A small business in Provo creates and sells recycled clothing

Using her sewing skills and artistic eye to transform second-hand clothing into new designs, Makenna Robbins created KennaBri, an upcycled clothing business that she operates out of her apartment.

Robbins’ love of art began when she was little, making crafts in a small closet under the stairs in her home, she said.

“I’ve always been very creative,” Robbins said.

The starting point for Robbins to start making clothes was actually his size.

“I made clothes for myself because I’m very tall, I’m six feet tall,” she said. Robbins had to figure out how to lengthen her pants and how to modify clothes designed for larger women to suit her style, she said.

She began making clothing for concerts, special events, and gifts for family and friends. From there, she realized she could add style to basic clothing such as sweatshirts and cargo pants, Robbins said.

Robbins had a wide range of businesses that she tried before launching her own business. As a student at Utah Valley University, she worked with children in an elementary school and used creativity as an outlet when she was tired after a long week, she said. Over time, she realized that her passion for designing and recycling clothing was stronger than others. She decided to end her college education early to begin with.

Pushed by her extended family to start selling her clothes, she hesitantly launched an Instagram page to display her clothes.

“I always liked saving,” Robbins said. His love of saving money gave him the idea of ​​selling recycled and second-hand clothing.

After getting her bearings, she went to the Provo farmers market and had a total of eight Saturdays to come sell her clothes.

“Makenna has grown so much through this experience and it’s amazing to see her business grow,” said Maegan Grendell, Robbins’ roommate.

Robbins started her business on a whim, she said. This was not planned long before we started.

“I always knew Makenna was creative, but her ability to start her own business on top of her job is so inspiring,” said Aspen Allen, another of Robbin’s roommates.

Robbins currently works out of her apartment and sells on social media and at the Provo Farmers Market. She also works in a primary school.

“I work about 36 hours a week, so a little less than full time,” Robbins said.

One of the hardest parts of starting your own business is balancing it with your grade school job, she said.

More information about KennaBri can be found at Instagram. Robbins said her website will be up and running soon, but she can also be found Saturdays at the Provo Farmers Market.