GAIA

Gaia “Save the Earth” Tee

In 2022, I took a course here at VCU that changed my entire life outlook. It was a fashion and sustainability elective, and over the semester, the professor’s whole purpose was to teach us that there is no such thing as sustainable fashion. At first, I was skeptical, but she eventually got through to me and showed me an entire new way of thinking. This class threw off my life trajectory and had me questioning whether I even wanted to be a part of such a harmful industry.

I remember speaking to my professor about this, and she said something to me that changed my perspective. She told me that even though its a harmful industry, it needs people like me to go into it and fight for change. She advised us not to go work for some “sustainable” brand, but rather go find a brand that needs work and become the change. I’m so glad I was able to speak with her and gain a new perspective.

This class and these conversations sparked a fire within me that has led to the development of my brand, Gaia. I figured, if the problem in the industry is related to production and creating new garments when there is no need, I can take old garments and make them new. I can take old secondhand clothing that would otherwise end up in landfills and give it a new purpose. This marked the beginning of Gaia. At the time, in 2022, I didn’t know what Gaia was or how it would develop, I just knew I needed to learn how to sew. It was in 2023 that I created my first ever upcycled garment.

My first upcycled garment

This shirt is so special and meaningful to me and my brand. It is a shirt that I will never sell or give away. This piece serves as a reminder of my start and the birth of Gaia. My sewing skills on this shirt were not the best, yet somehow it has held up and is still in perfect condition to this day despite frequent wear. Over the past few years, I have cleaned up my skills and taught myself many different measures to ensure these products last as long as possible.

My brand means so much to me, and it is something I hope to have with me throughout my life. I would absolutely love if I was able to run this brand full time. It is super important to me to spread awareness about waste in the industry and to educate others. This brand is the perfect outlet to do so. Gaia is something I’m proud of and cannot wait to continue its journey.

Gaia Ladybug Tote