I began GoodKharmaReThreads because I wanted to show the world that just because something has been donated to a charity doesn't mean that it couldn't be reused, repurposed, recycled into something else, something beautiful and useful and unique. It was hard and slow going. I remember when I made my first piece, a top, and I held it up and realized that I was going to have to remake a whole lot more if I wanted to have a shop.
That was in the fall of 2010. It has been a wonderful journey since then. I didn't sell my first etsy-listed piece until the spring of 2011. I still, in 2015, realize that it is hard to sell a piece of clothing or a bag or shoes using an on-line store. The reason - its hard to pick something that you can't touch, try on, try out, inspect, etc., and so customers have to have faith that what they are buying is really what I say it is....I think that the reviews I've received so far speak volumes about my pieces, and I'm so proud that those who have taken a chance and purchased a GoodKharmaReThreads item have been more than satisfied with the item itself and the service that they received. I have very high standards as far as the materials I use and also the customer service a buyer gets from me.
Also, when I take my 'act on the road' I find that I have no issues in selling items....people who 'get' my philosophy and concepts have no problem buying pieces for themselves and as gifts. So I feel that those people that do actually get to touch and try on GKR products are a testament to the quality and appeal of what I create.
The thing about it, really, is that I absolutely love what I do. I feel so good about each and every piece that I remake. I do tend to just light up when asked about my business. It is such a part of me, and I feel like I put a little bit of myself into each and every creation. And I have come to know that there is a person out there for each and every item; I have witnessed this "phenomenon" over and over again. It is so cool and brings me great joy and satisfaction.
GoodKharmaReThreads has and will continue to expand to include paintings, painted items, crocheted pieces, mixed-media type items, such as bags that include a hand-painted part, or crocheted/fabric combo bags and clothes. I have also begun to include hand-painted shoes and handbags, always starting with a high-quality product (such as a Coach leather bag), and adding my artistic vision for that item to make it one-of-a-kind.
I'm sure that as I mature as an artisan I will continue to introduce new ways to reinvent and reuse everyday items. I have dabbled in jewelry and that is something I enjoy, so as time allows, there will likely be some jewelry items added to the store, too.
GoodKharmaReThreads is my passion - a gift given to me by the universe so that I could pass that passion on to you.