Why I Upcycle

I didn’t “discover” thrifting as the recent trend its become, I truly grew up in it.

When I was a kid, growing up with 6 other kids in the home, it was survival. Often times my mom would even resell our thrifted finds to make ends meet. When I became a mom myself at 17, it was how I made sure my baby and I were dressed. I'd take him around to the local thirfts in his elephant patterned stroller while looking for the the "best" finds, some that are now stored away in his baby box for his own kids to wear one day. And now, it’s a choice I’m genuinely proud of because I remember what it feels like to be the discarded thing, just sitting there, hoping someone sees you for who you are under what you wear.

Upcycling is basically my love language. It comes from this deep need to create a space where we all get to see the beauty in imperfection, where what’s overlooked gets another shot. By title, sure, it’s “sustainability.” But by soul, it’s a mirror. Because I think a lot of us are walking around trying to prove we’re not too much, or trying to hide the parts that feel like not enough, or silently begging to be seen, and really we just want a place to belong as our full selves. Everyone deserves that.

Taking something that’s been pushed to the back of a rack and turning it into someone’s new favorite piece feels like a love letter to every version of me that thought she was too different to fit in because of what she wore, who she was, or what she’d been through. Turns out, what we wear is one of the coolest ways we get to represent ourselves, and there’s room for all of us to do that in our own way. So whether you’re here for the thrift finds, the upcycled pieces, or the reminder that you’re allowed to take up space, welcome. Grab your favorite drink, take up space, and take a look around. I’m honored you’re here.