WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE UPCYCLE?
I’ve been with Upcycle for about five
years, and before that, I was employed
as a domestic worker.
Growing up, I learnt how to sew at home
using a manual hand machine. I
developed my basic sewing skills which I
used to fix my old clothes. Sometimes I
would make my clothes when we
had access to fabric. I even attended a
sewing course through my church, but I
didn’t see it as a career
opportunity.
It was only when I met Winnie that I
took it further – and that’s when sewing
became my life.
My sewing centre supports the Upcycle ‘Zero Waste’ store by manufacturing orders.
Upcycle supports the community members by bringing in business and skills development
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE
UPCYCLING ACTIVITY?
I can make handbags, shopping bags, tote bags, device bags –
any bag you can think of:
And I make them look good too.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT UPCYCLE?
I
I am the sewing trainer and I manage the sewing centre at Upcycle creative.
I have also set up my own upcycle training centre in Swanville.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT WORKING AT UPCYCLE?
The biggest thing I’ve learnt working for Upcycle is changing
how I see “stuff”.
It has taught me to look at things and see potential, not a
problem.
My skills have empowered me. Now when I go out and see
products in the store I think to myself, “I can make that”, not “I
wish I had that”.
I reuse all sorts of things for all kinds of uses, and I inspire my
community to do the same.
IF YOU COULD ASK FOR ONE THING WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I
I would love to have more resources to continue training my community members.
Some have lost their jobs in the pandemic, and I’d love to be able to upskill them so they can earn independent incomes.
We could be supported by having access to more
equipment in our centre, such as industrial sewing machines and overlockers.
WHERE CAN WE GET YOUR PRODUCTS?
My products are for sale at the Upcycle Zero waste to landfill shop and online at upcyclecreative.co.za