In honour of International Women’s Day, Forkeeps is spotlighting women who are taking the lead in promoting sustainability across different industries. The impact of fast fashion on the environment is undeniable, but women are at the forefront of reshaping the industry and advocating for more responsible practices.

One such change-maker is Modupe, co-founder of Forkeeps, a thrift platform designed to give fashion a second life through resale and circular fashion practices. In this interview, Modupe shares her journey into sustainable fashion, the importance of thrifting, and practical steps for both brands and consumers to reduce waste. She also offers advice for women looking to embrace sustainability in their everyday choices.

Can you tell us about your journey into the fashion industry and what inspired you to co-found Forkeeps?

Last year, while cleaning out my space one random weekend, I had a moment that changed everything. I realised I had so many clothes I hadn’t worn in over a year. They were perfectly good pieces just sitting there. I didn’t have anyone to pass them on to, and honestly, I wished there was a way to sell them easily.

Having lived in the UK for a year, I was familiar with Vinted and had even bought a few items from the app. That’s when it hit me—these kinds of platforms were largely uncommon in Nigeria. There was no simple, seamless way for people to resell clothes and other fashion items.

I’ve always been passionate about sustainability, and if there’s one thing about me, it’s that I love finding solutions. That’s why I co-founded Forkeeps. We are building this platform to give fashion a second life. We are promoting sustainability in a way that actually works for our market while helping people make extra income.

Forkeeps promotes sustainable fashion—why do you think thrifting is an important solution for the fashion industry's sustainability problem?

The fashion industry is heavily polluting—100 billion garments are produced annually, and 92 million tonnes end up in landfills. That’s like dumping a truckload of clothes every single second. This cycle of overproduction and waste is unsustainable, and that’s where thrifting comes in.

By giving clothes a second life, we cut down on waste, reduce the demand for new production, and lessen the strain on natural resources like water and energy. With Forkeeps, we are driving a culture where fashion isn’t disposable but circular.

The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters. What are some key changes you believe brands and consumers need to adopt to reduce waste?

The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters, but change is possible if both brands and consumers take action.

For brands, sustainability must go beyond buzzwords—rethinking production by using recycled materials, designing for longevity, and creating take-back or resale programs can drastically cut waste.

For consumers, the power lies in choosing wisely. Instead of treating fashion as disposable, we can buy less, invest in quality, and embrace resale platforms like Forkeeps to extend the life of our clothes.

Sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. If brands and consumers work together, we can build a fashion industry that’s both stylish and responsible.

What advice do you have for women who want to embrace sustainable fashion but don’t know where to start?

When people hear “sustainable” fashion, they often think of dull, unattractive clothes, but that’s not the case. Check out Forkeeps, and you'll see what I'm talking about.

I’d advise women who want to embrace sustainable fashion to start by appreciating what they already own. Instead of constantly buying new items, get creative with mixing and matching your outfits.

When you do shop, focus on quality over quantity—invest in timeless, well-made pieces instead of trends. And when you want to let go of clothes, don’t just discard them. Sell them on platforms like Forkeeps and turn them into extra income.

When you start seeing your clothes as assets, you’ll naturally invest in better quality, knowing they can hold value over time.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what message do you have for women who are looking to create impact in the sustainability space?

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I want to remind every woman that you have the power to drive real change in the broad sustainability space.

Whether it’s in fashion, agriculture, energy, or any other industry, sustainability needs bold thinkers and doers. Start where you are, with what you have. Small actions lead to big impact.

This article honours the incredible work of women like Modupe, who are redefining industries and making sustainability a priority. Through Forkeeps, she is not only tackling fashion waste but also encouraging people to rethink how they consume and value clothing. 

Her journey is proof that every action—no matter how small—contributes to a larger impact. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s recognise and support the women leading the charge for a more sustainable world, proving that fashion and responsibility can go hand in hand.