PIKEVILLE, Ky. — One woman in Pikeville is working to create opportunities for her community by recycling clothing items unique to Appalachia.
What You Need To Know
- New Pikeville boutique sells recycled clothing items
- Recycled clothing make Meade’s products one of a kind
- Meade's goal is to encourage Kentuckians to embrace their hometowns
- She wants to show Appalachian pride through her clothing items
Jasmine Meade is opening her new shop Appcycled in downtown Pikeville.
“I really like the idea of reducing waste by using something old to create something new, and putting a different spin on giving someone a different alternative to just the fast fashion usual pix of something,” Meade said.
With a background in biomedical science and biology, Meade said all her clothing items will be unique and one of a kind, because she’s recycling clothing items to represent the Appalachians.
“[It's] just a centralized hub for like-minded Appalachian folks to just come in, experience a different type of retail, and maybe even see people with similar views that you wouldn't think that you would find whenever you're walking around Eastern Kentucky streets,” Meade said.
With the help of her assistant, she creates different pieces she hopes encourages her community to see the beauty in their home.
“Younger Appalachians move because they feel like there's no opportunities or things to do, or even a retail option that represents them well," Meade said. "So I think if that's something that we think and we have the means to kind of change that and make those fun places and that's just one step toward keeping the young Appalachians home more. It makes them want to come back home."
With every piece she makes, she hopes to make a change — showing Kentuckians, no matter how big or small, they should embrace where they come from.
“Appalachia is a place to be proud of. So, I just want to kind of do my part and make it a place to be proud of,” Meade said.