Recyclable fashion with a cause makes its mark in downtown State College
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — 3 Dots, a community space in the downtown area of State College, is home to a diverse group of artists seeking to spread their work in an inclusive atmosphere.
Every Tuesday night, 3 Dots hosts a nighttime event called “Tuesdays on the Terrace,” where they offer an open mic, serve mocktails and give local vendors the opportunity to sell their products.
This week, the mother-and-son duo of Susan and Jeff Wise were selling their handcrafted mittens through their small business, Second Season Mittens. Susan says that being at 3 Dots to promote their cause acts as a beneficial way to engage with the local community.
“We have been doing this as a small business for approximately 16 years. We have some local presence, but we also have presence in New York through Northern Virginia,” Susan said.
The Wise’s cause goes beyond their handcrafted mittens. Wise and her son use their business as an outlet to spread awareness about Raynaud’s syndrome, a condition which blocks blood flow to certain parts of the body. This condition most commonly affects the hands, therefore providing the Wises with an incentive to focus their business on warm, effective mittens while being environmentally friendly.
Jeff says that being in an expressive space like 3 Dots has allowed them to promote their product in a positive manner.
“This is a great place with artists, and anyone can express themselves in this really cool, safe space,” Jeff said. “It’s very beautiful in here too.”
3 Dots is funded and supported through State College locals as well as several humanities organizations. You can donate at their website, 3DotsDowntown.com, or stop by to experience a truly unique scene where everyone is welcomed and celebrated. You can also learn more about the Wise’s cause by visiting SecondSeasonWear.com.
Maia Valerio is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email mrv5245@psu.edu.
