Support Tamara's Vision for Sustainable Fashion

Would you consider supporting me?

Hi, I’m Tamara—an artist and designer who believes in sustainable and eco-friendly clothing, and I am on a mission to challenge the fast fashion industry.

Why Does This Matter to Me?

I realized the true impact of fashion when there’s no thought behind it. You could say COVID was my wake-up call.

In my last full-time design position, I was an Activelounge, Sportswear designer and CAD artist for almost eight years. Then in 2022, just before Thanksgiving, I was suddenly let go. No warning, no severance — just a brief message: “Sorry, we have to let you go”

It was a shock. They were downsizing, and designers were on the list of cuts. This was especially hard for me, because I had recently become a mother again, and our family was hit hard.

After sitting with that reality, I decided to shift course. I refocused and redesigned my website — moving away from a simple portfolio gallery and toward something that reflects my real passion and values.

It took a while to complete because I was doing it completely on my own — not just creatively, but technically too. I couldn’t afford to hire a professional, and honestly, I didn’t want someone else to shape it for me. It was important that the site reflected the way I see things — imperfect, evolving, but intentional.

After years in the fashion industry, I realized I didn’t like where my path was heading. It felt empty — fast, disposable, and disconnected. Kind of like how it felt when I was suddenly let go from a role I had dedicated years to. That moment forced me to pause and reflect. I needed to recharge. So I picked up a paintbrush again for the first time in years… and I also started writing. A lot.

I wrote about how I felt. About what I was seeing in the world. About the things no one in fashion seemed to want to talk about. Eventually, I created a blog on my website — a space where I could share those thoughts, stories, and questions. It became part of a bigger shift, one that felt more honest and aligned with who I am and what I care about.

Today, I’m back to freelancing — designing for various companies — but my perspective has completely changed. To be honest, what once excited me just doesn’t anymore.

I used to love the shopping season as a designer. It was that time of year when you’d go out, spend someone else’s money, and chase the latest styles and trends. It was exciting — traveling, scouting, being immersed in what was “new.”

But not anymore! COVID really shifted my perspective. I remember in 2023, around what would’ve been our typical shopping season, I visited one of the department stores I used to frequent — and I was honestly taken aback. There weren’t fresh styles or any sense of excitement… JUST STUFF.

Racks and racks of it. And as I made my way toward the back of the store, the clearance section told the real story. Even if you were a bargain hunter, it was overwhelming. Piles of clothing, overproduced and undervalued — destined for waste.

That was my turning point. I knew I couldn’t be part of that cycle anymore. I had to change course.

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE REST OF THE WORLD MIGHT HAVE SLOWED DOWN — BUT THE FASHION INDUSTRY SPED UP

During COVAID in 2023, I walked into one of the department stores I used to visit during shopping season — and I was completely taken aback. It wasn’t styles or excitement that greeted me. It was just stuff. Piles of it. Stacked high, lining racks and clearance bins like an avalanche of waste.

That moment was jarring. While the rest of the world was slowing down, reassessing, pulling back — the fashion industry was accelerating. Did you know fashion production actually increased during COVID? Shein alone reportedly hit $10 billion in revenue in 2020, marking its seventh straight year of over 100% sales growth. That’s not just fast fashion. That’s hyper-production.

And it made me question everything.

Overproduction isn’t just inefficient — it’s irresponsible. It fuels landfills, burns resources, and devalues the work behind every piece. That trip to the store became my turning point. I realized I couldn't keep contributing to that kind of system — not as a designer, not as a consumer, and definitely not as a mother raising the next generation.

To make this vision a reality, I’m asking for your support.

I know it’s possible to create designs that respect the environment—pieces that don’t just cover the body but promote good energy flow through non-toxic, sustainable materials. Fashion shouldn’t come at the cost of health or the planet, and together, we can prove that.

I believe clothing should be made with intention, not just for shock value. And I want my first sustainable collection to launch not in New York City, but in New Jersey—the place I live and love. NYC gets the spotlight, but New Jersey has incredible talent, and I want to be part of shining a light on that.

True Design Should be thoughtful & Functional

Where I am: Right now, I’m funding everything on a budget that barely exists. I've managed to create a few pieces, but my little sewing machine can only do so much — it just doesn’t have the strength to handle certain fabrics or more complex designs. Without funding, I’m stuck.

Still, I’m not giving up. I truly believe that with a little support, I can go further. That’s what I’m working toward — building something real, meaningful, and sustainable — piece by piece.

If you’d like something more tangible in return for your support, perhaps consider purchasing a printed copy of one of my paintings or drawings. While I don’t have an online store set up just yet, you can view some of my artwork on the Art Studio page of my website. If anything catches your eye, feel free to reach out to me through the contact form — I’d love to hear from you.

Almost Finished

This journey isn’t easy, but I believe in it. If you do too, I’d be incredibly grateful for your help.

What Your Support Will Help Fund

Your support will directly contribute to the growth and quality of my work. It will allow me to:

* Purchase high-quality, sustainable materials

* Invest in essential equipment like an industrial sewing machine and serger

* Hire sewing assistance to help construct and bring these designs to life

Right now, like I said, I’m working on a modest home sewing machine that simply doesn’t have the power or precision needed for some of the more complex pieces I’m designing. With your help, I’ll be able to take a big step forward in both craftsmanship and production quality — while staying true to the values of intentional, sustainable design.

If you believe in supporting upstarts and see value in this vision, even a $5 contribution can help move this dream forward. Whether through donations, material contributions, collaborations, or simply sharing this with others, every bit of support makes a difference.

Let’s take meaningful steps toward a truly sustainable future for fashion—one thoughtful slow stitch at a time.

For more information about me and my work, please visit my website.

Offsite Designer