We recently connected with Dominique Kirven and have shared our conversation below.

Dominique, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

At some point in your life you take a risk right? I know for me taking risk seem the only way to go. I always hear the saying no risk no reward. I defiantly believe in that saying because my life is a true testimony of that reward. I want start off with my idea of really working for myself FULL-TIME!!!! It was the biggest risk I took during the pandemic. I was so comfortable having my 9-5 until I was let go and forced to take the biggest risk on myself and sell vintage full time.

Although I was already doing pop-ups and selling on my social platforms for me to scale my potential business I had a opportunity to open up my own brick & mortar during one of the roughest time in the world. I took to risk to open up my own sustainable business in collaboration with my amazing friend Caitlan and it was the best idea and RISK I ever took. It turned out to be the best year in life. Making connections and building a community with our shop which was such a delightful surprise.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I started thrifting when I about 12 years old with my Aunt and grandmother, we would look for garage sales in the newspaper and actually go hunting for treasures and even clothes for my upcoming school year. (which was frown upon when I was growing up). As I was thinking over my life at the age of 25. I asked myself…what do I truly desire? What brings me unconditionally joy? Instantly my memories went to when I was a little girl searching for used gems. AS an adult my life consists of me thrifting for pretty much everything, clothes, shoes , décor and even furniture. I developed a lifestyle by thrifting. I started o volunteer at local non-profits which helped me accumulate more thrift items to the point that I had to get a storage. I would style my friends and even artists because I had so much product. That’s how i started and build my community and brand now business.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met my co-founder Caitlan in her bus that she was traveling in and selling stellar makers on as well. I started selling my thrifted items on her bus and we clicked right away. Fast forward 3 years later of friendship we decided to take the biggest risk but ultimately the biggest reward was the success of our brick and mortar. Honestly the rest is history.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Honestly the two biggest influences were word of mouth. Giving our clients an amazing experience, which was how we caught momentum. However the future and present is technology and how it really improved our business and expanded who can see us as well. Facebook, Instagram and TIKTOK has for sure played a role in making our reputation more authentic and genuine.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriftedfeels/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thriftedfeels
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/WdJHaWNU-A0

Image Credits
Kierra Dotson @visualsbykierra Maria Rodriguez @fairytailsmoments