Jussara Lee would like nothing better than if other designers copied her think-small ideology.

Her tidy and inviting West Village boutique is a one-stop shop for custom-made items, built-to-last designs, environmentally friendly accessories and attentive service. Lee recently started customizing loyal shoppers’ vintage items.

Her Sustainable Luxury Business model is based on biodegradable fabrics, natural dyes, local manufacturing, alterations and maintenance services and community building. She upcycles scraps from her designs and create garments that aren’t about trends. The designer is in talks with educational programmers from Parsons and the Pratt Institute about using her boutique as “a bridge” for students to showcase their work and collaborate on handmade textiles.

After 25 years in business, Lee has no plans to scale up, make millions or collaborate with a fast fashion chain. “I like the idea of being present and having interactions with clients to stay connected and relevant. And it’s what makes my business thrive. I don’t have a backer, an investor or loans. I don’t owe money. It’s a very pristine kind of situation.” she said. “I think more people can embrace the same philosophy and process. It will make them a lot happier than working for some company with ethos that they don’t believe in.”

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