Tell us about yourself and what you do ...
At Cactus Revival we track down high quality kids wear destined for the bin that may not be looking its best but is far from “cactus”. We wash, mend and upcycle the pieces and re-launch them into the market. We’re all about keeping clothing in rotation for longer; our motto is “keeping clothes worn, not wasted”. Through our creative mends we want to tap into the fun and freedom of childhood – all Cactus Revival mends are original and unique to the piece we’ve upcycled.
When did you first know you wanted to be creative?
It’s funny, I think my creativity and love of upcycling largely started with my favourite kids’ TV show – Playschool! My Mum set me up with a ‘useful box’ at home and encouraged me to be creative. I loved making things from cardboard boxes, Paddle Pop sticks, bits of yarn and scraps that would otherwise be discarded, and I still have this love today. My passion for nature led me to work in environmental communications for many years but I think I was called back to working with my hands, and the thrill of making something from what would otherwise be discarded.
Describe your perfect day...
A clear schedule to mend and create! I love to have my favourite music on, a cuppa and sweet treat on my cutting table and my sewing room filled with pieces to mend ready for some Cactus Revival love. Capping off the day with a walk to the Mount Martha Estuary or beach with our dog Rosie and sharing a bit of nice cheese with my son and husband is my kind of day!
What is your best ever creative moment?
I think generally my best creative moments are when I go with my instinct, creating what appeals to me. It’s a thrill to find that others like it too, especially the kids who wear them – they are my most honest guide to whether something ‘works’ which I love!
Describe a lesson you learnt from a creative failure...
Never iron polar fleece. If you want to see the hilarious result of this failure, I’ll bring it to show you!
What's the scariest movie you have ever seen?
I avoid scary movies! I remember being scared as a kid after watching Gremlins – Gizmo was so cute and yet…!
What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?
At the moment, I’d say being yourself and giving it a go. I love the wisdom within Teddy Roosevelt’s ‘The Man in the Arena’; to know victory you must know defeat too. Cactus Revival is all about embracing the perfectly imperfect so it fits with the theme!
What's your favourite tunes to get you in the creative mood?
Too many! The Hilltop Hoods are on high rotation in our house at the moment as our son’s fav band, Fleetwood Mac, Sigur Ros, The XX, Gang of Youths...
What do you love most about the Untold Events?
Ness and Joel have done such a wonderful job and are so supportive with the philosophy of embracing handmade crafting rather than mass production. I’ve loved meeting the stallholders and seeing the amazing things people create.
Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
Hmm…I’d love to be continuing to mend clothing and help keep it in rotation for longer, continuing to run school holiday creative mending workshops, and spreading the word on the benefits that we can all feel from making with our hands. That’s what excites me to grow Cactus Revival!
