AG: What was your introduction to shopping second hand? JB: “When I was 16 and got my driver’s license, I drove to The Salvation Army and started buying a bunch of old military clothing. All throughout my early 20s, I shopped at thrift stores, and I loved it because you could buy so much stuff and experiment with the garments by cutting them up and remaking things. I love going into any vintage shop because you learn so much about the history of garments.” AG: How do you feel the pandemic has influenced sustainability? JB: “When the pandemic hit, everything stopped. Larger companies had supply chains that just collapsed. Consumers also gained a new interest in finding brands that were more transparent, brands that were open about how and where their garments were made. The pandemic has brought sustainability, human rights and the environment to the surface. We don’t want the same things anymore.”
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AG: Tell us about your nonprofit, The Tiny Tim Rescue Fund.
AG: What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? JB: “What I would say is to meet as many people as you can, and to trust the process. To me, it’s about being in the moment and staying in the present. I know everyone is so scared about what they are going to do after college, but it is all going to work out. I do believe on a spiritual level, we are in this period for a particular reason, and that the world will provide for us. Try to take stock in every day, live in the moment and appreciate your family and friends.” • JB: “I adopted a dog named Tiny Tim from the North Shore Animal League Rescue in Long Island, N.Y. I originally wanted to adopt a small dog that I could bring on business trips with me, but when I got to the shelter, the first dog that I saw was this three-legged pit-bull mix named Tiny Tim. He was found on the side of the road after being hit by a car, and they had amputated his leg on Christmas Eve. When I got to the shelter three months later, he was just sitting in the corner while all the other dogs were jumping on me, and it was love at first sight. He inspired me to learn about adopting and rescuing animals. When he died, I started volunteering at the City Shelter in Harlem, where I realized that although I was not able to adopt every animal, I could raise money for rescue groups. Through this, I founded the Tiny Tim Rescue Fund and with Tiny Tim’s logo, I started to sell t-shirts, tote bags, and ultimately developed a whole line of products that were sold in my store and online. This raised money for all independent rescue groups. Our funds were used for vet bills, boarding, training and/or transportation.” A 13 Vol. VIII
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