Click to learn more about Cristina: HERE

Here is a transcript of the video

Welcome to our series where we highlight creators in the field of upcycling and slow fashion.

Today's reel is a detour wherein we're not highlighting a business acct but a personal acct called Cristina Makes and Mends. She's a social worker by trade and also happens to be a teacher at a St.Louis creative re-use center called Perennial in St.Louis & she's been doing it for 8 years now.

Her passion for upcycling was first embedded in her mindset by her mom, who has been sewing her whole life. As a teen she asked her mom to show her the literal ropes but her brain had 0 patience for it.

When she returned to sewing in her 30s, sustainability had become a core value. As any new sewist will tell you, you can go through a lot of fabric learning your craft. So it made sense both financially & environmentally to upcycle and use second hand fabrics whenever possible. That was the same time she learned about Perennial, in St.Louis, whose mission is all about creative reuse. After spending a lot of time there, she soon started teaching classes,

Even everything she gets for her son is secondhand! From new books or games from the thrift outlet, or friends sending a box of hand-me-down clothes, she explains to him where these things came from and why it’s important to reuse things that are already made rather than buying new. He’already starting to make his own sustainable choices & it's been rewarding to see!

Sounds like we could all use inspiration from her so give her a follow to see what's she working on next.