In Focus | Debbie Sharpe of Upcycled Swag

Debbie Sharpe has found a way to turn her creative flair into a business. Debbie started Upcycled Swag which up-cycles clothing, beads, material, buttons etc. into new-again, one-of-a-kind designs. They hope to help cut down on the clothing going to the landfill and at the same time make beautiful fashion creations that people will be excited to wear. Debbie has always loved to design and constantly thinking of her next creation. Today Debbie and Upcycled Swag are In Focus.

What do you always find yourself saying?
When you know better you do better

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Well Oprah of course

If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Humanitarian

If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
My grandmother Sanna, she passed before I was born, she sounded like an amazing woman

Who inspires you?
My family

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
to meet Oprah
to go to India and Bali
to travel to a 3rd world country and volunteer

Please tell us about a defining moment in your life.
The birth of my 3 children

If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
Dances with waves

If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
A beautiful summer day

What are you passionate about?
I love to design and make stuff! I am always thinking about my next creation, my next dress, jacket, necklace I can make. I love to constantly change it up and make unique items.

What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
I can't pick just one, there have been many.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
To see my 3 children grow into beautiful loving, kind adults.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
Anything sushi

What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna?
Swimming in the summertime

What is the name of your business/organization?
Upcycled Swag

What does your business/organization do?
I up-cycle clothing, beads, material, buttons etc into new again one of a kind designs.

Where can people find you or your business online?
https://www.etsy.com/shop/UpcycledSwag?ref=si_shop

Where can people find your business on Facebook?
https://www.facebook.com/upcycledswag

What is your Twitter account?
https://twitter.com/UpcycledSwag

What is your mission?
To help cut down on the clothing going to the landfill

If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
To be a recognized and successful upcycled designer

Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years?
To be more well known and to have a helper

Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Betsey Johnson I love her fashion styles even though she doesn't upcycle, she's still pretty cool!

What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Encourages reuse of items, and make it cool to do so.
To encourage garage sailing and thrift shopping
To show the consumer different ways they can reuse that old sweater

How does your business/organization impact the community?
Introduces the consumer to one of a kind unique designs, at a affordable price.

What makes you successful? Tell us about it.
I think my sense of style has always been pretty good. I have a pretty good eye how to turn the ugly duck sweater into super cool leg warmers and a matching tunic haha

If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
Well fashion and design of course
I would ask advice how I could make up-cycling more common, and find out how one could get up-cycled products in department stores. A opportunity to give consumers more options.

If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
We love Kelowna, not much comes to mind

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
It's beauty, climate, mountains, clean lakes, abundance of wild life and outdoor space to do any and all outdoor activities. You can kite board and ski in the same day here.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Just helping save the planet one frock at a time ha-ha

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