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UpCycle is my word of the month. It’s also been my activity of the month.

Definition: to recycle (something) in such a way that the resulting product is of a higher value than the original item.

Another way to think of it (especially if you’re facing the daunting task of de-cluttering or down-sizing) is this: “There’s gold in them thar boxes of stuff.”

Truth be told, I had never really thought about “UpCycling” until recently.

I’ve always been a life-long thrifter, someone who loves to haunt places that resell used or
discarded treasures. So when I heard about a new shop near me called UPCYCLED, I had to go.
Described as part coffee shop, part resale clothing boutique, with a splash of furniture, it hit all my hot buttons.

But I wasn’t prepared for what I discovered.

The Spirit of UpCycle

When I walked in, two young men were busy “merchandising” the store. To my surprise, they
were father and son (my age-detection goggles clearly need recalibration, LOL).

They were friendly, engaging, and enthusiastic about their mission: to reduce fashion waste in the world.

The shop looked nothing like the thrift or consignment stores I’d grown accustomed to.
Everything was clean, pressed, and thoughtfully organized.

Curious, I asked about their standards for donations, since so many shops have become very
picky. Their answer stunned me: “We accept everything.”

If something doesn’t meet their standards for resale, they pass it along to a dedicated person who distributes it to churches and residences for people who need but cannot afford it. On top of that, they donate part of their profits to organizations that support youth mental health.

Three generations—grandmother, father, son, and daughter—are involved in the business. The generosity, warmth, and inclusiveness of their spirit blew me away. And they engaged with me, an older woman, with genuine interest and respect.

From Things to Transformation

Later, I googled the word “UpCycle.” I learned the formal definition but also found another shop in Virginia by the same name. The whole concept intrigued me.

It got me thinking about my own recent clearing projects. As I went through boxes and shelves of stored things, I discovered items I wanted to keep and re-use. Others no longer held value for me, and I realized I wanted the space they occupied more than the stuff itself.

Even things I was currently using—like furniture I had considered replacing—I began to see
with new eyes.

I’ve always loved transformation. In fact, it’s one of the most satisfying parts of my work as a
realtor: staging. When I take a lived-in space and reimagine it—often with the client’
s own belongings—I get a thrill. Clients often respond with, “I don’t want to move now!” And honestly, that is my favorite reaction. Transformation brings joy.

This past month alone, I’ve UpCycled two items:

• a small dresser I rescued from my closet,
• and a necklace I created by combining pieces of two broken ones.

Both projects cost me almost nothing but returned enormous value in beauty, satisfaction, and uniqueness.

Anyone can buy something new. But no one can buy what I UpCycled. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, shaped by my taste and creativity.

UpCycling YOU

Here’s where it gets interesting: this idea isn’t just about “things.”

UpCycling is what I am doing in my life.

To UpCycle YOU means to transform the journey of aging itself. Instead of the well-worn path
from “old” to “decline,” it becomes a path of renewal and reinvention.

It’s not about discarding who you’ve been. It’s about reimagining, repurposing, and elevating the parts of you that still hold value—while letting go of what no longer serves you.

In other words: don’t just recycle your life. UpCycle it.

If you live in or near Gaithersburg, stop by the store or check out their website even if you’re not local. https://www.upcycledmd.com

✨ Jennifer’s Note: Photos of my dresser and necklace projects are attached.

After

UpCycled Necklace