Nancy Rhodes

Two years ago, I sat down at my desk on my first day of a new job as a shoe designer and realized I was miserable. I had wanted to be a designer since the age of 3 and as much as I had succeeded, I was totally unfulfilled. Through a series of happy accidents, I ended up in a Masters Program with a concentration in sustainability and found that alterations could be a sustainable solution focusing on what we have over what we buy. I knew that I could be part of something that could truly effect change in many ways. I could improve inclusivity, body positivity, and sustainability through fit and customization while also reinvigorating a declining industry of tailors deteriorated by the growth of fast fashion. 86% of unwanted clothing ends up in landfills and I wanted to be a reason that people not only extended the life of their clothing, but became the makers of their own wardrobe.