Upcycled Island
Say hi to Kasey!
About Upcycled Island
Kasey Miller is a life-long Texas Gulf Coaster, who became an upcycler later in life, upcycling mostly through sewing, but also repurposing furniture and home dec. She began concentrating on sewing through the pandemic and her husband's dementia. They lost him in January of this year, so she is starting this new chapter in her life, part of which is through vending at GOFM - and she loves it.
When did you first get started?
I started Yayamade probably some 15 years ago and changed the business name in 2022 to better reflect my products and philosophy of upcycling.
What inspired you to start your business?
I first made purses and aprons as Christmas gifts for family, and it grew out of that.
What is your favorite thing to make/produce?
Oh, gosh, so many things, but mostly unique handbags from different parts of jeans. I'm talking jean hems, jean seams, pockets. They can be combined in some pretty fun and interesting ways. I also love to make how-to videos on YouTube.
Where are you from/where did you grow up?
I was born in Galveston and grew up on the Mainland. I've wanted to live in Galveston for some time and bought a fixer-upper in 2018, doing a lot of the inside work myself. It took 2 years to move in, so I've been living here since May 2020.
Share a fun fact about yourself you'd like your customers to know!
I taught Whip dancing (West Coast Swing) for some 13 years (volunteer instructor) and co-managed a charity thrift shop for about 10 years.
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