We recently connected with Dara Hamilton and have shared our conversation below.
Dara, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents showed me faith and strength, they both had their own business when I was growing up. Seeing them made me know I can do whatever I want. My parents supported me from day one of my journey and continues to be there whenever I need them.
Dara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Dara Hamilton born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri. Graduated from Missouri State University with a B.S in fashion merchandising and product development. During the journey of my business plan senior year I knew having my own was the ultimate goal. Watching my parents and grandparents run their own business growing up gave me the faith it was possible. Before jumping into my own business I decided to move to New York to gain more experience and expand my knowledge in the fashion industry. Living in NYC funds became tight, I then started to shop more sustainable. Let my grandmother tell it the “junk” store was my great grandmother second home. Seeing them throughout my childhood and having a sense of style the thrift store was not foreign to me. At the time thrifting was only a hobby and a more sustainable way of living. It wasn’t until after I returned back to my hometown during covid I realized this is my time to step out on faith and give the idea of having my own a try. Although I did not live out my business plan I can now say GemU is partnering with a brand very similar. Being in the fashion industry and being aware of the amount of waste produced I could not help but figure out a way to be apart of the change. GemU Vintage was born for those who are looking for sustainable and guilt free ways to shop while embracing creativity and culture.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
NFTs ! I must say I was surprised to see this question. I believe we all need to talk about it more ! Although I do not know a ton at the moment I most definitely plan to introduce GemU to the world of web3. Web3 : NFTs is like email when it first came around, a new phase we aren’t sure if we should interact or it’s just a trend that will go away. We now all I’m sure have at least 3 email addresses …
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
GemU is here for those who are looking for sustainable and guilt free ways to shop while embracing creativity and culture. We are providing Gems to have a new life in new homes. Selling second clothing encourages extended garment life cycle, sustainable wardrobes, and practicing slow fashion. Secondhand is not only a more environmental friendly method of shopping it’s also a more sustainable way to spend money. GemU providing sustainable clothing provides quality which allows those to reduce waste as well as the amount of clothing bought. Items we do not sell are giving back to the community directly. Since starting in 2020 we have given away over $3,000 worth of clothing and accessories. At the end of each season I sort through Gems and my personal collection gathering pieces that have either sat on the racks longer than expected or I personally do not use anymore. The Gems does not stop spreading there. I have one specific item I make sure to grab when sourcing day to day. I always pick up North Face jackets for a couple reasons; they are great quality and everyone appreciates them during the winter months. Once I have a good amount collected in the off season I take them to less fortunate kids in school when fall hits. Since 2021 we have provided over 30 kids with jackets at Marian Middle School and Northside Living Center. Here at GemU we do not just limit fashion to only higher income and wealthier families we are here for everyone. My greatest customers are college age students young adults and families who have low to no wardrobe budget achieve fashion goals for day yo day wear.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gemuvintage.com
- Instagram: @dgotthegems
- Threads: @dgotthegems
Image Credits
Profile photo Music at the Intersection @tylersmall314