Using her sewing skills and artistic eye to turn thrifted clothes into new designs, Makenna Robbins created KennaBri, an upcycled clothing company that she operates out of her apartment.
Robbins' love for art started as a little kid when she would make crafts inside of a little closet under her house's stairs, she said.
“I’ve always been very creative,” Robbins said.
The jumping off point for Robbins to start making clothes was actually her height.
“I made some clothes for myself because I’m very tall, I’m six-foot,” she said. Robbins had to figure out how to make her pants longer and how to modify clothes made for taller women more her style, she explained.
She began making clothes for concerts, special events and gifts for family and friends. From there, she realized she could add some style to basic clothes such as sweatshirts and cargo pants, Robbins said.
Robbins had a wide range of activities that she tried prior to committing to her own business. As a student at Utah Valley University, she worked with kids at an elementary school and used creativity as an outlet when she was tired from a long week, she explained. Over time, she realized her passion for designing and upcycling clothing was stronger than the rest. She decided to end her college career early to get started.
With a push from her extended family to start selling her clothing, she hesitantly started an Instagram page to display her clothes.
“I’ve always loved thrifting,” Robbins said. Her love of thrifting sparked her idea to sell upcycled, thrifted clothes.
After getting her bearings, she looked into the Provo Farmers Market and was given a total of eight Saturdays to come and sell her clothing.
“Makenna has grown so much from this experience and it’s been amazing to watch her business develop,” Maegan Grendell, Robbins's roommate, said.
Robbins started her business on a whim, she said. This was not planned for a long time before starting.
“I always knew Makenna was creative, but her ability to start her own business on top of working is so inspiring,” Aspen Allen, another one of Robbin's roommates, said.
Robbins currently works out of her apartment, selling on social media and at the Provo Farmers Market. She also works at an elementary school.
“I work around 36 hours a week, so just under full time,” Robbins said.
One of the hardest parts of starting her own business is balancing it with her job at the elementary school, she explained.
More information about KennaBri can be found on Instagram. Robbins said her website will be up and running soon, but she can also be found on Saturdays at the Provo Farmers Market.