Summer at ReFAB Studio

Summer at ReFAB Studio

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work with the team at ReFAB Studio and learn about textile upcycling and upskilling. As an A-level student interested in sustainability in an age of growing waste, my experience at ReFAB has been nothing short of enlightening. ReFAB Studio shows the critical role that upcycling plays in the move towards a circular economy.   

I found it surprising how, even in a society pushing for change, sustainability is still lacking in many industries, particularly within the Interior Design sector. Before starting my internship, I had heard a lot about textile waste in fashion and the growing trends of up-cycling and second-hand shopping – it is all over the news. Coming from a family with older sisters, sharing wardrobes and reducing fashion waste has always been a part of my life. However, I was not aware of the shocking amount of non-clothing textiles waste in England which is reported to be almost 430,000 tonnes a year! In the studio, we are only able to salvage a very tiny fraction of the industry-wide waste.   

Particularly exciting for me was how ReFAB Studio uniquely focuses not only on environmental objectives but also socio-economic objectives by supporting tailors in our local community in a multifaceted way that is desperately needed.  The upcycling skills, we share, offer community tailors a way to earn income but also become more connected.  Apart from community tailors we also engaged with design students through informal coffee mornings aimed to help them engage with the challenge of textile waste and experiment with creative solutions. Watching them play with the fabrics, sparking ideas made me hopeful of the future.  

My internship has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to a cause critical to our planet, while learning hands-on skills. Part of my role as an intern has been managing fabric and product inventory. While this was not the most glamorous of tasks, but I quickly saw how important a well-organised inventory is for the efficiency of our operations. I also contributed to market research, to find out what target customers, professional women from ages 30-65, find attractive in products. Additionally, I supported research on how universities would like to collaborate through courses and workshops. I learned the digital aspects of e-commerce, keeping track of Shopify and sum up devices for retail, as well the physical side of sales from pop-up stalls. 

I also gained some sales experience, going into interior design shops and independent boutiques in the neighbourhood to share our story and products. A valuable memory from this is a successful contact I made with a prestigious interior design store and following it through to a fabric donation of beautiful remnants. Going into store alone to pitch ReFAB studio, was out of my comfort zone and to be honest, a little nerve racking.  The more stores I visited the less nervous I was. I learned to build confidence and communication, skills that will help me in any area of my future career.

I learned the importance of persistence! I was delighted to see the genuine interest that people have, in making a difference and being a part of a sustainable solution. One of my favourite aspects of my work has been designing. I loved sorting through the salvaged velvet fabrics for designer Christmas stockings! Repurposing stunning fabrics into products that people will love has brought me so much joy.  

Through ReFAB Studio, I have gained insights into the real-world challenges of running a nonprofit, social enterprise such as funding, measuring impact and team management. This experience has given me a deep appreciation for the commitment and care needed to create a sustainable future and inspired me to take my learning into my prospective studies and career.  

Although my internship has ended, I know I will be popping in and out of the studio to see what glorious fabrics have come in and what cool new products are being made. It truly is about “finding meaning and delight in the age of waste”.

Abigail Nutland

Back to blog