How it all began...

I have been creating ever since I can remember. I've always been one of those DIY'ers. Always fixing things around the house and being inventive. It was either born out of necessity or boredom, maybe I have ADD maybe not...

My mom made and sold jewelry at the flea market and my dad just sold whatever. So I grew up wearing thrifted things and hand me downs and pretty much I never cared.  All the other kids sported Adidas (I was an 80's child) and I really had no care for being "in" like everyone else.  (Well except my L.A. Gears, I HAD to have those. Probably just cause the were called L.A. Gear) I loved music, it was my life. Cindy Lauper, Duran Duran, Run DMC. I hung out with the "mod" crowd. I guess I was my own version of The Breakfast Club, a little bit of all those people in one. So I guess those things have naturally evolved into my current state of "fashion" and my attitude behind what I do.

This business is a dream that has been brewing in my heart ever since I was 19 and had my first daughter. When I wanted to make her cute little dresses and I thought I could probably also sell them too. Now, 18 yrs later she's all grown up and she finally doesn't think my clothes are ugly. She actually wants to wear them!

What has really kicked my dream back into action? In 2006 I had begun buying and selling thrifted clothes on ebay and started to get back into sewing. I was browsing for ideas online and found out about Swap-o-rama. It sounded too good not to miss and they even needed volunteers still. Once I went, and I met Wendy (the founder/organizer) I truly think my life was forever changed. I looked at what I was already doing in a completely different way. And I realized I could pair my little online business with something I loved-creating.

I had no idea of the Indie fashion scene before that day and even less ideas about consumerism and being green. I guess It was in the back of my mind but I just never thought of it that way. I mean my idea of doing my part was recycling my cans, plastic and paper. But Swaporama, the idea behind it is such a huge message and it speaks loudly of avoiding consumerism and being wasteful as a society. I mean the message really is still bigger than me but at least I am on to it and in realization of it.

I hope you enjoy my designs and I ask you to please, support local indie designers. Foremost those who use reclaimed materials.

xoxo

Chrystine