We were lucky to catch up with Elise Sims recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Elise thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment and encouragement. I hope that my work inspires people to think about how to keep their own clothes in circulation longer. I hope that my work inspires someone to learn a new skill and have fun doing it. I hope that my work provides comfort for those experiencing climate anxiety by framing sustainability in a positive way. If I can inspire even just a handful of people to think twice about buying something new, then I’ll know this has all been worth it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

A few years ago, I quit my teaching job and started Trashclothes as a means to keep textiles out of landfills through making, mending, and education. Trashclothes offers unique, handmade garments constructed from reclaimed materials, as well as a handful of sewing services including clothing repair and scrap combining services.

While Trashclothes offers many products and services, one of the main goals is to encourage people to make and mend for themselves. As a relatively novice sewist myself, I like the idea that we are all in this together. We are all learning and improving together, and I hope that is made clear in my work.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Whenever I approach something (a relationship, art, life, etc.) with authenticity and purpose, then everything seems to just fall into place. My business is no different.

I am not perfect and my work is not perfect, and that’s okay! In fact, it’s actually kind of the point. My seams are mad wonky, and most of the time I’m just learning as I go. As long as I stay true to my values and my purpose of keeping textiles out of landfills then I have achieved my goal. I think people respect that.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think what people struggle to understand is that there really is no competition; there is only community. This is true for all small businesses, but especially for those in the field of sustainable apparel. So what if two makers are making the same type of upcycled jacket? Both of those makers are prolonging the lifespan of those materials, and ultimately that’s a win. The more people we can get interested in slow fashion, the better. We should be empowering, encouraging, and celebrating each other. The only thing the little guys should be overpowering is the big guys, not each other; and the only way to do that is together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://trashclothes.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trashclothes.atl/