New chapter, new business begins

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WILMINGTON — Since she was seven when her Grandmother Maryann taught her to sew, Christa Lashley has always had her hands busy with projects and sewing. Now, she’s found an outlet for that with her new business called Clash — which combines her first and last names — which she started in August.

The shop provides uniquely handmade clothing and home decor based on modern vintage styles and upcoming trends.

“The name Clash has always been with me, and so, this came about very fast,” said Lashley.”What I do is I just handmake the clothing, which is something I’ve always done, in a unique way. I also refurbish and make home decor stuff.”

The products of Clash have a modern vintage style to them, according to Lashley. Modern vintage has a lot of white, marble and silver coloring with maybe a hint of rustic, she said.

“I’ve done a lot of research with Ohio … I’m basing off of what’s trending in Ohio, and then branch off when we get bigger,” said Lashley.

With Clash, Lashley not only makes a lot of the items herself, she also creates partnerships with local craft makers. This includes her fellow Wilmington High School class of 2008 graduate Jerrica Smith, who is very thankful for this opportunity.

“(Lashley) is talented and driven, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for her and the Clash brand,” said Smith.

While she sews the clothes for Clash, Lashley had been keeping the scraps of her projects in the hopes of using them in a non-profit charity she hopes to start for homeless people in America. The fabric remains would be used to create the stuffing for pillows, pillow cases and blankets for the homeless. The roots of this idea started in 2011 when she took classes at Kent State University’s studio in New York City.

“When I lived in New York you’d just see people lying on the streets,” said Lashley, “there was one lady I remember I saw her every day.”

Lashley is keeping her focus on Clash but hopes that when things get going and she can bring on extra help and resources, she can focus on this side project.

As of now, Lashley does not have any official storefront, which is one of her goals. But for now, she’s working out of her home and through social media, and is in the process of opening a shop through Etsy.com. Clash will make its first appearance at the Chasin’ Down BBQ 5k Run/Walk on Oct. 1.

To contact Lashley about either proposing a product or to buy a product, contact her through Clash’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/clashhandmades.

Christa Lashley stands in the makeshift studio at her house where she crafts many of her products for her new business called Clash.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/09/web1_DSC_0832.jpgChrista Lashley stands in the makeshift studio at her house where she crafts many of her products for her new business called Clash. John Hamilton | Wilmington News Journal
Clash offers uniquely handmade clothing, decor

By John Hamilton

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