Why We No Longer Work for Free: A Call for Fair Compensation

For almost 15 years, we have worked tirelessly towards a better fashion system. Asking for appropriate remuneration for our work is a crucial step in this direction.

Let's talk about working for free

Our Journey with tHERAPY Recycle and Exorcise

We’ve been running our project, tHERAPY Recycle and Exorcise, for 13 of those years. Like many independent designers, we spent over a decade offering free services, collaborating, and gifting clothes in exchange for “visibility.”

This approach was part of our learning process. It was a way to grow, connect, and build a name. However, it soon became clear that we had to ask ourselves: when is it enough? Did we maybe do it for too long?

We genuinely appreciate the opportunities and the people who supported us. The visibility that came from these collaborations has been invaluable. Yet, thanks to these experiences, we’ve reached a turning point where we can no longer afford to work for free. In fact, we don’t actually need to do that anymore.

The Need for Sustainable Practices

We are even more thankful for the paid opportunities that allow us to sustain our work and continue creating. tHERAPY Recycle and Exorcise may still be a small brand, but it has grown significantly. We now require two studios and two self-run stores, in addition to having a presence in 10 other stores across five countries.

In our current setup, we not only need to cover rent, but we must also consistently produce and deliver. Handling every aspect of the business—design, marketing, sales, and community building—falls on us. And remember, we are just two people.

Unlike larger brands with financial backing, we've built our business from the ground up. We come from a family with no prior connections to the fashion world. One of us is an immigrant with no institutional support of any kind.

Every rent, every bill, and every material we source is paid for through our own hard work.

Gratitude and Respect in Collaborations

We say THANK YOU! The appreciation we receive from customers, artists, and collaborators means the world to us. However, when requests come without a payment intention or at the last minute, it can feel like we aren't seen as a respected choice.

Our time and work deserve consideration, just like anyone else’s. Thoughtful planning and fair compensation lead to meaningful collaborations that benefit everyone involved.

Valuing Collaboration

This doesn’t mean we don’t value collaboration. Those who know us well understand that we do. We continually engage with fellow creatives, artists, and independent businesses in ways that are fair and sustainable. In fact, we created RARE—a joint store and sustainable fashion collective—as a space for these meaningful collaborations.

What We Offer and Why It’s Not Free

Apart from our clothing items, which you can buy or rent, we also offer styling, consultancy, and workshops. When you request help in creating your look or need advice, this is an integral part of our job, not an extra service that comes for free. Our professional services, like any skilled work, deserve fair compensation.

Our new year's resolution

Our New Year’s Resolution

Our New Year’s resolution was simple: we won’t work for free anymore. We share this not just for ourselves but as a message: "Please, do the same!"

When we start valuing our own work, others will too. And when we all get paid, we can all continue creating.

For almost 15 years, we have strived for a better fashion system. This commitment is another step towards a fair, inclusive, and sustainable fashion world—one where our skills as creatives are fairly valued.

We exist thanks to you

As we move forward, we invite others in the creative community to join us in valuing their work. Together, we can build a sustainable future in the fashion industry.

With appreciation and respect,

Angie & Poli

tHERAPY Recycle and Exorcise