S9 Ep28 CHEERIO COLLECTIVE: vintage market & event space -  Lureena Thompson on what it really takes to sustainably bring a small business to life, one stone at a time.

S9 Ep28 CHEERIO COLLECTIVE: vintage market & event space - Lureena Thompson on what it really takes to sustainably bring a small business to life, one stone at a time.

Author: Emily Stochl September 22, 2025 Duration: 52:16

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On today's show, we're chatting with Lureena Thompson, a comedian, actor and artist in Los Angeles, who opened the Cheerio Collective in Highland Park this spring. It's a vintage store by day – utilizing a curated "rent-a-rack" collective concept, and a live event space by night – and Lureena self-admits she's doing SO MUCH, and that you should stop by to tell her in-person to stop and drink some water.

This is a really honest and authentic chat about what it takes to bring a store and event venue to life. A major highlight of the Cheerio Collective is a breathtaking 1,200 square foot mosaic floor that Lureena designed and installed herself utilizing remnant offcuts of natural stones such as marble, granite, quartz and travertine. Creating it was a labor of love, that underscored Lureena's commitment to using sustainable practices and recycled materials in her business.

The creation of the mosaic floor created a significant buzz, both within the Highland Park neighborhood, and online. The documentation of the entire renovation captivated a wide audience and amassed millions of social media views that created a huge anticipation for Cheerio to open.

I'll let Lureena tell you the rest! –  let's dive right in!

DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:

  • [4:19] Lureena has thrifted her whole life, and has noticed how much more popular secondhand has become in recent years.
  • [8:39] How Lureena got into selling vintage.
  • [10:43] Things really got started when they found the studio space that would become the Cheerio Collective.
  • [14:19] First, she took on a major renovation and designed and installed a 1,200 square foot mosaic floor utilizing remnant offcuts of natural stones.
  • [18:11] Sharing the 3-month renovation journey on social media.
  • [23:20] An honest and authentic chat about opening a small business vs. expectations
  • [26:39] Why they've landed on a rent-a-rack, vintage collective, and market model.
  • [32:35] Advice about pricing and running a sustainable business
  • [38:29] Lureena's personal style and favorite pieces.

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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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