Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Upcycle is driven by two individuals, Mackenzie and Ira, who initially had no business background. They are not only business partners but also life partners. From the beginning, Upcycle's core values have been to build community and offer a safe space where everyone feels welcome while shopping for secondhand clothing. These values are strongly reflected in how the shop is built today. The founders started their business to think fashion-forward and bridge the gap with genderless clothing. Upcycle offers an alternative to new, fast fashion clothing by giving customers the opportunity to give a second life to clothing. This is where Mackenzie's passion shines. She is the main curator of clothing in the store, with a keen eye for fashion. She enjoys teaching the community new ways to wear and use clothing. Mackenzie believes that clothing is a way to express oneself and that finding the right piece can be immensely rewarding. Ira, on the other hand, is passionate about building connections through community. Consignment shops rely on their community to thrive. Upcycle needs a community not only to provide clothing but also to have dedicated customers who support the shop's values. With over 3000 consignors, in-house workshops, and events, Upcycle has created a diverse customer base who come not just for the clothing but also for the experience. With a passion for fashion and community building, Upcycle has created a safe space for people to experience secondhand clothing.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

As a second-hand consignment shop, one of our main goals is to keep clothing out of landfills. We help our communities achieve this by accepting up to 8 clothing drop-offs a day, resulting in around 60-80 items daily. From these items, our consignment community makes 40% of sales. Additionally, they have the opportunity to take back unsold items. Some clothing dropped off is either too worn to resell, hasn't sold, or has been donated past its consignment period. This clothing is donated to our local homeless charity. Donations are picked up weekly and range from 8-12 garbage bags full of clothes each week. Upcycle Clothing Collective also supports local creatives by sharing its space for workshops and pop-ups. These events have included artists, musicians, and small business creatives such as reworked clothing brands and jewelry makers. We've found that these events broaden our reach and community, bringing together people who might not have met otherwise. Over the last four and a half years, Upcycle has hosted at least 20 of these events, with the goal of supporting local talent. None of this would be possible without our community's commitment to our values and support for our brick-and-mortar location.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Upcycle challenges a few of the world's biggest issues: waste and financially tough times. By transforming discarded items into something new and valuable, Upcycle addresses the growing concerns of environmental sustainability and economic hardship. Upcycle's purpose to give back to the community by sharing profit for paid items with consignors and giving clothing a second life have made a strong impact on its local community. This initiative ensures that resources are utilized efficiently and that individuals facing financial difficulties can find affordable, quality clothing. Since the beginning, Upcycle has always had the mission of creating community. This comes with passion and commitment to consistent work forwards making sure that all are welcome. By fostering an inclusive environment, the organization brings together people from diverse backgrounds, united by a common goal of sustainability and mutual support. Upcycle speaks of excitement and change towards the fashion industry. It emphasizes that buying used clothing is not only helping pave the way to a greener future but more importantly a way of self-expression. Each piece of pre-loved clothing carries a story and offers a unique opportunity for individuals to express their personal style in a sustainable manner. In addition to its environmental and economic benefits, Upcycle also educates the public about the importance of sustainable fashion. Through workshops, events, and social media campaigns, the organization raises awareness about the impact of fast fashion and encourages more conscious consumer choices. By doing so, Upcycle not only provides practical solutions but also inspires a broader cultural shift towards more sustainable living practices. The excitement and change that Upcycle brings to the fashion industry are not just about the clothes themselves but about fostering a new mindset that values creativity, sustainability, and community.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

Our consignment model means we are closely connected to our community. Transparency is a top priority at Upcycle Clothing Collective. Both customers and consignors will see that Upcycle openly represents its values. While shopping, customers will notice signs and posters highlighting our core values: shop organization, change room etiquette, core fashion ideas, and our 50% off deal. This makes the space interactive and encourages active, positive communication, leading to an educated customer base. Consignors will appreciate our extensive contract that details the ins and outs of our consignment system. Our contract is updated as needed, and consignors have full access to all information through a consignment system called Aravenda. This system provides itemized lists, split breakdowns, and money owing. With close to 3000 consignors and many returning, Upcycle believes that building positive relationships ensures smoother business operations. Upcycle believes in creating an experience. We want staff and customers to feel creative and explore fashion through experimentation. This fosters a culture where connections are made, focusing on what is most important to Upcycle: sustainable clothing for all. Finally, Upcycle believes that communication is key to the corporation's success. Staff and customers have the opportunity to openly share their needs, successes, and beliefs, propelling Upcycle forward.