Wearsos at the U of T Startup Holiday Market 2024

On December 3 and 4, 2024, the UofT Startup Holiday Market transformed the St. George Campus Bookstore into a festive hub of innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. We at Wearsos were thrilled to participate in this vibrant event, alongside incredible startups like Alt-Pro Advantage and Just Vertical.

The market provided the perfect setting for attendees to discover unique gifts, connect with forward-thinking entrepreneurs, and support local businesses. As a social enterprise dedicated to upcycling retired Southwest Airlines seat leather into sustainable products, we felt right at home among like-minded startups committed to driving positive change.

Day 1: A Festive Kickoff and VIP Connections

The first day of the market was an amazing experience for the Wearsos team. Throughout the day, we showcased our sustainable, handcrafted products—including our coming-soon Pineapple Leather Bags and Crossbody Bags—to a wide array of visitors. From students to faculty members, we were thrilled by the interest in our mission and products.

The day concluded with a VIP Reception hosted by the University of Toronto Entrepreneurship (UTE), bringing together investors, accelerators, customers, and key business leaders. This event was a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with individuals who share our vision of sustainability and social impact.

Day 2: A Relaxed Celebration of Community and Collaboration

The second day was equally rewarding, as we participated in a more relaxed Social Event with the UofT team, along investors and customers, to celebrate the end of the semester. This setting fostered meaningful conversations, collaborations, and the sharing of ideas. We felt inspired by the energy of the UofT community and the support for sustainable innovation!

A Successful Market for Sales and Giving Back

Both days of the UofT Startup Holiday Market were a tremendous success for Wearsos. We had the opportunity to connect with countless individuals, sell a variety of our sustainable products, and give back to the UofT community by offering exclusive discounts on our upcycled creations. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and vision of Jon French, UTE Director, Mariel Fasola, University of Toronto Press Buyer, and the entire UTE team, whose efforts brought this incredible event to life.

Why Events Like These Matter

The U of T Startup Holiday Market isn’t just about sales—it’s about fostering a culture of sustainability, innovation, and community. At Wearsos, we believe in the power of partnerships and collaboration to drive meaningful change. Events like these enable us to share our story, grow our impact, and inspire others to make sustainable choices.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up 2024, we’re grateful for opportunities like the U of T Startup Holiday Market that allow us to connect with people who believe in our mission. We’re excited to continue growing and spreading the message of sustainability and social impact in the year ahead.

To learn more about Wearsos and our upcycled products, visit our website.

Thank you for being part of the Wearsos community.