We recently connected with Kimberly Lau and have shared our conversation below.

Kimberly , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

It all started when I was sorting through my boys’ outgrown clothes, realizing how much we had accumulated and how much of it was still in great condition. As a single mom, and after spending 24 years in wealth management, I began thinking about the waste and the financial strain that this constant need for new clothes places on families. That’s when the idea for Project ReWear hit me: what if I could create a solution where families could access preloved clothing that’s stylish, affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly? A Mom on a Mission was born.

The next day, I dove into research. I needed to understand the scale of textile waste and the environmental impact of fast fashion. I discovered alarming statistics—like how much water is used to produce just one cotton t-shirt. This only fueled my drive to move forward. I realized I had to do something meaningful, not only for my kids but for future generations.

The following week, I started visiting local thrift stores, carefully picking out high-quality kids’ clothes that were still in excellent condition. I spent hours in the stores, feeling fabrics, learning brands, and making sure I understood what parents would actually want to buy. My living room quickly turned into my sorting space, with racks of preloved clothes ready to be curated and sold.

I knew I needed to set up a small store to test whether others shared my vision. I was fortunate enough to rent a small room in a consignment store for about three months, which confirmed my thoughts. So, the following month, I threw myself into building the infrastructure to make Project ReWear a recognizable brand. It was all new to me, but I was determined to make Project ReWear a reality. Each day brought new challenges, but the bigger picture kept me going.

Over the next several months, I expanded my sourcing trips, refined the curation process, and began sharing the mission of Project ReWear with friends and the local community. I also attended a Social Impact Accelerator Course at the University of Pennsylvania, which helped me fine-tune the business model and further solidified my commitment to creating real, lasting change.

Two months later, we reached a huge milestone by being featured on KTLA’s “Back to School” segment, which gave Project ReWear even more visibility. Shortly after, we hosted our first community fashion show, showcasing how stylish preloved clothing can be. It was a proud moment that proved to me and everyone involved that this wasn’t just about clothes—it was about a movement to reduce waste and inspire more sustainable shopping habits.

Fast forward to today, I have an amazing new business partner, Linda Young, and we’ve opened our first brick-and-mortar location, where we held a Halloween Pop-Up Sneak Peek. Our grand opening, where we will offer kids’ to adult clothing and accessories, is on Saturday, December 7th at 2940 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. We’re not just selling preloved clothes—we’re making sustainable fashion convenient and accessible for families, offering curated outfits that are stylish, affordable, and kind to the planet. Looking back, the journey from idea to execution happened quickly and was full of learning and growth, but each step brought me closer to my goal of reducing waste and helping parents make more mindful choices.

Kimberly , 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?

Hey there! I’m Kim, and if I’m being honest, I never thought I’d end up in the fashion industry. In fact, I spent 24 years in wealth management (yep, finance!) before realizing my true calling was less about stock portfolios and more about saving the planet—one cute kid’s outfit at a time. As a single mom of two boys who were growing out of their clothes faster than I could buy them, I started thinking about how wasteful it all was. That’s when Project ReWear was born.

So, what is Project ReWear? We’re all about giving high-quality preloved kids’ clothes a second chance to shine. Think of it as a mix between a stylish treasure hunt and an eco-friendly wardrobe solution. I source the best secondhand kids’ clothes, personally curating pieces that are stylish, affordable, and, most importantly, good for the planet. We also just opened our first brick-and-mortar store, which I’m beyond excited about (though my living room, which used to double as my sorting space, is even more thrilled).

The problem I’m solving? Well, if you’ve ever looked at your kid’s closet and thought, “How did we end up with so many clothes?” and “Why do they only wear three things?” I’m your gal. I help families reduce waste, spend less, and keep their kids looking sharp. And let’s face it, we’ve all got that one mom friend whose kid looks like they just walked off the runway. With Project ReWear, you can be that mom without spending a fortune—or contributing to fast fashion’s environmental impact.

What sets me apart? Honestly, it’s all about heart and humor. I’m not just running a business; I’m on a mission to show families that sustainability is stylish and totally doable. Plus, we take the guesswork out of shopping secondhand by curating outfits that look brand-new, minus the new price tag. And let’s be real: half the fun of Project ReWear is finding an amazing piece at a fraction of the cost and then saying, “Yeah, I got it secondhand!” (The bragging rights are free.)

I’m most proud of the fact that what started as a personal project has grown into a community movement. I’ve met so many incredible parents who care about their kids’ future and want to make better choices for the planet. And the fact that my kids think what I’m doing is “cool” is a bonus, too (though I’m still waiting for them to call me “cool,” but baby steps).

At the end of the day, I want people to know that Project ReWear is more than just a preloved clothing store—it’s a way to reduce waste, make smarter purchasing decisions, and feel good about what you’re putting in your kids’ closets. And if you walk out of my store with a killer outfit and a smile on your face, then I’ve done my job!

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

In January 2024, I walked into a thrift store in Thousand Oaks, CA, and met this incredible volunteer with a charming Australian accent who radiated kindness and expertise. That volunteer was Linda Young, the President of the thrift store, and someone who knew fashion and merchandising like the back of her hand. I soon discovered her passion for second-hand goods started way back in Australia, where she spent her weekends scouring op shops (that’s Aussie for thrift stores!) and estate sales, looking for hidden treasures.

After a successful career in retail management and global brand development, Linda shifted her focus to her family and began volunteering at a nonprofit thrift store in 2017. Her dedication to sustainability grew deeper, and in 2020, she became Board President, leading the charge on reducing waste and keeping as much as possible out of landfills.

Naturally, I was inspired and asked if I could take her to lunch to pick her brain about my business idea. Three weeks later, I was volunteering right alongside her, soaking up everything I could. Fast forward nine months, and we became business partners! Linda’s expertise and passion for giving preloved items new life made her the perfect partner for Project ReWear. It’s amazing how a chance meeting at a thrift store turned into such an impactful partnership. Now, we’re combining our skills and love for sustainability to save the planet, one item at a time!

Any advice for managing a team?

My advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is this: focus on people first, and success will follow. When you prioritize your team’s well-being, development, and empowerment, the financial results naturally come. It’s about building a culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

One of the greatest gifts is recognizing what you don’t know, and that’s where empowering your team comes in. Give people the autonomy and trust to make decisions, share ideas, and take ownership of their roles. Acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay—because your team’s collective expertise will always lead to better outcomes.

Keep morale high by ensuring every team member feels heard and appreciated. Celebrate successes, however small, and make time to listen and engage with your team regularly. When people feel genuinely valued, they’ll bring their best to the job every day.

Ultimately, the key is to lead with empathy, empower others, and build a strong, people-first culture. The success will naturally follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.projectrewear.com
• Instagram: @projectrewearkids
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/kimberly-l-a23a57268

Image Credits

Emily Perez, photographer