My Repurposed life
Since I started my Etsy shop, it’s quickly grown into a thriving business and creative outlet. Until 2009, mine was a typical middle-class American life. Government job, married 30+ years, two daughters, a house in my hometown. Etsy came along at the perfect time in my life. My kids were grown, my job was stagnant, and I desperately needed a creative outlet. In February 2013 I took the leap and "quit my day job." I now invest all of my time growing my business and creating all the product ideas I hadn’t yet had time to develop. My business isn’t just about re-purposing inanimate objects; it’s also about re-purposing my life.
I began looking at items at which others would never take a second look and imagining them as something totally new and different. I’ve always had the ability to look at an object and deconstruct it in my head, and so many, many ideas were stuck in there just waiting to get out. My business now focuses on repurposing suitcoats, pants, skirts, and other discarded items into new, fashionable messenger bags, Tablet/e-Reader sleeves, purses and other accessories.
Creating something new out of discarded materials gives my items new life.The moment when someone realizes that the bag or purse they are admiring is made from something that once had another life is my favorite part of the creative process.
My goal as I grow my business is to pass on my sewing and manufacturing skills to other people in my community. Sewing is a skill I was taught as a young girl at a time when people sewed out of financial need. My Grandmother and Mother sewed most of our family's clothing. I was so proud to have original outfits that were one-of-a-kind. We took simple patterns and created our own designs, picked unique fabrics and trims to make them so special. I had hip hugger bell bottom pants made from paisely upholstery fabric-- COOL! I continued the tradition with my daughters but as they grew the desire for unique and original clothing faded away. Everyone wanted to have the same look and wear the "in" brand name on their clothing. I never lost my desire to sew one-of-a-kind items that make someone feel original in a world of brand name clothing. However, I have to admit I would not mind if my label, "Finnigan," becomes the "in" brand name you want!
