Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Cottongim
Hi Jess, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2014, I had recently graduated from Purdue University and was pretty lost. My future husband and I were starting our life together and I needed an income. Reclaim and Rethread started out of necessity in the beginning. As I became increasingly aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion and the staggering amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills, my small business quickly became not only a passion project but also a full time job.
When I started, my projects were small. I mostly was upcycling tshirts and flannels (which I still do today). Over the years, I have branched out to more advanced pieces that I am very proud of. Each piece I create honors the life the materials already lived and gives them a new purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Getting to where I am today has been a journey of growth, trial, and lots of learning. From mastering new skills to finding my customer base, each hard step has had value. Being a self taught sewist can be challenging. I had to watch a lot of youtube videos and research when I ran into problems while trying to expand the products I offer.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Reclaim and Rethread is a brand dedicated to turning discarded textiles into wearable art. I’m known for my one of a kind, handmade pieces that tell a story. I’m very proud of the sustainability factor that goes into Reclaim and Rethread. I save thousands of pounds of textile waste from the landfills each year. I think the fact that everything is one of a kind sets me a part from others. You’re never going to see the same thing on my racks.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Having creativity with a purpose is very important to my success. I’m able to see potential in things others might overlook and can transform them into something that people admire and desire to have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reclaimandrethread.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reclaimandrethread
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reclaimandrethread
