At first thought, a typical high school part-time job sounds like the epitome of a dreary minimum wage job that is rarely thought provoking. Recently at PVHS, students are finding a creative outlet that allows them to earn money and save the environment by thrifting or reselling clothes through the platform of Instagram.
With rising popularity, thrift instagram accounts like ones by senior Olivia Schilling and sophomore Camryn Woods are excited to see their passion transition into something more. “As I have gotten older, my passion for thrifting has only grown. I found myself spending too much money for clothes that I might only wear a few times per year.” Woods explains. “My sisters and I found a way to sell ‘new’ clothes in an affordable and sustainable way.”
As Woods mentioned, paying full price for clothing worn a few times a year can feel excessive. Thus, one of the many benefits of buying thrifted clothes is the affordable price tag. “Thrifting is a very unique way to buy clothes and because of that you can find many unique pieces of clothing that no one else will have.” Woods adds, “I love finding those pieces that add so much to your style.”
In addition to the jaw-dropping prices and originality of thrifted items, thrifting does a great deal for the environment. If more people purchase thrifted items, manufacturers will produce less harmful waste through the process.
The thrifting industry is a fight against the fast fashion industry that keeps more clothes out of landfills that will inevitably hurt the environment.
The rise of reselling thrifted clothes is allowing students to earn as much money as a regular part-time job. Reselling clothes may seem simple, Schilling admits, “But it takes a lot of time and dedication to become successful. The process entails that I go out and find a cool piece of clothing and bring it to its fullest potential. Then I put it up for grabs and wait for the bids to roll in.”
“Although thrifting is super fun, it does take more patience and time than normal shopping. At some thrift stores, the clothes are not separated by size, making it hard to find what you specifically want.” Woods continues, “Some tips are to look for specific colors or materials, to have patience, to envision the article of clothing in a new way to make it unique or when I travel I attempt to explore new thrift stores.”
Both Schilling and Woods have had great success and encourage others to explore the industry. “I’ve been decently successful as I have posted 21 items and sold 19,” Schilling said.
Woods began her thrifting journey with her two sisters and has experienced nothing but joy. “We have sold over 175 items and just celebrated our one year anniversary. Creating a thrifting business has been a great part time job for my sisters and I and I have learned so many things in the ways of business and marketing.” Woods says, “I would highly recommend exploring thrifting as you can find unique items for a great price that won’t break your bank account.”
The art of revamping thrifted clothes at affordable costs has slowly transformed into another option for creative students searching for a way to earn money. Not only does this part-time job promote entrepreneurship in students, it supports a great cause towards the safety of the environment at crazy good prices.
