Shockem Digital Magazine

Why is it better to make handmade
items?
It gives more life to things and I find it
more meaningful. It definitely makes me
feel more environmentally friendly. The
materials I use are from vintage clothes
so it’s nice to re-purpose and turn something
old into something new.
What other businesses inspired you to
start Shockem?
My friend has a business called Plastic
Flowers. It’s all beautiful, handmade
jewellery. She’s one of the top sellers on
Depop now so she’s inspired me because
it’s great to have your own business
and see it grow.
Shockem is a newfashion
business
that sells handmade
items such as bags,
accessories and is
now expanding to
clothing. The founder of the
business, Eliza Loftus, talks
with Jonathan Leeming about
all things fashion, sustainability,
the issues with fast fashion and
why shopping handmade is the
way forward!
When did Shockem begin?
It started in the lock down in 2020.
I was inspired by my mum who’s
good with a sewing machine. She
was making cushion covers and I
thought I’d try something different.
Originally, I was going to make dog
bandannas but, I didn’t like the idea
in the end so I started making headbands
and then went on to scrunchies
and bags.
Where did you learn to sew?
I’m self-taught mostly. My mum
helped me in the beginning but I
soon picked it up with lots of practice.
Youtube was a massive help
too! I think I spent many hours sewing
during lock down, but it paid off.
Where do you source your materials?
Some of it is vintage materials. I also
get my fabrics from a shop in Burnley. It
goes really cheap too which is a bonus. I
also recommend going to car boot sales
because you can find some good quality
fabrics for a bargain. Ebay is also a good
place to source materials.
What was the inspiration behind your
business?
My mum. She has her own vintage shop
in Hebden bridge where she sells old
clothing. I like the idea how she brings
something old back to life again.
How come you decided to go with a
no returns policy?
There’s a lot of scam artists out there
which I didn’t realise until I started the
business. Some customers would tell me
they never received an item yet, they
posted photos with my items on their
page so that made it a bit obvious.
It’s a shame when people lie because
I lose money and waste my time with
materials making it again. It’s also
better for the environment because
people aren’t using excess packaging
and it helps contribute to less carbon
emissions with all the transport during
deliveries.
What packaging materials do you use?
I use recycled paper to wrap my items
and sometimes recycled plastic. I try to
avoid plastic where I can. I also get my
stickers printed which are biodegradable
from a company called Green Lemming.
Any tips for other businesses starting
out?
Try your best to be sustainable. It’s always
going to be better starting small
and develop a business model that aims
to be sustainable. Larger businesses in
fast fashion like Pretty Little Thing overly
mass produce their items that’s excessive
and doesn’t help the environment.
Any plans for Shockem in the future?
I’d love to open my own shop one day
and collaborate with other brands. I’m
also wanting to focus on making more
clothing like tops and pants so I’ll be
getting my practice in.
‘HANDMADE GIVES MORE
LIFE TO THINGS AND I FIND IT
MORE MEANINGFUL’
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