Being born to a young mother on a fixed budget, who studied fashion at that time, thrifting was woven into our weekly routine. Used clothing and home furnishings were a staple in our home, constantly treasure hunting. It was the rare occasion that my mother and I got to spend quality time together and have fun, outside of school and responsibilities for both of us, so this was always a treat. To no surprise, as I emerged into early adulthood, I would find myself in a career doing this very treasured activity in the coming years. After several years spent working in the service industry, this was a welcomed oasis, career wise. I started reselling thrifted clothing online in 2015. 

Six years deep into reselling online and selling in weekend markets, an opportunity presented itself to sell at a small shop that opened in Greenpoint BK by the name of Shop 86. Things really popped at that time. It was post-pandemic mania where sales soared in retail for most vendors. Even though I became more successful financially than I had ever been, there remained a shadow of unfulfilled destiny. 

After some reflection in the following two years, fiddling with different projects which did not manage to scratch the itch in my search for more meaningful work, I realized what was missing. It was the use of this skill on a macro and more integrative level. A connection with humanity that involves the co-creation of creativity, effort, and that can include everyone (also planet earth!), not just my own agenda. 

After a long run on the reselling path and acquiring a very nuanced understanding of quality and repurposing of used objects, the idea bubbled up from the depths of my subconscious, perhaps injected from some greater consciousness. Expanding this craft to a grander sale can help us all be non-passive participants in the preservation of our earth.  The excess of “stuff” in America is killing our planet through climate change and creating an endless surplus of goods that appears to see no end and has left us addicted to consuming while paying more for it! YES, there is a solution. We care, you do too. If we all invest in this creative process of reusing what is already available to us, we can start to reverse climate change and grow our creativity while lowering our daily cost of living. This being a labor of love, it’s my aspiration to be a part of the solution with all of you and turn this sinking ship around. Let's do something together, the way nature always intended.