S8 Ep32 TAILORED THRIFTS: Sierra started her vintage business as a college sophomore, alongside her fashion merchandising degree - on sustainable fashion in a college town.

S8 Ep32 TAILORED THRIFTS: Sierra started her vintage business as a college sophomore, alongside her fashion merchandising degree - on sustainable fashion in a college town.

Author: Emily Stochl November 18, 2024 Duration: 56:12

On today's show, we're chatting with Sierra, who started her secondhand clothing business, Tailored Thrift, while she was a sophomore in college. She wanted to bring a curated selection of vintage and secondhand to her college town – and what started as popups and markets turned into a brick-and-mortar store. 

I loved hearing about how Sierra worked on her business, almost as a research project tackled alongside getting her fashion merchandising degree. She found that in her college town there was a large group of people who wanted to shop sustainable, but didn't feel like digging through the racks to thrift their clothing. 

We also shared stories of vintage shopping on travels – from Brimfield Market to the UK – and wild times at summer vintage markets in the Midwest. 

I loved getting to hear from Sierra's experience as a college student entrepreneur, and I know you will, too  – so, let's dive right into it!

DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:

  • [4:44] Sierra wanted to be a fashion designer, starting in middle school, and she often upcycled her own pieces from the thrift store.
  • [7:36] Sierra worked on her business, almost as a research project tackled alongside getting her fashion merchandising degree. 
  • [12:22] Getting started as a vintage business as a college sophomore.
  • [15:51] Sierra's first forays into vintage markets, and what she learned from doing them all over the Midwest.
  • [24:34] On her college campus, Sierra found lots of people who wanted to shop sustainably, but needed to figure out how.
  • [29:13] How Tailored Thrift has appealed to the young shoppers in her college town.
  • [32:08] Vintage sourcing from Brimfield to the UK
  • [36:36] The 250 pound antique cash register that Sierra's mom got her for Christmas for the store.
  • [38:57] Some of the fashion merchandising research Sierra put to use in her store.
  • [43:51] Her love of vintage watches.

EPISODE MENTIONS: 

LET'S CONNECT: 

SPECIAL THANKS: 

A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible!

  • Patty Weber
  • Kathy Brand
  • Lisa of Queenie & Pearl
  • Lucille of Galipette Vintage
  • KT 
  • Lydia Welp
  • Anastacia Banicke of Goods & Provisions
  • Michael A.
  • Megan Morris
  • Jennifer

 


Every week, Emily Stochl invites you into a conversation that goes far beyond the clothing rack. Pre-Loved Podcast with Emily Stochl is built on the idea that every second-hand garment has a past, and that exploring those histories makes our present style more meaningful. Rather than just offering shopping tips, each episode feels like sitting down with a fascinating friend who shares your passion for vintage, digging into the many layers of what it means to wear pre-owned fashion. You’ll hear from a diverse range of guests-from collectors and stylists to entrepreneurs and historians-as they explore not only personal style but also the practicalities of running a resale business, the complexities of the global second-hand market, and the environmental ethos behind choosing used over new. The heart of this podcast lives in those incredible stories: the serendipitous flea market find, the garment that carries a decade of memories, or the simple, powerful act of giving a piece a new life. Emily guides these discussions with genuine curiosity, making each topic accessible whether you're a seasoned thrifter or just curious about sustainable fashion. It’s a thoughtful, engaging look at how what we wear connects to culture, art, beauty, and the kind of mindful consumption that can reshape an industry. Tune in for a fresh perspective that celebrates the character, sustainability, and deep personal connection found in pre-loved fashion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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