The Pennock Knockdown: Embracing Circularity: How Cleo Escarez & Redyoos are Transforming the Jewelry Industry on the Pennock Knockdown Podcast

Watch or Listen to Episode 15 of The Pennock Knockdown.

On Apple, Spotify and YouTube.

Cleo Escarez shares her mission to create an eco-friendly future in jewelry through recycling and innovative partnerships.

The Genesis of Redyoos

In an inspiring episode of the Pennock Knockdown podcast, host Nikki welcomes Cleo Escarez, the founder of Redyoos, a groundbreaking jewelry recycling company. Based in Seattle, Redyoos aims to revolutionize how we think about the life cycle of jewelry. The company operates under the circular economy framework, ensuring that no jewelry ends up in landfills while recovering natural resources. Cleo, drawing from her extensive fashion and consumer goods experience, shares her journey from contributing to the problem of consumerism to becoming a solution provider. As a mother of three, Cleo was motivated by a desire to align her professional ventures with her personal values, driving her to establish Redyoos.

A Unique Consumer Journey

Cleo passionately describes the consumer journey with Redyoos. The process begins when customers order a prepaid mail kit from the Redyoos website. At no cost, they receive an envelope to send in any unwanted jewelry, removing the hassle and guilt associated with accumulating unused items. Redyoos accepts both fashion and fine jewelry, regardless of condition, managing every aspect of sorting and processing. High-quality fashion jewelry may be donated to nonprofits like Dress for Success, extending its lifespan and supporting meaningful causes. Broken or intricately beaded pieces are repurposed for art or educational projects. Fine jewelry, containing precious metals, is melted and reintroduced into the supply chain, essential for creating technology and reducing environmental impact.

Strategic Partnerships and Growth

An insightful segment of the podcast delves into Redyoos's strategic partnerships. Cleo emphasizes the significance of both direct-to-consumer (D2C) and business-to-business (B2B) channels. While D2C provides essential product-market fit insights and consumer engagement, B2B partnerships offer scalability and impact magnitude. A notable collaboration is with Goodwill Evergreen, creating a circular partnership ensuring jewelry doesn’t end up in landfills. Additionally, partnerships with jewelry brands streamline the recycling process and provide drop-off solutions. Cleo’s approach exemplifies how Redyoos's is shaping a network of sustainability-conscious allies united in reducing waste.

The Entrepreneurial Journey

As a seasoned professional navigating the zero-to-one phase of entrepreneurship, Cleo candidly reflects on the challenges and surprises she faces. Despite her confidence in scaling businesses, this foundational phase requires embracing uncertainty and a touch of naivety. She underscores the importance of trusting the process, acknowledging that her diverse experiences in the fashion industry equip her with critical insights. Cleo’s story highlights the unpredictable yet rewarding path of an entrepreneur committed to making a difference.

Promoting Awareness and Advocacy

Generating awareness for Redyoos has primarily relied on organic growth through community-based initiatives and speaking engagements. Cleo’s expertise in jewelry recycling has positioned her as a thought leader, leading to opportunities to participate in panels, events, and climate-focused discussions. This grassroots engagement amplifies Redyoos’s mission without the need for traditional marketing expenditures. Cleo’s authentic advocacy resonates with audiences and aligns perfectly with the ethos of authenticity prevalent in mission-driven brands today.

A Broader Impact: Future Prospects and Industry Innovations
With an eye on the future, Cleo outlines Redyoos’s growth strategy focusing on B2B partnerships for broader impact. By emphasizing the recovery of precious metals, Redyoos positions itself as an urban mine, contributing significantly to domestic supply chains and decreasing reliance on unsustainable mining practices. Beyond jewelry, Cleo expresses admiration for similar mission-driven initiatives across fashion and other industries. Her excitement for rental and recycling companies, as well as brands innovating with alternative materials, reflects a larger movement towards sustainability.

Cleo Escarez’s journey with Redyoos exemplifies how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can transform traditional industries. Her commitment to recycling jewelry and forging strategic partnerships sets a compelling example for sustainable business practices. As more consumers and businesses prioritize eco-friendly solutions, Reduce stands at the forefront, inspiring others to embrace circularity and contribute to a more sustainable future.