After leaving the fast fashion industry, Lucia set herself a new challenge - could she spend an entire year without buying things? Sharing the ups and downs of her year, Lucia's honest and entertaining story is an inspiration for all of us to try living our lives with just a little less junk.

Lucía González Schuett was born in Barcelona but moved to a tiny rural community in southern Spain while she was still a child. Her father had made an abrupt career change to follow the family’s farming tradition. Suddenly they were harvesting cork and managing cattle on horseback. Being so close to nature helped Lucía develop a balanced and healthy lifestyle she treasures today. She began playing the flute at age nine and has been part of several bands and chamber music groups. She also plays volleyball and is an avid skier.

Lucía graduated in Foreign Languages in Madrid. After working in different areas related to communication, she radically altered her career path joining a Spanish multinational fast-fashion company in Germany. She was living a happy life, indeed, one in which her needs had always been met. Maybe that was precisely why the initial question arose: What did she really need? When is enough... enough? 

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Lucas Gonzalez Schuett: A year without buying | Lucía González Schuett | TEDxHECParis

A year without buying | Lucía González Schuett | TEDxHECParis

Master’s in Business Administration Candidate, HEC Paris

Embracing minimalism, Lucia discovered that avoiding purchases for a year led to creativity, savings, and a deeper community connection.

A year of no purchasing beyond essentials reveals deep insights into consumption, fostering a more creative and sustainable lifestyle.

Embracing a buy-nothing year, one discovers the richness of community sharing and resourcefulness, leading to a more fulfilled life.