Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Bergman.
Hi Amy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My college degree is in traditional Home Economics from Berry College and I’ve taught for 30 years in the public school system. As a child, my grandmother lived next door and was always sewing. My earliest memories of her involve watching her sew for the family. In college I worked in the theatre costume shop and honed my craft. Though I’ve always owned a sewing machine and did little projects here and there, it wasn’t until the trajectory of my career turned toward creating a new Textile Science, Interior Design and Fashion Design Pathway at our local high school that I started sewing for myself. I was very much influenced by the overwhelming abundance of fast fashion clothing and textiles our world creates through our overconsumption. So I made it my mission to use existing textiles in my projects and aim for zero waste. People would comment on my outfits and items so I thought I might sell them at local artist fairs, thus ReMade by Amy, LLC was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since this business is not one I depend on to cover my daily expenses it has allowed me the freedom to create with less stress. As I plan to retire from public education this spring, my goal is to focus my time on the business side of creating. And this is where I struggle. Being the creative is easy, but taking the photos and videos to market my work, keeping an updated website and social media presence and controlling all the finances is not fun for me, which means I tend to avoid those tasks. I will need to find a healthy balance if my future goal is to make enough money to support this small business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
ReMade by Amy, LLC, focuses on being sustainable by repurposing existing textiles. Though most of the creations involve clothing, I also have reupholstered small furniture and made various types of bags.
My vision is to demonstrate ways textiles can be reclaimed and reused, reducing landfill waste, and encouraging others to find ways to lesson their own carbon footprint. At heart I will always be a teacher and enjoy watching my students and other artists get ideas from my creations.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My supportive husband gets my undying gratitude for encouraging my creativity and making my desire to pursue this small business possible. He enjoys the thrifting trips, assists with inventory and is my pack mule for the few artist shows we do. Debbie, from Frockworks, LLC, is a college friend that came back into my life as I began this new journey and has provided support and challenges along the way to keep me motivated.
JoAn, from Casting on a Chain, is a wealth of information and provides contacts and show venues.
The three of us affectionate call ourselves ADHD Cubed when we share space at local artist venues.
Charity, with Gherardini Branding Co., continues to provide consulting support with her knowledge covering a wide array of small business topics for those of us that are not familiar with running any type of business.
Mia Koerner, a quilt historian and neighbor, provides wonderful insight and has sourced some amazing textiles for me to work with.
There are numerous others that have also helped and I am grateful for each interaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.remadebyamy.com
- Instagram: @remadebyamy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61568596978689/photos/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/remadebyamy
Image Credits
Amy Bergman
