We recently connected with Claudia Paksi and have shared our conversation below.

Claudia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

Looking back, I wish I had initiated my business, thriftswithclaud, much earlier. I launched it during the summer before my first year of college. Initially, my plan was to be a full-time student without a job, focusing entirely on my studies. However, it proved challenging to find employment that accommodated my school schedule, prompting the realization that I needed income to support my education.

Given my passion for thrifting, I began contemplating the idea of creating my own business, envisioning the flexibility it would offer to tailor my work hours around my demanding academic life. Taking to Instagram, I established an account and connected with a community of fellow thrift enthusiasts. The encouragement from other small business owners on Instagram played a crucial role in propelling my account to success.

I derive immune satisfaction from discovering unique clothing items and contributing to the second-hand clothing industry. The joy I experience is magnified by the opportunity to share this passion with others. If I had the chance to revisit the past, I would embark on this journey back in high school. This business not only sustains me financially but has also allowed me to develop meaningful relationships with a community of fellow small business owners.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My business, thriftswithclaud, specializes in sourcing both unique and trending clothing pieces exclusively through second-hand shopping. I devote my time to exploring various thrift stores in search of pieces to acquire, aiming to give them a new home where they will be cherished and utilized. On average, a staggering 11.3 million textile pieces end up in landfills annually in the United States alone. Through my business, I aspire to contribute to recycling these pieces rather than discarding them after a brief period of use.

All inventory is showcased and sold through the Instagram app. I have also expanded to using app-selling platforms like Mercari, Depop, Vinted, Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark for those who do use Instagram. I meticulously post detailed photos of each item, accompanied with descriptive descriptions, and offer them up for sale. This approach allows for anyone to purchase the items, resulting in over 800+ packages shipped across the United States and internationally. I aspire to continue expanding my business, contributing to the reduction of clothing waste in landfills while fostering a sustainable approach to fashion.

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

I maintain communication with my clients by urging them to reach out once they’ve received their package, creating an opportunity for any questions they may have. Additionally, with each purchase, I include a thank you note and sticker to convey my appreciation for their support. I actively encourage customers to share items they are seeking, which enables me to assist them by scouring local thrift stores to help fulfill their dream finds. Periodically, I conduct surveys on my Instagram story to stay attuned to my customers’ current preferences and desires. These practices contribute significantly to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The most effective avenue for acquiring new clients for my business has been through word of mouth initiated by satisfied customers. I actively encourage my clients to share their experiences by posting on their Instagram stories or informing their family and friends about their positive interactions with my products. In gratitude for their efforts, I extend a small discount on their future purchase. Additionally, I engage in collaborative giveaways with fellow small business owners. This not only serves as a gesture of appreciation for our loyal supporters but also acts as a means to reach and connect with new customers.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thriftswithclaud
• Other: Vinted: https://www.vinted.com/member/82444952-claudiapaksi1 Depop: https://www.depop.com/claudiapaksi/ Poshmark: https://poshmark.com/closet/claudiapaksi?utm_source&utm_content=ext_trk%3Dbranch%26feature%3Dsh_cl_ss_ios%26campaign%3Dshare_content_user.default.013%26rfuid%3Dext1%3A1cfe4981-cea1-40aa-8c02-f20b3ab84d68&br_t=true&_branch_match_id=1257749438971415156&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXL8gvztDLzdYvzQ%2B1LIrMSUotTgIAe%2FYxyRsAAAA%3D Mercari: https://www.mercari.com/u/194820148/