Summer is an employee and survivor here at Rethreaded who is celebrating her two year sobriety today, March 7th! To celebrate such an incredible feat, we decided to sit down in the production room and ask Summer about her experience working at Rethreaded.
Q: How did you hear about Rethreaded? Was there a particular moment when you decided to join the organization?
A: I was at City Rescue Mission, and the moment I heard about what Rethreaded was doing I knew I was going to be a part of it. I was filled with so much hope knowing there was a place I could go to work, and be accepted.
Q: How long have you been working at Rethreaded? What is your job title?
A: I’ve been at Rethreaded almost a year. My title changes quite a bit. I started in production and inventory, and now I am production lead, and am involved in product development.
Q: Do you like moving around at Rethreaded? What is your favorite department you’ve been in?
A: Absolutely! I love moving around. Production is my favorite because you get to see a product through from start to finish. You get to see the girls’ work and how it develops over time. I am a part of that. I get to be a part of their growth.
Q: What is your favorite Rethreaded product to make?
A: I like to make pillows, because I get to design them from scratch from donated fabrics we receive. Each one is unique so I have the freedom to get as creative as I like. Once a set is finished and I see the final product I feel so satisfied. I am proud to say that I made that!
Q: What is your favorite Rethreaded product to wear?
A: The new halo bracelets are my favorite to wear because of what they represent to me. We take two materials and upcycled them. At first the t-shirt and the industrial washers seem like an odd match, and full of imperfections. But then they come together to create something beautiful. It represents the second chance I was given at life.
Q: What is your favorite part of the day at Rethreaded?
A: Devotion, because we come together as a family, and it’s a personal moment where we give Him the glory.
Q: March 7th will be your two year sobriety anniversary. How do you feel?
A: I feel great, God did it. I didn’t do it, I just surrendered myself to him.
Q: What is the most challenging part about working at Rethreaded?
A: I want to design more! It was such an incredible experience to be a part of developing the spring line, but I always want to make more lines and products. My least favorite thing to hear is the word “no”.
Q: What is your favorite part about working at Rethreaded?
A: The joy I get from teaching the women is a huge thing for me. I feel like it is where I belong, the right place. I feel I have been called to it, and combines my passions for creativity and design, with loving other people and helping women to reach their true potential.
