Saving ReVamped Jems

8 years ago, ReVamped Jems started as just a way to earn some extra Christmas money for my then teenage son, while putting myself through school for Communication in Environmental Science. My schooling is what inspired the zero-waste policy I based the business on. Even after I decided to invest more time and energy into making ReVamped something bigger, it was always still just a side gig. Something to fill in by doing pop-up shows done around a kid's busy soccer schedule and my own commitments to community events.

But 5 years ago, I got extremely sick and suffered permanent nerve damage, and within a year I realized my travel days with the business were already at an end. I really thought ReVamped Jems was done for good, and for almost a year it was.

Then a little over 3 years ago, in an attempt to try and get back on my feet, I went to work for another small business at 2nd St Market. And before I knew it, I was given the opportunity to pick up weekend spots as a vendor myself and dust the cobwebs off a dream I had been forced to put aside. After 2 years as a temporary installment, and proving to myself I could be consistent, I was given the even bigger opportunity to be a permanent fixture at the Market. My own little corner of Dayton to finally grow ReVamped Jems into what I always hoped it could be.

Since day one, all that time ago, I have remained committed to one main thing, running my business (almost) 100% waste-free while teaching others about the importance of sustainability. Having the opportunity to be part of the 2nd St Market family and MetroParks has been a dream come true for that. We share the same visions and dedication to our community and environment as a whole, and more importantly, how we can maintain that dedication through public service.

See ReVamped Jems isn't just about making new pretty baubles out of unwant stuff. It's about teaching kids about recycling and watching their faces light up when they understand what I do. It's about inspiring adults to take a second look at what they cherish and making it into something that much more special. It's about having a local impact in our community and reaching people on a personal level.

I've been blessed with the support ReVamped Jems has been given over the years and grateful for the opportunities, especially since joining 2nd St Market. But what I didn't count on in my transition from temporary to permanent fixture, what none of us could foresee, was the effect of this past year's tragic events in our local community. To be bluntly honest, I was not financially prepared. My main goal for my first year had been to adapt and find the balance between running things as a shop and my health issues. And while I did find my physical balance, the emotional and financial stress of this past year was more than expected.

While I do know, statistically, most businesses don't make it past the first year, I don't feel as if this was a fair first year to base the success or failure of running ReVamped Jems as a shop. So I'm asking for your support to try and recoup from this rough first year and help me give ReVamped Jems one more shot for this next year. A chance to continue my dream of providing a service to our community through education, restoration, and a sustainably run business. So that maybe there are many more years to come after this.

In return, depending on the level of support, I'm offering you something. And every level gets a reward, not to mention my sincere thanks for your support. All of the proceeds obtained in this fundraiser will be applied towards ReVamped Jems' expenses of marketing supplies, hardware, and operating fees.