INVENT 2023 Finalist Profile: WearMatter

Founder name: Gemma McCallister

What is your background?

Ulster University Textile Art, Design & Fashion graduate, Experience working in buying & design roles for multiple high street fashion brands in London. Change of career to a disability advisor to understand and connect with the right people.

What inspired you to start your business?

I always want to do better or try harder. I am fed up with companies excluding and I want change, particularly in the fashion industry. I don’t trust current brands to deliver this that’s why I’m designing for a reason, I care about inclusivity and everybody having the opportunity to express themselves.

What problem are you solving?

There are 16 million disabled people in the UK but there are currently more clothing options for dogs than people with disabilities. WearMatter is creating solutions for people who have difficulties putting on or taking off their clothing, difficulty with fastenings such as zippers, buttons and tying knots, concerns with fabrics and sensitivities, to make clothing easier.

Who and where are your potential customers?

My customers are everywhere, We all wear clothing right? Wether you have a disability or health condition or not WearMatter is for you, your family, friends, loved ones, caregivers, medical professionals. For anyone interested in fashion.

What do you think is the potential for your business?

My business will be life changing for people, it will help people to lead a more independent and fulfilling life, it will promote wellbeing and allow proper inclusion and participation in society. WearMatter will make a huge impact with and for my community.

Where do you hope to be 5 years from now?

WearMatter will constantly be innovating, looking at how I can incorporate technology whether that be with my fabric choices or 3D body scanning. I want to have an alteration service for people to amend what they already have to suit their needs. I want to have a manufacturing unit here in Northern Ireland that specialises in creating adaptive clothing products and I want to employ as many people with disabilities and health conditions as possible to make an impact. I want to disrupt the fashion industry and educate about disability and design.

Join WearMatter’s journey at their website wearmatter.com. Follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram.