Tyler Chanel
Ethical | Sustainability | Thrifter
Webisode 6
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From Fast Fashion to Conscious Living
Summary:
In this ZÁY SHEEN Webisodes conversation, host Tafreed Butt sits down with content creator and model-turned-sustainability-advocate Tyler Chanel to explore her journey from fast-fashion modeling in Las Vegas to becoming a voice for ethical fashion, mindful thrifting, and conscious motherhood. Tyler shares how documentaries like The True Cost and River Blue opened her eyes to the human and environmental impact of fast fashion, leading her to leave that world behind, work with ethical brands, and use her platforms to promote intentional living without overwhelm. She explains how thrifting can still lead to overconsumption, why clothing swaps and knowing your personal style matter, and how tools like the Index wardrobe app help people shop their closets rather than constantly buying more. Tyler also talks about navigating sustainability as a new mom through choices like glass bottles, pre-loved baby items, and prioritizing experiences over toys. She touches on curly hair care with low-waste products like shampoo bars, calls out greenwashing in the beauty industry, and gives a detailed peek into her low-waste waste sustainable wedding using thrifted decor, rented silk flowers, real dishware, and thoughtful favors. Throughout the episode, she encourages listeners to let go of perfection, stay true to their values, and start with small, realistic changes that fit their own lives while still protecting people and the planet.
What Tyler Chanel Taught Us
What happens when your dream job collides with your values?
That is precisely what happened to content creator and model Tyler Chanel. On ZÁY SHEEN Webisodes, Tyler shared how she went from modeling fast fashion in Las Vegas to becoming a passionate advocate for sustainability, thrifting, and conscious living.
As a young model, Tyler loved fashion, photo shoots, and the excitement of new clothes arriving every week. But behind the pretty outfits, she noticed something was wrong. The garments fell apart after only a few wears, customers accepted poor quality as usual, and the cycle of buying, ripping, and replacing never stopped.
Everything shifted when she watched documentaries like The True Cost and River Blue. She learned about the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, the toxic rivers dyed the color of the season, and the way fast fashion exploits workers and communities. Once she knew the truth, she could not unsee it. She could not keep being the face of brands that harmed people and the planet.
Instead of giving up on her dream, Tyler chose a different path. She found an ethical modeling agency, worked with brands that aligned with her values, and used her platforms to encourage people to give thrifting, sustainability, and their natural selves a chance. She also got honest about her own habits, admitting that even thrifting can turn into overconsumption if you buy for content or impulse rather than with intention.
In the episode, she shares practical tips that anyone can use:
- Start by discovering your personal style so you are not constantly chasing trends.
- Shop your own closet first and create outfits from what you already own.
- Thrift and buy secondhand with a list, not just for the thrill of the hunt.
- Choose better materials when possible and care for what you have so it lasts.
Tyler also talks about navigating motherhood, beauty, and even her wedding through a sustainable lens. Her message is clear: you do not have to be perfect to make a difference. You just have to be willing to question the norm, align your choices with your values, and take one conscious step at a time.