Meet Maia | Upcycling Sewist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maia, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I’ve always been a thrifty gal. I started sewing when I was very young as a way to bring the whims and dreams of the kid I was to life. Over time, I created less and ended up altering clothing or flipping thrift store finds. I LOVE the idea of taking something once loved and headed for the landfill, and giving it a new lease on life. Curtains turn into a dress to wear to a gala, stained jeans turn into a new trendy vest. Nothing goes to waste and nothing ends up unwanted.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think I consider myself an textile artist. By day, I am a professional scientist, but by heart I am a creative that loves using her hands! With something like science there is very little room for creativity, I found myself craving something that would allow me to play and explore.
Initially, there was a huge blockage while trying to flex my creative muscles. I was concerned about how others would like something, or if I was technically perfect. Eventually, I wanted to share what is threatening to burst forth anyways, I want a sense of community, a feeling of being seen and sharing something worthwhile. If something brings me joy, it might bring others joy, so why not share?

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many great spots in Denver! I love Honey Hill Cafe and Bardo Coffee House for a quick bite and a latte. There is a really spectacular antique mall on Colfax called Antique Etc. and next door is the cutest western wear shop called The Shop Outpost. I think from there I love to catch movies at the Sie non-profit theatre and hit the Tattered Cover bookstore. For later at night, there is always bar music happening on Broadway or cool shows going on at the Bluebird Theatre, Lost Lake Lounge, Ogden theatre, or Mission Ballroom. The music scene in Denver is top-tier.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My passion for creating was stoked by my grandmother and her friend, Cheryl, who taught me to sew when I was barely old enough to sit for 15+ minutes. My grandmother is really more of a quilter, and Cheryl was a talented sewing instructor. Cheryl was endlessly patient with me as I created elaborate costumes (from the worst fabric) or intricate designs far beyond my skill level. She taught me almost everything I know and use today in my small business. It has been many years since Cheryl passed, but I find myself thinking “Cheryl taught me that” every time a long-forgotten skill comes back to the surface.

Website: https://www.zozomakes.com/

Instagram: zozo_makes