S9 Ep4 BLK IVY THRIFT: Dr. Kimberly McGlonn, founder & CEO of Grant Blvd and Blk Ivy - on cultural artifacts celebrating the aesthetics and work of the Civil Rights movement.

S9 Ep4 BLK IVY THRIFT: Dr. Kimberly McGlonn, founder & CEO of Grant Blvd and Blk Ivy - on cultural artifacts celebrating the aesthetics and work of the Civil Rights movement.

Author: Emily Stochl February 17, 2025 Duration: 40:32

On today's show, we're chatting with Dr. Kimberly McGlonn, an award-winning social entrepreneur, working at the intersections of social justice and environmentalism. You might know her as the founder & CEO of Grant Blvd, and now Blk Ivy, which is a Philadelphia-based secondhand store that specializes in cultural artifacts celebrating the aesthetics and work of the Civil Rights movement.

Her work has been featured by Fast Company, Inc Magazine, Essence, and has been funded by Beyonce's BeyGood Foundation. In 2022 she was a recipient of the Visa's "She's Next in Fashion Award" and the Black Enterprise "Business Disruptor of the Year" award, and ultimately, her goal is to inspire others to see the power of fashion as and for activism.

This episode was indeed inspiring – and rich with history! – and Kimberly even gave us a little preview into her latest book. I'll let her tell you the whole story. I think you're gonna love it –  so let's dive right in! 

DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:

  • [3:40] Kimberly loved the 90s style she grew up in, but got hooked on vintage through a 1960s dress found in Chicago.
  • [6:22] Her professional career started as a public school teacher, and she has always been an educator.
  • [7:28] Her social entrepreneur initiative in fashion was Grant Blvd.
  • [11:25] Learning about Black Ivy style.
  • [16:29] The rich history of Sunday best as an aesthetic of the Civil Rights movement.
  • [22:50] A lot of research went into telling the story of the clothing sold in Blk Ivy.
  • [25:07] How the space at Blk Ivy Thrift is used for present day social justice work. 
  • [27:04] Kimberly's book, Build It Boldly 

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

Pre-Loved Podcast with Emily Stochl
Podcast Episodes