▫️REFLECTION▫️

Throughout the  21-22 academic year, HERd met up weekly to develop innovative solutions to combat a major global problem: the fast fashion industry. In order to address this issue, we came up with the idea of making a free thrift store at our school, called the "Walk-In-Closet."  This closet aimed at not only reducing fast fashion waste but also the financial situation of many of our students. Being a Title 1 school means that numerous of our students are on free and reduced lunch. Our closet put everyone on an even playing field, regardless of income level, creating a non-judgemental space for students to shop freely. 

It was challenging finding a space on campus that the school administrators were willing to lend to us permanently. On top of that, we had to renovate the space to fit our image and upkeep it every week. We also struggled to have members volunteer to do shifts every week during Wednesday lunch, because it meant they were sacrificing their lunch and hangout time. Things were rocky at first, but throughout the year we were able to strengthen our collaboration as a team and be more proactive. 

Students outside of Girls Build really loved our project and were very grateful to be able to thrift for free, along with giving out their unwanted clothes. Many students even wondered how to join our club because of the excitement surrounding the closet.

One of the best parts about this project was seeing everyone convey their ideas in the design process and construction of the closet. In our very first meetings, all the girls would come together in the empty closet and brainstorm how we can make it pretty while being budget-friendly. As our meetings went on, so did the creation of the closet - walls started to be painted, clothing racks rolled in, and mirrors installed; it really felt like it was coming together. Once the closet came together, we rejoiced back to our advisor's room during our Friday meetings to think about how to advertise for people to come to the closet, and donate as well. 

These meetings were full of excitement, as we began our promotion strategy from going class to class during PACK time, creating posters, posting on social media, etc. It all lead up to the grand event of opening up to the closet, and the opening day did not disappoint. A line of people chattering wrapped around the corner during the lunch, making all the hard work truly pay off. 

Overall, undertaking this project as a team was truly exciting and rewarding, from the problems we encountered that felt like a big setback, to overcoming it as a team and getting the final product out. Our members used our creative brains and ideas every meeting, and with every meeting, we truly became closer as a team - as a herd. This school year's project was amazing, and we can't wait to create an equally impressive project next school year.