Our Inspiring Entrepreneurial People
Caring Changemaker
Ineta Joksaite
Ineta Joksaite is tackling textile waste and aiming to inspire more circular thinking in the industry.
With a background in fashion, Ineta blends creativity, research, and resilience to turn personal and planetary challenges into meaningful innovation. While balancing caring responsibilities for an elderly parent and studying as a mature student, she has found the time to engage with Zero Waste Scotland and a range of stakeholders with the goal of reducing textile landfill and incineration waste.
.jpg "Ineta Joksaite holding a pile of clothes, looking at camera")
Q&A
Q: What shaped your interest in fashion sustainability?
A: Fashion has always been part of me. Growing up in Lithuania, I was obsessed with style, paper dolls, and Barbies. I studied dressmaking in Northern Ireland and discovered upcycling, which changed how I thought about waste.
When I moved to Glasgow and continued studying, I started researching the fashion industry’s environmental impact and how other countries, like Lithuania, manage waste better. That curiosity led me to create practical solutions around textile circularity. I want to help people build emotional connections to their clothing and be part of the solution, not the problem.
Q: What would you say is your biggest achievement during your time at Strathclyde?
A: Honestly? Getting out of bed and showing up. Post-pandemic, I had lost a lot of energy and purpose. Just getting myself into university, saying “yes” to opportunities, and reconnecting with people brought the light back into my life.
Strathclyde, especially through Strathclyde Inspire, has been incredible. The support, the genuine interest in helping students succeed, the constant opportunities - it’s been life-changing. I don't think I’d be where I am today without it.
Does Ineta’s story inspire you? You can help her to be named our Inspiring Entrepreneurial Strathclyder 2025, by taking part in our public vote.