I’m Lara and I created an Etsy shop called Upcycled by Lara and I live in an RV. I sell vintage handbags and items I make from upcycled textiles…. I use materials from thrift stores including vintage fabrics and fast fashion to create upcycled bags, clothing, and small home decor items.
I live in a RV (Recreational Vehicle) with my husband, Andrew, and our two dogs, Kona and Gigi. I have lots of interests because I get excited and bored easily!
I spend a lot of my outdoor time hiking, kayaking, watching the sunset, and going off-road in our Jeep.
When I’m indoors, I love sewing and altering clothing, creating storage solutions and bags, and making our tiny home cozy from all things thrifted!
Self Expression
I live in a tiny space and don’t have the need for additional clothes, storage, and bags all the time. That’s where this website/blog and my ETSY shop come in!
This is giving me a space to share my sewing and craft interests, knowledge about living in a small home, eco-friendly concepts, and also offer my upcycled makes to you.
I don’t constantly create “products” to sell because I’m not into keeping a schedule – I am all about free flow. I naturally bounce between different interests as I feel called. So, sometimes I’m in the mood to mend my own clothing, othertimes, I’m in the mood to create something from the clothing I found at a thrift store. My new interest is figuring out how to create videos for my Instagram account, #earthmesky.
I’m looking for my audience. Not everyone is interested in refashion or “tiny house” living. I want to find similarly minded people so that they will enjoy my blog and videos, and might possibly be interested in seeing – even if not purchasing – refashioned shirts and upcycled bags!
Business Plan
My overall business plan for Upcycled by Lara is pretty simple!
I will continually learn and share with my readers about sustainable lifestyle choices – specifically around personal choices, slow fashion, and RV life.
I will make, find, and sell vintage and upcycled garments, storage, and bags in my ETSY shop.
My financial goals are to pay myself back and for the “start-up” costs in the next two years, and to pay for any ongoing costs of the business.
On going costs:
Materials and fabrics I purchase from thrift stores as well as the tools I need from craft stores like needles and thread.
Shipping costs which continually increase with changes to the Postal Service. I roll shipping into the price of each item in the shop.
Hosting this website and paying ETSY fees.
Start-up costs:
Classes to learn all new skills to effectively use ETSY, social media, website design, SEO, etc.
Ultimate Goal
I am very lucky and want to pay it forward. Half of Upcycled by Lara’s net profits will be donated to Give Well’s Maximum Impact Fund.
Full disclosure: My start-up costs in 2020 were $2,422.62. Revenue was $253.60 in 2020… I have a ways to go but I believe I will be paid back and donating in a couple years!
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