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February 10, 2016 2 min read
It took selling a lot of circuit board ties and jewelry to finally figure this out!
Long ago, the accidental discovery that is TechWears consumed my entire existence. However, that doesn’t mean I knew where I was going with it! I just kept moving forward because I recognized a profound love of creating beautiful wearable art from recycled electronics. I had found more than a passion, I had found my calling in life.
It seemed like such a natural fit. Coming from a background in sustainability and electronics recycling, selling circuit board jewelry and ties wasn’t much of a stretch. I got to talk to lots of different people about recycling and I loved educating the public about resource conservation, pollution, and conscious consumption.
After setting up at countless art festivals and events I began to understand that I was going to have to step up my game. I wanted to create the products that I could clearly see in my head, but despite my best effort, I couldn’t produce them in real life. I identified a skills gap in engineering and math so I took action to educate myself. I redesigned the circuit board tie and applied for a patent. I got very serious about upcycling and studied advanced manufacturing techniques.
During this journey, I learned about numerous companies in the USA that make phenomenal products from repurposed materials. The upcycling “trend” is actually a very old practice! In fact, upcycling used to just be a normal way of life! I decided to do a Kickstarter campaign to fund my next upcycling venture,The Tiny Factory Project.
Running the Kickstarter was a great experience and I learned so much from themass exposure. The biggest takeaway, that I never (EVER) saw coming, is the interest from the fashion community. Yes, I know, it takes a special kind of person to make circuit board ties and never even think of it as a fashion product.I was just obsessed with creating the most beautiful products possible, without considering how they might fit into the world.
So, in conclusion, TechWears is (and has always been) an eco-fashion accessory design company. It just took me 18 months to figure it out! I’m just happy people responded so positively to my work and encouraged me along the way. This journey simply would not be possible without the tremendous support of my friends, family, and community. I am filled with gratitude and inspired to bring my very best effort into the fashion world.
Watch out Calvin Klein! What you know about a circuit board tie!?
Sincerely, Drew
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