About me
I’m Gay, the founder of Lived-In, where I transform garments with visible mending as a badge of honour—a way to keep clothing cherished and alive, rather than forgotten in a landfill. My journey began with a passion for making clothes last longer, sparked by a decade working in the vintage retail industry and a love for sewing, taught by my mum from an early age. Over the years, these early influences have evolved into a dedication to visible mending, where every stitch becomes part of the garment’s story.
Made By Gayle brand circa 2011
Formerly known as Soul and Flare - Depop - 2017
First studio in Nottm - 2018
With over 20 years of honing in on my skill of sewing and 15 years industry experience, my path has included roles in vintage clothing resell - becoming one of Depop’s top sellers (Soul and Flare) during 2015-2023, garment manufacture and rework, market stall trading, studio management and so much more.
In my early years, I gained hands-on experience in manufacturing, learning the intricate steps involved in quality garment construction. This foundation shaped my commitment to craftsmanship, ensuring each piece I work on is handled with care and attention.
‘For me, mending is more than just repair; it’s a personal mission to shift how we value clothing, fostering a deeper connection between people and the pieces they wear.’
After a rewarding chapter running a sewing studio come vintage shop between 2019-2023, I now work from home, specialising in visible mending and creative repairs. Today, I partner with brands like Universal Works, where I offer repair services to extend the life of their customers' garments, and Wax Jacket Cleaning Company, restoring classic pieces to their former glory. My work has been featured in Grazia, Elle, and The Guardian, and in 2022, my studio received runner-up in the People’s Choice Award for Best Independent on the High Street.
To me, mending is about embracing a slower, more mindful way of living and learning to trust in our own abilities. Taking time to repair reminds us of the patience needed in all meaningful work—a value I love to pass on in my mentoring. Encouraging others to trust their instincts, especially when building something of their own, is just as important as sharing techniques. There’s something empowering in knowing we can count on ourselves. It’s a journey of patience and steady growth, stitch by stitch.