Transform

Nancy Dawson is the mother of a trans teen, and knows first-hand how expensive it can be to buy a child a new wardrobe. She also knows the time it takes for kids to find their style. 

So, to help trans kids and teens find a wardrobe that corresponds with their identity – she founded Transform, a free boutique for trans kids and teens to trade in the clothes of their old life and find a new wardrobe that’s a better fit. 

Dawson founded Transform alongside Tristan Vaught, of Living with Change; Marissa Fine; and Ella Dastillung, Dawson’s daughter. “We are run entirely by donations and have teen volunteers as the stylists,” says Dawson. “We are currently accepting gently used shoes, kid clothes size 5T and up, contemporary teen clothes, jackets and coats, jewelry, and purses.”

Transform is much more than just a thrift store, however. Dawson says that clients come in the store and fill out a detailed form. This not only allows the stylists to get to know more about their clients, but they can also give a high-end personal shopper experience. 

And if the shopper pulls something that doesn’t quite go along with a client’s style? Dawson says they can even go back to the store and tweak the wardrobe they’ve taken home. 

Currently, Transform is located in the back of Dawson’s bridal makeup business brideface (located at 2009 Elm Street), but the store has really taken off in the community and she hopes to have a Transform storefront soon. 

For now, clients can be seen by appointment only. 

To learn more about Transform, check out the Facebook page. There you can find donation updates, donation drop-off information, volunteer forms, and client registration forms.