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BEE 550 Manny Jackson: Turning Textile Waste Into Tech, Jobs & Justice
06/03/2026
BEE 550 Manny Jackson: Turning Textile Waste Into Tech, Jobs & Justice
What if fashion could do more than make a statement? What if it could restore dignity, reduce waste, create jobs, and directly impact communities in need? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Manny Jackson, founder and Sustainable Fashion Architect of — a Los Angeles-based circular fashion ecosystem transforming textile waste into functional, tech-enabled apparel while building workforce opportunities for underserved communities. Manny isn’t just creating clothing. He’s building an entirely new system for how fashion can serve people and the planet. After experiencing housing insecurity himself and later working with homeless veterans, Manny launched Thread Haus to prove that sustainability isn’t just about materials — it’s about human dignity, accessibility, and community impact. One of his most powerful innovations, the StreetSleeper jacket — a wearable jacket that converts into a sleeping bag for unsheltered communities — earned global recognition, including a nomination for the World Green Product Award. But Thread Haus goes even deeper. The company is integrating AI, RFID technology, NFC chips, and Digital Product Passports into its developing Smart Lifecycle System, helping redefine what transparency and circular production can look like in modern fashion. In this episode, we discuss: Why sustainability must go beyond marketing buzzwords Turning lived experience into mission-driven innovation How circular fashion can reduce waste and create opportunity The future of tech-enabled apparel and smart lifecycle tracking Building a brand without traditional resources or investors Why community storytelling matters in entrepreneurship Designing products that prioritize dignity and real-world function The hidden realities of building a purpose-driven business We also talk about Thread Haus’ partnerships with organizations like LA City Sanitation, Homeboy Threads, and Sole Folks, and how the company is helping create workforce pathways through hands-on upcycling workshops for youth and adults. Manny’s work has been featured globally through presentations at COP28, Sustainable Fashion Week US, TEDx South Central, and the Olympic Sustainable Gala — but his mission remains deeply personal and community-focused. If you care about sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation, or building businesses that truly matter, this episode will leave you inspired. 🎧 Listen now, share this episode, and subscribe for more conversations with changemakers redefining the future. Learn more about Manny Jackson and Thread Haus:
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