A West Belfast woman has thanked those who have supported her independent business and mission to steer away from fast fashion.
Bronagh Crothers, 25, started 'Peachy Salvage' after leaving a global fashion company to pursue her own dreams. Now she owns a successful clothing business and reworks all old wardrobe items.
Speaking to Belfast Live, the Falls Road woman said she has always had an interest in the fashion industry, and that her love for creativeness is growing.
READ MORE: West Belfast woman uses creative spark to launch her own business
"I studied Fashion and Textiles at Ulster University and then after my degree I learned the devastating effects that the fast fashion industry had on the environment and workers involved. I really started to look into sustainability,
"Going down the typical route of a fashion graduate, I got an internship with a global fashion company. But that was cut short because it just wasn't what I wanted to do.
"I knew I wanted to be more hands on and creative - so I started my own brand, Peachy Salvage and really it is all about salvaging clothing and textiles that are already out there and up-cycling and recreating the design.
"After I started doing reworked vintage clothes, I also wanted to create a small handmade fashion range so it really is just me creating the designs, sewing them together and doing everything in between.
"It was really just about rethinking your wardrobe and recreating new designs that would be more unique."
Bronagh started off at home designing and making her standout pieces and when lockdown came she says she noticed business was picking up, so she sought her own studio.
Now Peachy Salvage is housed in Blackstaff Mill in West Belfast, which is known for a popular area for creative individuals to work from.
"When I got the new room, that had really helped because I have so much more space," Bronagh continued.
"It allowed people to come and have a look at the pieces and try things on. It also allows them to see the custom made items too. Really, I can give anything in your wardrobe a new life.
"I'd do things from shirts, to bags and dresses. Some people come and get handmade items that would be from scratch. Recently I have been making dresses, which I have been enjoying but I just love recreating the vintage clothing items.
"The support I have received has been really good, I am surprised at how well it has gone. Everyone says this, but it is so true that one sale, or like, or share on social media, really means a lot. It goes a long way and to someone like me, that is what keeps me going and gives me hope that one day we can be a really successful brand that encourages others too.
"Alongside Peachy Salvage, I also run a popup group with another creative, Claudia Maxwell. We wanted to create a community of creatives and small businesses throughout Belfast, showcase their talent and support one another too. There are so many good businesses around Belfast and you can shop local instead of buying of those giant retailers."
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