Staff Spotlight: Andy Lee
Each month we highlight one of the phenomenal staff members that makes the magic happen at Austin Creative Reuse. This month, it’s Retail Reuse Specialist, Andy Lee (they/them). They’ve been gracing ACR with their calm presence since late last year, and we could not be happier to have them on our team! Through this short interview, Andy has blown our minds with their fiber arts and other surprising facts we didn’t know about them until now. Say hello the next time you see them at ACR!
How did you find Austin Creative Reuse?
Before I even lived in Austin, a friend of mine who'd moved here a few years prior told me about ACR over the phone. The first time I visited the city I made sure to stop by and I was so stoked to be there – I remember buying more yarn than I was able to fit in my suitcase home. I applied to work at ACR in my first week after moving to Austin.
What’s your favorite part about working at ACR?
I know everyone says it but it's true – the best part of working at ACR is the people. I've met and befriended so many lovely people at ACR, coworkers and customers alike. It's really sweet getting a small window into people's lives through the art they make or the projects they're currently or forever devoting themselves to. Working front of house, it's also really gratifying to be able to help someone find the exact thing that they're looking for!
Are you an artist, crafter, or maker? What mediums do you work with?
For the last few years I've been primarily into knitting and crochet, but I like to try out lots of different things. Right now I'm also teaching myself how to machine quilt and sew, and have been dipping my toes back into playing the cello.
What do you do when you’re not working at ACR?
When I'm not at ACR you might find me at the farm where I also work – otherwise I like knitting and reading at the park, swimming, cooking, playing old video games with my girlfriend, or walking around different neighborhoods trying to catch glimpses of cats in windowsills.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve found in donation mountain?
In the bucket area, I once found this old, yellowed, silk embroidery panel depicting a playground game in Joseon dynasty-era Korea. I don't think its creation dates back to then, but who knows!
