MS. G’S CLASSROOM BECOMES A THRIFT HAVEN: A TEACHER’S CREATIVE TAKE ON SUSTAINABILITY

By: Anthony Corbray

For someone to shake up the sustainable fashion industry, one pop-up shop at a time, it would require them to be a master of storytelling and able to blend design, sustainability and a sense of community in every interaction. Michela Gacioch, also known as Ms. G, is a stylish teacher who is turning closets into community spaces. She did not set out to become a sustainability advocate—it just sort of happened. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it makes you want to do better.

Scrolling through TikTok, you may come across a video of her in a classroom wearing an insanely cool outfit. You know when someone’s style is so good, you just have to click on their profile! With 11.9K followers—her page isn’t just a collection of outfit inspiration; it is a showcase of how she upcycles her clothes and wears them to school as a teacher. She blends bold, creative outfits with the relatable environment of her classroom, making her style not just inspiring but accessible. A few scrolls in, and you will be inspired. She doesn’t just wear sustainable fashion; she lives it in a way that feels authentic, creative, and impactful.

From Dancer to Sustainable Fashion Advocate

Ms. G’s journey started with style. As a dancer, self-expression was part of her life and her personal style evolved naturally from those early years. But the shift toward sustainability—that came later and unexpectedly.

During a tough mental health patch, she stumbled across YouTuber Macey Eleni of "Blazed and Glazed," who sparked something inside her. If you haven’t checked out Macey’s content, do it. It’s all about energy, joy, and, yes, sustainable fashion. For Ms. G, Macey’s philosophy of sourcing secondhand wasn’t just about clothes—it was about creating a lifestyle that aligned with values like mindfulness and minimalism.

Fast forward to 2020, and Ms. G was back in school training to be an English teacher. By then, sustainability was part of her DNA. She was thrifting, upcycling, and making a real effort to combat overconsumption. And of course, her students noticed. “The stylish teacher” became her unofficial title—and for good reason.

The Birth of Ms. G’s Pop-Up Shop

Here’s where the story gets really good. In early 2024, Ms. G was cleaning out her closet (we’ve all been there) and thinking about what to do with the clothes she didn’t wear anymore. Instead of dumping them in a donation bin, she decided to bring them to her school. But then she had a lightbulb moment. Why stop at dropping them off in a basement bin? Why not create something…fun?

“I wanted to make a real ‘in-store’ shopping experience for my students—something they’d actually look forward to,”

And thus, Ms. G’s Pop-Up Shop was born. Picture this: mood lighting, music, candy and a selection of clothes that feel like they are straight from a boutique—but everything is free.

What gets me is how much thought she put into it. She knew that asking students to dig through a basement bin would be awkward and even embarrassing. Instead, she created an event that felt dignified and fun. The students loved it. They are still asking when the next one will be.

Upcycling with a Side of Community Magic

Here’s what’s cool about Ms. G’s approach—it’s not just about sustainability; it’s about connection. Her first pop-up featured her own clothes, but she quickly realized she needed more styles and sizes to make it work. Enter her community. Friends, family, and even her parents pitched in, sending boxes of donations all the way from New York to LA.

“My friends really showed up for me,” she said. And it wasn’t just clothes. Her boyfriend modeled for promo photos, her friend Tatiana from SEEN helped organize events, and her whole network rallied to make the shop happen. How often do you hear about a sustainability project that doubles as a community lovefest?

The Challenges of Thrifting in a Fast Fashion World

Let’s be honest—thrifting isn’t what it used to be. Ms. G is quick to point out a problem we are all seeing: thrift stores are becoming overrun with fast fashion. You know, those cheaply made items that fall apart after a few wears. “I’m worried thrift stores will become fast fashion graveyards,” she says.

That is why her work is so important. By giving clothes directly to students, she is not just recycling garments—she is ensuring they actually get used and loved. It is a reminder that sustainability is not just about reducing waste; it’s about rethinking how we value the things we already have.

The Bigger Picture: A Nationwide Vision

This is just the beginning for Ms. G. She dreams of taking her pop-up shop to schools and organizations across the country, creating spaces where kids can shop for clothes without barriers. She is also on the lookout for brands that want to support her mission—think education, equity, and sustainability. Nike LA, if you are reading this, let’s make it happen.

And get this—her latest project was a holiday-themed "Deck the Halls" pop-up. She was adding festive vibes to the mix. Anyone in the LA area who would like to get involved, she is always looking for donations and community partners.

Why This Matters

Here is the thing about Ms. G: she is proof that you don’t need a massive budget or a fancy platform to make a difference. She is just one person who saw a need, had an idea, and ran with it. And in doing so, she is creating something bigger than clothes—she’s building community, breaking down barriers and reminding us all that fashion can be fun, meaningful, and sustainable.

So the next time you are cleaning out your closet, think about where those clothes are going. Better yet, think about how you can use them to make someone’s day. Because if Ms. G has taught us anything, it’s that small actions can lead to big change.

How You Can Help

Want to support Ms. G’s Pop-Up Shop? Donations are always welcome—clothing, accessories, and even unused personal care items. You can reach her at msgpopupshop@gmail.com or visit her website at Ms. G's Pop-Up Shop. For more inspiration and behind-the-scenes looks at her style and sustainable fashion mission, follow her on TikTok at @missmichelag.

This is more than an article—it’s a call to action. Ms. G is leading by example. Let’s keep the conversation going and maybe, just maybe, we can help create a future where fashion is as kind as it is creative.