Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Grimes.
Alexandria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I honestly never can get tired of telling this story because it always inspires someone. The Thrift Jesus was kind of the rose that grew from concrete.
Many would look at it and see it as an overnight success, but that’s because they weren’t there for the many sleepless nights and sacrifices that led it here. I currently go by the nickname Thrift which was given to me by my clients and friends who knew my passion for vintage clothing and flipping them into high fashion editorial styles.
I began my company in March 2017 as a small online resale shop. I had no more than 60 items posted at a time, and really my styling of those items is what led to the growth. I began booking styling gigs throughout Atlanta, and it gained the attention of platforms such as IHeart Radio, Hoodrich Radio, and celebrities such as Deelishis, Chris Sails, and others.
We are now three months away from our two year anniversary, and I have been blessed to link with ARTlanta headed by Tyree Smith and will be opening our first location at Stained Gallery in Fort Mcpherson! Before this dream come true, I was totally hot-headed and could not keep a job to save my life. I knew that I was destined for greatness, but after seeing the ugly side of the music industry, I quit singing and decided to invest my time into school.
I went back after having my son and felt it would help me get things on track financially and gain independence. I studied aesthetics a whole year and ended up not even passing the state board for my license due to my lack of interest. I realized the entire time during school my heart was in The Thrift Jesus more. I was obsessed with updating my Instagram and my website so much that it distracted me from school at times.
Once I graduated, I made the decision to fully invest into my brand, and at first, I felt guilty for never moving forward as an esthetician. Please know everything happens for a reason! Those minor setbacks mold you and give you a unique glow to shine on the doubters.
Now I am happy I followed my heart and intuition. There is so much ahead for The Thrift Jesus now, and I pray you all to continue on this journey with me as I grow. Thanks for reading!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I had so many struggles it’s ridiculous — failing classes, multiple car accidents, homeless a month, dreams larger than my bank account, depression. Lack of motivation.balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, little support from the people around me, geesh I could go on forever. BUT what’s for me is for me. Nobody or nothing can stop that.
Please tell us about The Thrift Jesus.
I pride myself on connection with my clients. I am easily accessible, unlike most owners. My brand is also inclusive.
I respect and value all backgrounds and feel like if we all were more open-minded and empathetic, we could learn a lot from people we would least expect.
In summary, I choose to be a good human being and a free spirit. I don’t want to be punked into one lane. I specialize in dramatic good quality items that are rare.
I cater to the percentage of people proud to be extra and understand looking amazing is an investment.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would not have listened to others about MY dream or vision. I would not waste years dating nobodies and put that energy towards my own self-growth. I would have taken my son with me to more sets while styling clients. Also, I would have traveled more and stressed less.
Pricing:
- On Set Styling $100 an hour includes three looks to choose from
- Panic Package (Personal Shopping Drop Off Service) $200 plus your budget
- Meet and Greet Package (Personal Shopping With Me 2 hours) $300 plus your budget
- Image Consulting (Via Face Time) $60 (Via In Person) $120 includes Custom Vision Board
Contact Info:
- Address: 1719 Sayers Street Atlanta, GA 30319
- Website: www.TheThriftJesus.com
- Email: thethriftjesus1@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thethriftjesus
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thethriftjesus
- Other: www.patreon.com/thethriftjesus
Image Credit:
Photographers: Khadeejah Johnson, Chad Lawson, Arahman Jones, J. Kaviar
Models: Lashae Monique, Mya Stafford, B.K. Daniels, Stephany, Gabrielle Nicole
MUA: Montana Campbell, Darien Isaac
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
