Canberra opens circular clothing store for families stretched by costs
Founded TLC shop in 2024, letting families trade outgrown kids' clothes for store credit.
Micaela Centenera and business partner Jane Stagg noticed the same problem: kids' clothes are expensive and outgrown fast. Micaela Centenera and Jane Stagg launched The Little Capsule Co (TLC) to fix it.
Parents give items their children grew out of and get credit to buy the next size. Centenera says families during the cost crisis look fine on the surface but struggle to pay for school uniforms and basic clothes.
TLC keeps clothes moving between families. Centenera helps beyond Canberra too; she sends about 25 boxes of essentials to struggling families in the Philippines every seven weeks through Canberra Circle of Women.
Her work has earned her the 2027 ACT Local Hero award.
- 2024
- Store founded
- Micaela Centenera and Jane Stagg
- Co-founders
- 25 boxes of essentials every 7 weeks
- Aid to Philippines
- 2027 ACT Local Hero
- Award
Why it mattersPoverty is invisible in Australia; this model lets families access basics with dignity, not shame.
AustraliaCanberra families now have affordable kids' clothing access; the model could inspire similar stores across Australia.
