deep cu+ (a story of the start)
It started the way it does for many: an innate desire within to evolve; an inclination to level up mentally, physically and spiritually. I found the further I journeyed along the path of self-improvement, the more opportunities for growth I was presented with and I remember feeling overwhelmed with how many habits I had in queue to be changed. The solution I borrowed from a friend— post-it notes stuck to the mirror, each with a word that reminded me of the new, better version of myself. Fast-forward to many rediscoveries, revisions & reworkings later - there was no space on my mirror for another note - I created myself a t-shirt so a simple reminder could stay with me all day long…
Seemingly suddenly, what was my little passion project has become what
cu+ up cotton
is today:
a line of t-shirts re-worked
for positive change.
Built on a belief that if I change within, I can change the world.
Printed with a mini affirmation each special piece embodies a meaning truly personal, but also helpful, I share them with the hope that they inspire you to reconnect to your own intentions and spark the change within.
Born from a love of band t-shirts & graphic tees, fuelled by an increasing objection of how they are made, the second part of my mission is to counteract the adverse effects of fast-fashion on the environment. That’s why secondhand materials are sourced locally & redesigned - the freshwater that typically goes into making a brand new garment is saved, along with the dyes, energy and labour. I silk screen each piece by hand with water-based, eco-friendly inks; excess ink is recovered; water waste is minimal. The leftover fabric is made into shirt tags (or used for other art projects). Even the retail tags and bags are made of repurposed paper products (it’s amazing what can be found at thrift stores)!
When I started cu+ up cotton I set a standard for zero-waste: nothing new except my view. It’s a reminder to never buy new unless I have to; to find ways to reuse things that are already made; to repurpose old things & old ideas; to push myself to think outside the box for reinvention and rediscovery.
Somewhere along the way I discovered that by slowing down,
life becomes intentional -