designs and reuse of materials. Jaya was kind enough
to sit down and answer some fun and insightful questions,
so that we can meet the person behind the shop.
Tell us how you start your day.
My typical day starts of early, making breakfast for my husband and fixing his lunch for the day. Then I head over to my favorite chair to read my Bible and pray. When I finish my quiet time I do my morning exercises, then start my projects for the day.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Oklahoma, went to college in Kansas, moved to New Your (where I met my future husband), moved to Washington, moved back to New York, moved back to Oklahoma (got engaged), moved back to New York (got married)…currently we are still in New York… but who knows for how long.
Tell us about how you got started in your art/craft?
I’ve always been good with my hands and have been interested in art and crafts from a very early age. I took a lot of painting and drawing classes growing up and even started college as an Art Major… but I’ve never been as passionate about drawing as I am about sewing. I didn’t discover my passion for sewing and design until after I graduated from college with an Environmental Science Degree. Now I use my passion for sewing and my environmental background to create fun, fashionable, Eco friendly items.
What inspires you?
I love nature and I love vintage! My items are usually inspired by one or both of these two things.
What would your perfect day be like?
My perfect day would consist of get up early and going for a trail run with my husband. Then hitting some thrift stores, flee markets, and estate sales with my mother-in-law. I would spend the afternoon creating a masterpiece from my newly found treasures. Then spend the evening watching an old movie and eating popcorn with my husband.
If you had to choose another medium, what would it be?
I took a woodcarving class in college and I loved it! I would love to do more woodcarving but right now I can’t afford all the equipment and tools… maybe some day.
How is your art/craft Eco friendly?
All my items are made from reclaimed fabric and upcycled materials. I find great joy in giving old and unwanted materials a new life and purpose.
Do you have a studio/workspace outside of your home?
I have a little corner in our apartment where I do most of my sewing; however, because our apartment is so small I have to store most of supplies in my in-laws basement.
What's the one thing you can't live without?
Unfortunately I have to say the internet… when you’re running an online business it becomes a necessity.
Extra: Tell us a random fact about yourself!
I ran cross country and track in college and became an All American in the marathon.
Shop greentrunkclothing.etsy.com
Flickr Green Trunk
Jaya is also a member of The Recyclers Guild Team, read more about us at etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com
