Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Bergman.
Hi Amy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in South Georgia with two grandmothers who sewed constantly. My mother taught me how to sew when I was young, but it wasn’t until I chose to major in home economics in college and worked in the theater costume shop that I really used the skill. Fast-forward, after 28 years of teaching a high school early childhood education program I found myself essentially without a job due to decisions outside of my control. When faced with this sudden change my first thought was “well, I’ll just teach sewing again.” Little did I realize what spark of creativity that would ignite in my soul.
It’s been many years since I taught apparel construction and interior design so there was quite a bit of trepidation on my end, fearing so much time had passed that I wouldn’t remember much. Fortunately, I found it to be much like riding a bike, once you’re back on, the gears start turning once again. But honestly, what has really made the transition back to teaching textile science, fashion design and interior design is the amazing community support. Local businesses and friends and family have blessed our high school textiles program with numerous donations and have even provided volunteers to guest speak.
One such volunteer was a past student of mine, Caroline Lanier, who was attending Savannah College of Art and Design. She was excited that I would be starting a textile program in the high school and even loaned me several of her projects that dealt with upcycling. She spoke passionately about textile waste and ways programs like mine could better educate students about informed consumer choices and the dangers of fast fashion. I was in awe of her commitment to reclaiming, recycling and repurposing existing textiles. So, I chose to ensure my textile program would always focus on reducing textile waste by helping students learn how to “remake” the clothing they already had access to in their wardrobe. I found myself going through my own closet and pulling out items that I liked but no longer wore. Instead of tossing them in the bin or bagging them up for donation I challenged myself to create a new use for the items. As word spread among my family and close friends about what I was doing with old textiles I had more donations than I could handle. This reinforced my desire to help educate others about better informed consumer choices and demonstrate ways to reuse existing textiles. Thus, ReMade by Amy was formed.
ReMade by Amy, LLC focuses on being sustainably responsible by recycling, upcycling and repurposing textiles to help decrease landfill waste. I have participated in a few festivals and enjoy sharing my creations with others who love to wear creativity out loud. Moreover, I offer an opportunity for customers to use some of their own existing textiles if they are interested in a custom order. I want to spark the creativity in others and shift the fast fashion mindset. Investing in your wardrobe by supporting local textile artisans helps ensure the craft stays alive and provides you with a one-of-a-kind creation. Life is too short to be average. Instead, be fabulous!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Perspective is everything. It’s far too easy to focus on the negative aspects of starting a new venture, but I believe it’s what we do with the lessons we learn along the way that provides insight into one’s true character. I feel very fortunate now that I had the background knowledge and talent to lean on when my proverbial professional world fell apart. And because I choose to use existing textiles, there will never be a shortage of materials for my craft.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I consider myself a fiber artist and educator with a mission to help promote better informed fashion choices and teaching others ways to upcycle existing textiles.
My proudest moments are when my students apply what they’ve learned about upcycling textiles and wear their creations to show me what they’ve done. It also feels amazing to have other creators recognize your skill and give positive feedback.
What sets ReMade by Amy, LLC apart is that the focus is truly just about upcycling. There is no one specific “look” or “style” that is carried throughout the brand, but rather the approach is about how a scrap can be used and not wasted.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
At the moment I’m working on establishing a working website. As an educator, all I have ever known professionally is the business of teaching. I am now learning how very different it is to create a label and establish a small business. There are numerous small tasks that must be addressed to effectively run a business.
I am not interested in “going viral”. My goal is to sell enough of my creations to supplement my retirement income. I love what I do and want to continue enjoying creating unique clothing from textiles for customers who will enjoy their investment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ReMadebyAmy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remadebyamy?igsh=cjByY21rbGloNmk3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568596978689
