—because of my own consumption habits. As I actively sought solutions, I realised how difficult it was to find clear, actionable steps to reduce fashion’s impact on the planet.

That’s when I discovered swapping, an age-old practice that was mostly limited to small, independent events across the world. I saw immense potential in this simple yet powerful idea and had a vision to modernise, systemise, and scale it. By combining my skills with this ancient concept of barter, I set out to make swapping mainstream, structured, and impactful—and that’s how Swapaholic came to life!

7. What are your future goals?

Our ultimate goal is to inspire people worldwide to swap their mindsets, not just their fashion. Beyond promoting Swapaholic, we aim to be a platform that supports and uplifts a thriving ecosystem of conscious brands, initiatives, and individuals who make sustainability second nature.

To achieve this, we are committed to making sustainable fashion even more affordable, accessible, and seamlessly integrated into daily life. Collaboration is key, and we’re excited to work with like-minded partners to scale our impact, in Singapore and beyond.

8. Any last comments that you would like to include?

At Swapaholic, we believe that sustainability isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Every small action creates a ripple effect, and together, we have the power to reshape mindsets, redefine consumption, and reimagine a world where fashion is truly circular.

Our platform isn’t just about swapping clothes—it’s about building a community that empowers individuals to take meaningful action. By collaborating with like-minded people and organizations, we can collectively transform conscious living from an exception to the norm. Because when we swap, we don’t just extend the life of our clothes—we extend the life of our planet.