We recently connected with Mireya Fouche and have shared our conversation below.

Mireya, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

“This is a space of intention. It’s my first time here and I can feel it.” These were the words from a warm-hearted individual who attended the launch of Monarch Luxe, our 300 SqFt eclectic luxe boutique created inside of our 4,000 Sq Ft retail store.

Monarch Thrift Shop, proudly founded and operated by women since 2015, stands out in the industry with its unique approach. Take, for instance, our latest venture, Monarch Luxe—an eclectic luxe boutique nestled right inside our main 4,000 SqFt retail space. At Monarch, we’re more than just a shop; we’re a social enterprise dedicated to providing job training opportunities for those facing barriers to employment. And it’s not just about making a difference—it’s about doing it sustainably. In 2023 alone, we processed over 50,000 pounds of waste from landfills!

But what truly sets us apart is our genuine connection to the community we serve. We understand that every individual is unique, which is why we’re all about inclusivity. Whether it’s offering a wide range of clothing sizes, accommodating different lifestyles, speaking multiple languages, or even supporting pet owners and growing families, we’re here for everyone.

And we don’t just stop there. We listen to our community—really listen. Our decisions are driven by data and feedback from the very people who walk through our doors. It’s this commitment to people, sustainability, community, and data-driven insights that makes Monarch Thrift Shop more than just a store—it’s a place where meaningful connections thrive and intentionality shines through. Come join us and experience the difference for yourself!

Mireya, 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?

I’m Mireya Fouche, and I’m all about championing equality, social justice, and the joys of motherhood. I truly believe that every single person has a unique purpose in this world. My journey has been shaped by my roots as the daughter of Mexican immigrants and my role as a dedicated mom to my Haitian-Mexican son, These experiences have filled me up with compassion, resilience, and an unstoppable drive.

I grew up in the vibrant city of Chicago, but headed out to Los Angeles for my undergrad in Apparel Manufacturing Management. It wasn’t all smooth sailing though; I faced a tough season of homelessness during my college years; tough times teach valuable lessons. I graduated, dove into the fashion industry, but soon realized that I needed more. I craved a space where I could make a real impact on my community and humanity as a whole, so I packed my bags and headed back home to Chicago.

That’s when I took a big leap of faith and founded One Heart One Soul at just 27. Inspired by my own experiences with homelessness, our non-profit uses art and community to support marginalized groups like incarcerated women, children, and homeless youth. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’ve even been recognized by the likes of Northwestern University, WBEZ, UIC, Univision, and the DuSable Museum of African American History.

These days, you’ll find me as the Co-Founder/Co-Director of Monarch Thrift Shop, where we’re not just about thrifting, but about making a real difference. We provide job training for individuals facing barriers to employment, all while working with vintage and thrifted clothes and building a strong community.

And guess what? My journey’s not done yet! I’m currently pursuing my MBA as a Baumhart Scholar at Loyola University’s Quinlan School of Business. I’m on a mission to use everything I’ve learned to shake up the status quo and find sustainable solutions to the big issues we face.

With my unique perspective as a young Latina professional and a proud working mom, I’m here to cheer on anyone facing life’s challenges. Together, let’s make some magic happen!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most significant lessons I’ve been working on unlearning is the belief that I have to do everything myself. It’s a mindset deeply rooted in trauma and survival, where I felt like I had to handle every aspect of my life single-handedly. But as I began to unravel the origins of this mindset, I realized it was leaving me feeling drained and depleted in various areas of my life.

To break free from this cycle, I had to take a step back and analyze my day-to-day activities. I looked at everything, from my personal life to work commitments to social engagements, and examined where I was spending my time and energy. One realization was that I was spending countless hours on tasks like laundry, which was taking away precious moments I could be spending with my son. So, I made the decision to outsource my laundry to a local small business, not only saving time but also supporting my community.

Similarly, in my professional life, I took a closer look at my workload and identified tasks that could be delegated to others. By doing so, I not only freed up my own time to focus on more strategic aspects of my work but also created opportunities for others to contribute and grow within the organization.

This shift in mindset has been transformative. Instead of trying to do it all, I’ve learned to prioritize my time and energy on activities that align with my values and goals, while also creating space for others to thrive. It’s been a journey of self-discovery and growth, but one that has ultimately led to greater fulfillment and balance in my life.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I have a deep love for books, seeing them as these wonderful repositories of wisdom that continue to inspire and shape us long after we’ve turned the last page. For me, it’s not just about reading business and social topics; I find immense value in exploring themes of love, imagination, and personal journeys. This broader reading palette allows me to dream big and approach leadership with a spirit of genuine love, inspired by the profound insights of authors like Bell Hooks.

“All About Love” by Bell Hooks is a book that has profoundly influenced my thinking on both personal and societal levels. In it, Hooks challenges us to redefine our understanding of love, advocating for a definition that encompasses spiritual growth for ourselves and others. This perspective has been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships and fostering growth.

In my leadership class led by Professor Michael Strautmanis, two books stood out as required reading: “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek and “Mindfulness” by Ellen J. Langer. Sinek’s work explores the concept of purpose-driven leadership, urging us to start with our core motivations and values. Langer’s book delves into mindfulness and its transformative power, highlighting the benefits it brings to both individuals and organizations.

“Why We Buy” by Paco Underhill, while perhaps dated in some respects, still holds invaluable insights into consumer psychology. Each time I revisit this book, I discover new ideas that can be implemented to enhance customer interactions and drive bottom-line growth.

“Take Care of Your People” by Paul Sarvadi is a gift that emphasizes the fundamental truth that a business is only as strong as its people. This reminder of the importance of nurturing and supporting our teams resonates deeply with me and informs my approach to leadership.

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho holds a special place in my heart as my ultimate companion through all seasons of life. Its narrative intricately weaves a captivating journey of self-discovery, drawing readers into a world where they often find themselves reflected in the protagonist’s experiences. The book’s vivid storytelling not only transports you to distant landscapes but also invites introspection, making it a timeless and cherished read.

Lastly, “From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership” by Harry M. Jansen Kraemwe Jr. offers a framework for leading with authenticity and integrity. By focusing on principles such as self-reflection, balance, true self-confidence, and genuine humility, Kraemwe’s book provides a roadmap for cultivating values-based leadership practices.

Each of these resources has played a significant role in shaping my management and entrepreneurial thinking, offering valuable insights and perspectives that continue to inform my approach to leadership.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.monarchthriftshop.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mireyaeliza_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mireya.eliz
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mireya-fouche/
• Other: https://www.1heart1soul.org/

Image Credits
Keapproth, Lukas