In my freshman year of college, I joined a club at school called Eco Fashion, starting off by attending mending, and clothing swap events that the organization frequently hosted. When I first joined the club, I simply wanted to engage with an organization with a mission that aligned with my values.

Everyone I’ve met in Richmond, and in Florence refer to them under the correct term of a city, but no one can argue that these two vastly different places breathe the same small town feel.

After years of triumphing in the food service industry with roles as cashier, barista, and kitchen staff, in my sophomore year of college I was ready to be in a retail environment and get my foot in the door to the fashion industry.