We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sami Head. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sami below.

Sami, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Sandhill Goods is the definition of a passion project for me. Since 2021, our mission has been to bring new life to secondhand modern and vintage clothing and home goods by rehoming them with people who value shopping slowly, intentionally, and sustainably. Beyond that, we believe deeply in holistic sustainability which puts people and planet over profit. Always.

Everything we do seeks to push forward this mission, which is why we donate 20% of profits each month to organizations that are doing critical social justice work in our community and across the United States. Some of the organizations we have supported through this effort are The Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Red Canary Song, Black Visions Collective, Women’s Medical Fund, MMIW USA, and many more.

This business and the mission behind it really sits at the intersection of all of the personal and professional roads that I have taken in my 30 years on this planet.

I graduated from the University of Florida in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sustainability Studies. During my undergraduate career, my love of the environment and of being a self-described “hippie,” quickly turned into a curiosity of how humans interact with sustainable living and solutions. I worked for multiple nonprofits working towards affordable housing solutions, local food systems, conservation practices, etc.

I then earned my MSW from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and began working as a school social worker in public schools in Madison, WI. During my first year on the job, I was supporting students and their families during the global COVID-19 pandemic as well as in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, which brought new meaning to humanity at the center of sustainability.

Sandhill Goods was born during this time as a way for me to bring my passion for sustainability as well as social justice — two ideas that are deeply critical for one another to exist — together. Ultimately, I want to build community, both physically and ideologically, in order to create holistic, sustainable solutions that stay true to the idea that no thing, and no one, are disposable.

Sami, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Sandhill Goods is the definition of a passion project for me. Since 2021, our mission has been to bring new life to secondhand modern and vintage clothing and home goods by rehoming them with people who value shopping slowly, intentionally, and sustainably. Beyond that, we believe deeply in holistic sustainability which puts people and planet over profit. Always.

Everything we do seeks to push forward this mission, which is why we donate 20% of profits each month to organizations that are doing critical social justice work in our community and across the United States. Some of the organizations we have supported through this effort are The Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Red Canary Song, Black Visions Collective, Women’s Medical Fund, MMIW USA, and many more.

This business and the mission behind it really sits at the intersection of all of the personal and professional roads that I have taken in my 30 years on this planet.

I graduated from the University of Florida in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sustainability Studies. During my undergraduate career, my love of the environment and of being a self-described “hippie,” quickly turned into a curiosity of how humans interact with sustainable living and solutions. I worked for multiple nonprofits working towards affordable housing solutions, local food systems, conservation practices, etc.

I then earned my MSW from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and began working as a school social worker in public schools in Madison, WI. During my first year on the job, I was supporting students and their families during the global COVID-19 pandemic as well as in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, which brought new meaning to humanity at the center of sustainability.

Sandhill Goods was born during this time as a way for me to bring my passion for sustainability as well as social justice — two ideas that are deeply critical for one another to exist — together. Ultimately, I want to build community, both physically and ideologically, in order to create holistic, sustainable solutions that stay true to the idea that no thing, and no one, are disposable.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

As any true millennial, social media is the main and most effective way I keep in touch with my customers. This may seem like a no-brainer but I’ve quickly learned that your social media following does not necessarily equate to sales. For me, it’s been more important to stay true to my brand’s voice, values, and mission, which, in my opinion, brings more loyal followers in the long run than trying to be like everyone else on social media.

I really think that people want to see authenticity these days, even from businesses! They want to know that there are real humans behind the brand — people who truly believe in what they’re doing and are passionate about what they put out into the world. Especially in the time of AI, it’s important to have an authentic, human voice in every single thing you put on social media. It makes such a difference!

I’ve really had to be okay with losing followers who do not hold the same values and realize that our mission is bigger than just selling secondhand clothing — it’s about changing and unlearning a whole list of harmful habits and mindsets that impact sustainability at large. However, those who see the value in what my business brings to the table and how I position myself within the secondhand and vintage space often become my repeat customers.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As vintage and secondhand selling becomes more popular and trendy, there seems to be a lot of gatekeeping and secrecy amongst shop owners. However, the reality is that there is WAY too much clothing in the world and we can all have very successful businesses. I’ve worked hard to unlearn the idea that people who are considered “competition” in my industry cannot be part of my community.

I have loved building strong relationships with people who would be considered my “competition.” These are often the only people who know exactly what I go through as a small business owner in a very unique industry. We can exchange both success and horror stories; give one another ideas for how to adjust to increasing costs and other changes in the field; and support and encourage one another during hard times. I’m lucky to be able to call my “competition” some of my best friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopsandhill.com
• Instagram: @shopsandhill
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsandhill

Image Credits

Sydney Ross, Sydney Ross Photography
Candace Dolan, Candace Dolan Photography