In My Thrifty Swiftie Era

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For the past year, I’ve harbored a quiet passion for thrifting and reselling clothes. I’m thinking of it as my Thrifting Era. I’ve carefully navigated through racks of second-hand garments, discovering pieces that are valuable in multiple ways. Thrifting is about more than just finding clothes at a fraction of the retail price; it’s about being part of a larger movement that embraces recycling and reuse in a world where fast fashion threatens to dominate every closet. The environmental impact of discarded clothes is staggering. Each year, an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste is generated globally, with the average American throwing away around 81 pounds of clothing annually. Unfortunately, only about 15% of discarded clothing is recycled, while the rest ends up in landfills, where synthetic fibers can take hundreds of years to break down. Fast fashion production also consumes massive amounts of water and energy, contributing to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing to recycle, resell, or donate clothing, we can help reduce this environmental burden and promote a more sustainable fashion industry. It feels good to know that my thrifting efforts help reduce waste while giving these clothes a second chance at life

There’s a unique kind of excitement when I walk into a thrift store. It’s like treasure hunting. The racks are brimming with hidden gems, and each item has the potential to be something special. When I find something for my kids or a friend gives me clothes, even something they might wear for the next year or two, I get a sense of what is to come and what adventures they may have. There’s something heartwarming about knowing that what another friend loved, my child will now love, and then that I may be able to pass that on to another family. Each garment continues its life, evolving from one chapter to the next, part of a sustainable cycle that reduces waste and helps us tread more lightly on the planet.

Even though I’ve been doing this for a while now, it was something I chose to keep to myself. I liked the simplicity of it, the quiet satisfaction of finding deals and giving clothes new life. Recently, I’ve started sharing more of it with family and friends, and that’s been a bit anxiety-inducing. It’s one thing to casually talk about a hobby, and it’s another to share something that feels so personal. Suddenly, you’re revealing this piece of yourself, this thing that’s brought you joy and fulfillment, to the people around you. I worry they’ll feel obligated to support me or that I’ll expect too much from them. I don’t want my passion for thrifting and reselling to become a burden or something that creates awkwardness. What if they think I’m trying too hard? What if they don’t see the value in what I’m doing? There’s a delicate balance between wanting the support of the people you love and not wanting to overwhelm them with your new venture. It’s a line I’m still figuring out how to walk.

I’ve realized, though, that support doesn’t have to come in grand gestures. It’s the small things that make a difference. A simple like or share on social media can go a long way. So, if you have friends or family who are diving into their own small business or side hustle, remember that it doesn’t take much to show your support. Even if you don’t buy from them, like or share their posts, offer words of encouragement, and cheer them on. It’s the little acts of kindness that remind us we’re not alone in our journey. Many moms and women are doing this on social media, and I do my best to share their posts and show my support.

Along with sharing more of my hobby comes the challenge of learning social media. I’ve dabbled with reselling on platforms like Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace, but the idea of growing this small passion into something bigger has been overwhelming. Social media isn’t as intuitive as I hoped it would be. Posting regularly, figuring out the right hashtags, and taking decent pictures feels like a whole new world I’m not entirely ready to dive into, but I’m learning. There’s an art to making your posts stand out, and I’m realizing that to turn my hobby into a little side business, I need to understand how to market it. It’s no longer just about finding great pieces; it’s about making others see their value, too. Learning how to craft the right message, capture a flattering angle, and engage with an online audience feels like learning to thrift all over again, but in a digital sense.

As I continue navigating my Thrifting Era, I’ve learned that it’s not just about the clothes. It’s about the community, the memories, and the stories we create together, one thrifted find at a time. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out. I would love for you to follow along (IG: Indy_pharmandthrift), and maybe you’ll find the next treasure for your kids or yourself!

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