Lydia Varela

Lydia Varela founded Renew Not Retail as a means to make positive change in the local community. Combining her extensive marketing experience, strong community relationships, and her passions for reusing clothing, saving money and green practices, Lydia is creating a hub where clothing donations, fabulous fashion, art and fun events come together to show consumers how cool textile recycling can be.

Lydia wants to become a change maker in Dallas by shifting local attitudes toward textile recycling. And she understands that in Dallas, we love style. By combining style with sustainability, the Renew Not Retail experience will show consumers that recycling textiles is not only socially responsible but that repurposed clothing can be trendy too. By hosting fun, fashionable events, Lydia is educating consumers about making a difference while revamping their wardrobe.

Influences
A Native Texan, Lydia is deeply connected to her local community but also considers herself a Citizen of the World. Through extensive global travel, work in international markets and volunteering with international groups, she has seen that other parts of the world (and our country) are more forward-thinking in terms of sustainable living and recycling. And she knows there are fantastic opportunities to do the same thing here. Lydia is thinking globally and acting locally.

Lydia is a green and thrift enthusiast. Her love for swapping clothes to create new outfits and save money led her to discover the real impact of how reusing textiles positively impacts landfills and the environment. As a long-time treasure hunter, she also personally knows the joy of making
something old new again.

Experience
Lydia has 20 years of marketing and branding experience, including 14 years at Mary Kay Inc., where she developed plans and communication strategies for marketing beauty products to women around the world. Most recently, she consulted with small businesses on branding and awareness. Lydia holds a Marketing Communications degree from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Community
With a passion for empowering women, Lydia is active in many local organizations. After years of working to make change for the better, she is already an influencer in the community. A natural connector, Lydia enjoys volunteering, networking, local arts and social media. Her strong
relationships and organizational ties afford her opportu