On Oct. 22, the New Mexico State University American Marketing Association (AMA) hosted a budget-friendly upcycle market event for students outside of Guthrie Hall. From racks of vintage clothing to a raffle for prizes, the market not only created a space for shopping but also a fun way to connect students through vintage fashion.
Upcycling focuses on the creative repurposing of byproducts or secondhand items to be turned into a greater or reimagined use. The market was a collaborative effort between the American Marketing Association, Guru Clothing, and Put That Shit On (PTSO), turning a clothing sale event into a community-building experience.
Steven Camunez, CEO of PTSO Central, discussed the origins and mission of his clothing brand. The name “PTSO” stands for “Put That Shit On,” he said it symbolizes self-expression and empowerment.
“It’s so easy to get caught up in ‘I need to do business, but then at the end of the day, I’m also a student, so I just need to find time between everything,” Camunez said. “I think the key to that is being able to bounce back on my group of guys and all our friendships, and that’s what helps everything out at the end of the day.”
Going forward, PTSO Central aims to build a community, establish a physical store, and maintain an active online presence. Collaborating organization, AMA, is an international organization with a focus on the practice, study, and teaching of marketing. Noah Torres, president of the NMSU AMA chapter and Guru Clothing, emphasized the role of the upcycling market in fundraising and community building.
“I think being able to express yourself with whatever you like to wear is really special,” Torres said. “It really shows who you are and the kind of person you are, or just how you’re feeling, clothing describes your personality, your everyday.”
Torres stated he aims to pursue a career in marketing, particularly in New York’s fashion industry. He values building connections and has seen his clothing sales business grow from selling in his dorm room to hosting pop-up markets on campus.
“I probably had at least 200 people come by today, and I’ve talked to at least 100 of them, and even if I didn’t know their name,” Torres said. “I like making these connections, especially because of marketing, and marketing myself and whatever I’m doing.”
Natalia Ochoa is the Vice President of AMA at NMSU. Ochoa said she aims to pursue a career in sustainable fashion, leveraging her marketing skills to promote that genre of fashion.
“I really am moved by all the advancements in circular design, circular fashion, turning pre-existing garments and clothes into the raw material for new stuff,” Ochoa said. “It’s part of what we try to support with these kinds of events, such as second-hand thrifting, because it’s a concern worldwide, but people are not entirely aware of it.”
The market aimed to provide affordable clothing options for college students, recognizing the financial struggles they face. The clothing at the market was made to be affordable, charging significantly less than what similar items would cost at mainstream retailers, encouraging students to shop more at small and local clothing businesses.
PTSO posts updates and upcoming events on their Instagram. The AMA provides updates on future events on their Crimson Connection page.
