Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Gilham.
Lisa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My love for thrifting comes from my mother, we would always go thrifting and be rummaging through clothes and items.Honestly, I hated it, I did not like going to this store with stuff everywhere but my Mom loved it and I loved spending time with her. Don’t get me wrong, I also hated department stores and still do. Being the youngest growing up, I always wore hand me downs, it was a norm for me. I actually used to be super excited to wear my older sister’s clothes because I thought she was so fly. Only problem was my sister and I are seven years apart, so I always had to make it my own style. I definitely learned the lovely technique of layering so your clothes didn’t look too big.Fast forward to college, aka the brokest time of your life lol. I didn’t have anyone sending me money and due to being a collegiate athlete, having a job was almost impossible. The part time jobs I did have was just enough to survive. So that brought me back to the messy store with stuff everywhere lol. Initially it was just a few things here and there but mostly Poshmark.I found it amazing to thrift all of the items I couldn’t afford for half of the price in great condition, but taxes and shipping fees will kill you quickly. So back to the Thrift Store I went and I’ve never left. That’s when I truly fell in love with the hunt, suspense and thrill of thrifting. Then I had my son and my enthusiasm was now x10. Kids are expensive and I truly saved so much money. Compliments turned into shopping for others and that turned into a business, Thrift & Treasure. I had the bright idea to share my vision and shout it from the mountain tops, so I planned my first Pop Up Shop. The purpose of my Pop Up Shop was to give an opportunity to local small business owners to promote their businesses, primarily Thrifters. My first event, I had 12 vendors and the vibe was AMAZING, causing me to keep going. Almost one year later, I hosted my 4th Thrift and Treasure Pop Up Shop and had 30 vendors!!!! My biggest event ever was amazing! I had food, handmade jewelry, dessert, handmade soaps/creams, Thrift & Vintage Enthusiasts and more!! Due to the Pandemic, I have placed Thrift and Treasure on hold and partnered with a Non-Profit Organization Struggles to Strengths. We help families and expecting mothers in need due to hardships or being compromised and quarantined to their homes with our without the Pandemic.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has definitely not been smooth. Starting out, not many people saw my vision; therefore did not support. Initially, it slowed me down because I was wondering why my loved ones weren’t supporting and believing in me. Then I realized I had to believe in myself and make my vision a reality for them to see. My advice would be to stay true to your dream because only you can see it.
We’d love to hear more about Thrift & Treasure.
I am a Thrift Enthusiast. I love the thrill and suspense of shopping at the Thrift Store. Each day there’s something new and most likely, you won’t walk in a room with five other people with the same outfit. Thrift and Treasure specialize in Graphic T-Shirts. Graphic Tees have a nice nostalgia to them. There’s nothing like rocking a t-shirt with your favorite childhood cartoon or your favorite music group’s concert you never got a chance to go to. As a brand, I am most proud of the integrity of my business. Yes, I buy low but my prices are also kept low. This all started from needing to bargain shop and save money, so why switch it up? What sets Thrift & Treasure apart from others is the love and support that we pour back into our community. I truly believe in supporting others and knowing that we can all win. My Pop Up Shops have created so many opportunities for my participating vendors and guests just simply by presenting the space and time for networking.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Women are superheroes. We have the power to give love and undeniable support. We are resilient, nurturing and determined. I think if we encouraged and supported each other more oppose to competing, the options would be limitless. There are so many individual successful businesses but imagine if we all came together.
Contact Info:
- Email: ThriftandTreasure1@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/ThriftNTreasure
Image Credit:
@OGUncleSkip
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