On episode 34 of Granite Goodness, Andy chats with Jennifer Moore, who also goes by JAM. The two discuss:
Sustainable Fashion: JAM is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion, blending creativity, ethics, and environmentalism through initiatives like Portswap and Project Upcycle.
Portswap's Community Impact: Portswap is an annual clothing swap event in Portsmouth, fostering sustainability and joy by helping hundreds exchange clothes and reduce waste, all while building community connections.
Project Upcycle’s Creative Vision: Project Upcycle invites emerging designers to craft fashion from upcycled materials, showcasing the beauty and potential of reimagined clothing while promoting sustainable practices.
Personal Journey and Inspiration: Jam’s love for fashion started with her mother’s appreciation for beauty and deepened through her realization of fast fashion’s flaws, motivating her to seek secondhand and upcycled alternatives.
Fashion as Art and Expression: Jam views fashion as a form of artistic self-expression, celebrating individuality and the creative possibilities within secondhand and upcycled clothing.
and more!
Jennifer Moore is the creator of Project Upcycle, a sustainable fashion design competition featuring emerging designers in New England. She also started Portswap, an annual clothing swap event in Portsmouth. Jenn was a speaker at Tedx Portsmouth 2023.
Links & Notes:
This episode was recorded in Treeline Outfitters in Portsmouth, NH
Music provided by Sneaky Miles
Youtube
AI Generated Episode Summary*
What inspired your love for fashion?
I’ve always seen fashion as a form of art and human expression. My love for it doesn’t stem from looking put together every day but from appreciating design, creativity, and individuality. I grew up admiring how my mom valued beautiful things, even when she had to make do with less.
How did your journey into sustainable fashion begin?
It started when I was shopping for my kids. I realized how much I disliked the poor quality and unsustainability of new clothing. I couldn’t find ethical, well-made clothes for them, so I began exploring secondhand options and learning about sustainability in the process.
What is Portswap, and why is it important?
Portswap is an annual clothing swap event where people bring clothes they no longer need and take home items from others. It’s an amazing way to reuse resources and connect with the community. Seeing hundreds of people happily exchanging clothes is so fulfilling—it’s a true celebration of sustainability and joy.
Tell us about Project Upcycle. How did it start?
Project Upcycle is a competition for emerging designers to create fashion from upcycled materials. I pitched the idea to 3S Artspace with evidence of my prior work in sustainable fashion. It was nerve-wracking, but it aligned perfectly with their vision, and we’ve been partners ever since.
What makes sustainable fashion fun for you?
It’s about creativity and storytelling. Every piece of clothing has a past and a potential future. Thrifted or upcycled items let you express yourself in unique ways. It’s also deeply satisfying to transform something discarded into something beautiful.
Do you have a favorite upcycled or thrifted find?
Yes! I have a patterned trench coat that I altered to fit me perfectly. It’s reversible, and I even moved the pockets to the side I always wear. It’s my quirky, dorky librarian jacket, but I get so many compliments on it!
What role does New Hampshire play in your work?
I was born and raised here, and though I’ve lived in cities like Boston and Philly, I always come back to New Hampshire. The community here inspires me. It’s rich with creativity, and the landscapes are beautiful—it’s the perfect balance.
How does your artistic perspective influence your projects?
I approach everything as an artist. Whether it’s designing events or creating fashion, I focus on bringing beauty and functionality together. Art is about taking risks, and though it’s often scary, it’s worth it when you create something meaningful.
What’s next for you in sustainable fashion?
I’m always looking for ways to bring people together and inspire creativity. Whether it’s through Portswap, Project Upcycle, or new collaborations, my goal is to make sustainability accessible, fun, and impactful for everyone.
*This episode summary was generated by an AI analyzing a transcript of the interview. The questions, wording, and written meaning of particular sections may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give listeners a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.
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