Local People: Eve Mcintyre
by Stephanie Williams

Hobart entrepreneur Eve McIntyre is on a mission to transform the way Tasmanians think about what they wear, with the launch of Project Emerald — a new app putting sustainable fashion and the circular economy in the palm of your hand.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up on the South Coast of NSW and now live in Howden.
You’re the founder of a new app, Project Emerald, an Australian marketplace to buy and sell quality secondhand fashion. Why did you create this? I was frustrated with the time consumed trying to shop for secondhand fashion on Facebook Marketplace. I found op shopping like a lucky dip, and with small children I didn’t have time to spare. I also wanted to contribute to addressing the global fashion waste problem.
Why is circular fashion important to you? So many reasons. Firstly, my nan volunteered for her local Vinnies for 30 years! She always passed things on to us secondhand, telling us what she thought we would like. We were also encouraged to pass things on. You could say it’s part of my DNA. Secondly, the ability to express your style and try new things without the pressure of ‘getting it right’ when you buy new. Third, the ability to do something about the fashion waste problem we are facing globally. And finally, the ability to recoup some money on the items in our wardrobe we no longer wear that take up space, while also saving money when buying ‘new’ things. These combined factors align with my values.

What has been the most jaw dropping item you’ve seen on the platform? This incredible David Lawrence Olive green leather suit!! It’s so cool.
What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do? I think people assume I just run a secondhand fashion app. But what I’m really trying to do is help people feel good about consuming differently. Buying pre-loved isn’t about compromise, it’s about confidence, creativity and making choices that align with your values. When someone chooses secondhand first, they’re not just saving money – they’re reducing waste, supporting a circular system and stepping away from the pressure of constant newness. I wish more people knew that this isn’t about being perfect or “sustainable enough.” It’s about small, everyday shifts. If we can make secondhand the first choice instead of the last resort, that’s when real cultural change happens. For me, it’s less about fashion and more about legacy – what kind of example we’re setting for our kids and the community we live in.
Favourite podcast or tv show? Straight Talk by Mark Bouris.
What are you reading now? Physco Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz.
What was your first job? Serving hot chips and icecream by the beach.
What are your daily news/social media habits? News headlines pop up on my phone as notifications, I check our socials morning and night.
Your favourite place for…
Breakfast: Boho Kingston Beach.
Lunch: Sush Track with the kids.
Dinner: Sonny and Ogee.
Dream holiday destination? Sicily, Amalfi and Croatia
Favourite Tasmanian secret? A certain private campground on South Bruny Island – if you know, you know.
Parting words? We live in a truly beautiful part of the world. Protecting it isn’t just about big policy decisions – it’s about everyday choices too. If we can make secondhand our first instinct rather than our last resort, we won’t just reduce waste, we’ll change the culture around fashion. And that’s what I’m working toward.
How can our readers get involved? Download the Project Emerald app on the App Store or Google Play, follow us on socials @project_emerald_ and via www.projectemerald.com.au support the movement we are creating.

