Upcycledfashion.com began as a non-profit organization, the mission remains the same, to “Create jobs in rural New Mexico for those who need to work from home.”
I took it over as my own company at the beginning of 2015. As the director then, I designed, sewed, worked shows, photographed products, managed designers and so forth. What seemed to be holding back some of our growth, was time consuming grant writing to pay my small stipend and the non-profit business expectations. It is important to make this business grow and we need to replicate it in other rural communities without having to adhere to typical non-profit/grant/governmental expectations.
After my home, studios, inventory, greenhouses, etc were lost in the largest wildfire in New Mexico, I’m imagining what this business will look like. I’m focusing on Memory Pieces (quilts, bears, rabbits, pillows, etc…) and teaching. I volunteer for homeschool cooperative and am proud to have monthly classes at my new home studio and for organizations, family gatherings, and parties.
I have volunteered in my communities since I was a child. I see myself as an optimistic realist. That being said, creativity, passion, and hard work, I believe, is still the ultimate combination to create success. Cheers to all of you who have enjoyed our products, found inspiration and have followed our path.
Anita Moss ~ Carpe Diem!