STYLE
Reduce, Reuse,
upcycle OU sophomore Baylee Wolfe’s Instagram business focuses on sustainable shopping. BY CAROLINE GILLEN | PHOTOS BY ELLIE HABEL
S
ocial media can give people a platform where they can materialize their ideas by creating and pursuing online business ventures. Baylee Wolfe, an Ohio University sophomore studying energy engineering and economics, formed her self-made business, OU Upcycle, with a focus on sustainable and ethical shopping, as well as a focus on bettering the planet. In August 2020, Wolfe decided she wanted to be a part of something bigger than herself. “I knew I wanted to contribute to my environment,” Wolfe says. “This led me to be inspired by the multiple Instagram accounts that sell thrifted clothing and promote sustainable fashion. In order to become more connected with my classmates at Ohio University, I decided to make my account geared toward Bobcat apparel.” Most of the pieces that Wolfe sells are thrifted locally. She encourages a cycle of repurchasing and reusing OU apparel and promoting an environmentally friendly Bobcat community. She posts items on her Instagram on first come, first served basis, and people interested in purchasing can direct message her to secure an item. Wolfe’s Venmo account is listed in the OU Upcycle Instagram account biography along with the shipping fee and #ouupavailable, which is a hashtag buyers can visit to easily see which items are still up for grabs.
32
backdrop | Fall 2021
