As a mom of two boys, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly children outgrow their clothes — and how much waste that creates. After being laid off from my corporate tech job in April 2024, I was also on my own journey of transformation, losing over 50 pounds and realizing that most of my wardrobe no longer fit. That moment sparked something deeper: instead of buying more, I began reimagining what already existed. I pulled out a sewing machine that an old military friend gifted to me and I started teaching myself how to sew. I found a local sewing class and after that one ‘how to make pajama pants class’ I started working with all the denim I had. The denim patch work tote bag was made. I decided to lead with my inner child curiosity by just playing with the fabric with no true fashion school knowledge.

Upya360 was born from that season of change — a brand rooted in renewal, resilience, and responsibility. The word “Upya” means renewal in Swahili, and it captures the heart of what I want to offer: a way to breathe new life into what we already have. Through upcycling, natural dyes, and ethical production, Upya360 transforms discarded clothing into one-of-a-kind pieces that carry positive energy in what I call high-vibrational fashion.