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

Hi Jordan, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I will always credit my pursuit of art to not only my parents, but my whole family. I don’t think I can properly articulate just how grateful I am to have grown up around people where I was not only encouraged to explore my hobbies and interests, but constantly taught new things by them.

My grandma taught my mom how to sew and thrift, and when I got old enough, my mom taught me. I grew up watching my dad tinker around in a makeshift workroom in the basement. My older brother would drive me to pick up free items on Craigslist when I saw potential in them. My little brother would always begrudgingly accompany me on my spontaneous Facebook Marketplace trips and help me carry anything that was too heavy for me to move myself. My aunts, grandma, and cousins were constantly sharing fabric scraps or hand-me-downs for me to experiment with.

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 grew up thrifting so secondhand items have always been my primary canvas. Even now at 26 I’ll still head to a thrift store whenever I have an idea. I try to practice an artistic philosophy of creative sustainability – I love seeing the potential in things that already exist. I dumpster dive, go to estate sales, thrift, use Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist, anything you can think of. That’s probably what I’m most proud of – not that I’ve hopped into a dumpster to rescue a table or two – but that I’m making even a tiny impact by diverting unnecessary waste.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

If you hadn’t guessed by my description of my family, I’ve been making things for as long as I can remember. I never considered my hobbies to be that interesting because it was so normal to me. I started posting some of my clothing alterations on Instagram & Twitter when I was in high school after I realized that sewing was, in fact, not a typical hobby for a 15 year old. I did that off & on throughout college but nothing really happened until I graduated college and got my first job.

I was working as a stylist & merch designer for a YouTuber and that was my first real introduction to social media. I learned a lot at that job, but I also met one of my best friends – Allie Bennett. She’s now a full time influencer, but I remember sitting in my living room on the couch with her when she hit 10,000 followers on TikTok. Watching her skyrocket into who she is today has not only been a privilege to watch, but a massive learning opportunity. She taught me how to edit videos & encouraged me to post on social media. If I had never met her, I very likely would not have posted on TikTok and therefore not be sitting here typing this out. She’s one of those people you meet and a few years later realize life would never be the same without them.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was asked to participate in my very first market in 2023. It was a total shock to me – I had never really sold any of my work. I would give it to friends, make it as gifts, and sometimes just redonate it to a thrift store once I was finished and satisfied that I’d given a piece new life.

Getting into the DC market circuit has been a huge blessing. I’ve met so many incredible people, made so many friends, and been to venues and places I’d never even heard of. With every market I learn something new – even when it’s hard to swallow. It’s hard to churn out inventory when I make everything by hand outside of working hours. I’m learning my limit when it comes to making things and still enjoying making them. I’m always nervous about towing the line between art being a lifelong passion & outlet of mine and wanting to get my name out there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/thriftstorejor
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriftstorejor
• Other: PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/thriftstorejor
  TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thriftstorejor