Ms Rachel Lessne is this year's recipient of the AATCC Young Entrepreneur Award. AATCC presented this award at the yearly AATCC International Conference held in Charlotte, NC, USA in March. Ms Lessne was chosen for her holistic business approach and practices in achieving social, economic, as well as environmental, sustainability.

Ms Lessne opened Green Envy Eco Boutique, combining her “love of the earth with a passion for fashion.” Green Envy Eco Boutique offers merchandise that is obtained by fair trade, and made of natural, organic, and recycled materials. Ms Lessne supports international, national, and local artisans. Her business direction and practices have won Green Envy Eco Boutique both business and sustainability awards. Ms Lessne also mentors future entrepreneurs in the University of Rhode Island Textiles, Fashion Merchandising, and Design department, speaking to merchandising classes, judging fashion shows, and supervising interns in her store. She leads the way in better business practices, providing a fair trade marketplace for eco-friendly businesses locally, nationally, and internationally; and offering students hands-on experience in managing a profitable, sustainable business.

AATCC's Young Entrepreneur Award was created to focus on young entrepreneurs (less than 40-years of age), who engage in business or industry based on the objectives of the Association.