With Fiskars As My Weapon, I Can Change the World.

With Fiskars As My Weapon, I Can Change the World.

From 2020 into 2021, the world took a blow to the gut, enduring pain, loss, fear, and other emotions that rein indescribable. For me, a 19-year-old empath hiding in the safety of my boyfriend’s home, I ached for those who were on the frontlines not only fighting a global pandemic but systematic racism, the climate crisis, and threats to our country’s democracy. Being alone with my thoughts was hard, as it was for most during quarantine; however, a pair of Fiskars provided me some distractions: I cropped all my old t-shirts, cut my bangs out of boredom (a mistake), and took on hand sewing; of course, when I wasn’t learning Tik Tok dances. Yes, Fiskars has been in my back pocket through the not-so-impactful times this past year, but they have been there for the most impactful times as well. Throughout quarantine, watching the news, and being on social media was hard. I constantly wondered, “What can I do to lighten the burden on those who can’t help themselves?”. I marched in as many protests as I could, signed petitions, joined an activist group, and planned a canned goods drive for family’s impacted by COVID-19. I still felt like I could be doing more to impact lives more profoundly.

During early quarantine days, second-hand/ upcycled clothing shops began to grow and spread on social media like wildfire, allowing those who were unemployed not only a hobby but style and a stream of income as well while also benefitting our planet. As second-hand fashion and small Instagram businesses began to trend, so did awareness of the dangers of “fast-fashion”: although affordable, trendy, and of course fast, it “[…] compromises 10% of total global carbon emissions. It dries up water sources, pollutes rivers and streams, while 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year.” (Maiti 2020), thus doing no good. While shopping on second-hand pages, I became inspired and decided that this would be the path where I can positively impact the lives of those who need to be heard and help the planet along the way. Right then, I began my own second-hand/ upcycled clothing shop, of course, with Fiskars being the weapon in my back pocket, Restyle 4 Change was born.

Restyle 4 Change is the name of my hobby, passion, creative outlet, and now virtual business where I sell second-hand pieces of clothing and clothing that I upcycle rather than risk them ending up in landfills. When I first began, I only knew how to hand-sew and primarily made pieces that were cut or bleach tie-dyed, I had always wanted to learn how to design and make my own clothes, but it looked intimidating. I continued to only use Fiskars for cropping shirts and hand sewing until three months ago, I chose to bite the bullet and invest in a mini sewing machine. I have to say it was the best decision I could have made; from that point on, in all my free time I was creating, not just for myself but for the greater good. The first piece I made was out of an old belt from when I was ten years old and a hammy down t-shirt from my mom, I no longer had use for it, I decided to create something that was one unique could have a new life. Pictured below is the first piece I have ever made from scraps, and I am so proud to call it my own, from a t-shirt to a halter top, I gained so much belief in myself and the freedom to create more. Who knew that a pair of scissors could create so much happiness.

Through this passion of mine, 25%-75% of the profit made, I donate to various humanitarian organizations and social issues taking place in the world. Within this past year, I have had the privilege to donate money to Black Lives Matter, the COVID-19 Relief Fund, the Armenia Fund, Doctors Without Borders, and more. Through my Restyle 4 Change platform, I share my art and passion for fashion and the ability to spread awareness of how we humans can be better, both on and to the planet. With Restyle, I decided to tackle my dream of developing a Non-profit Organization that is structured to eradicate poverty, both foreign and domestic, and create a platform to educate communities about the importance of preserving our planet. I plan on utilizing Restyle 4 Change as a platform to receive donations for my Non-profit and as a tool to encourage people to upcycle clothing and get creative with what they already have.

The year 2020 into 2021 was hard and painful but it gifted me the opportunity to cut out the excuses and make something out of nothing, to set aside my hardships to serve those who needed a reminder that they are not on their own. Fiskars allowed me to do some cutting both internally and in the crafting world. With a pair of quality scissors, I created my happiness by giving my creativity a purpose. Not only do I get to take a piece of old clothing and bring it back to life, but I get to take people’s spirits and bring them back to life as well.

Works Cited

Maiti, Rashmila. “Fast Fashion: Its Detrimental Effect on the Environment.” Earth.org, 29 Jan. 2020, earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/.