Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Taneaka. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Taneaka, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project for me is any opportunity I get to share Skeletons In My Closet with people whether it be via social media or in person events. When someone recognizes me by my brand it really is an indescribable feeling because I know we’ve connected in some way and the encounter left a lasting impression. Those types of experiences are the most meaningful to me.

For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, how you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc, what type of products/services/creative works you provide, what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others. What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.

My name is Taneaka and I am from Bridgeport, CT. I lived in DC for about 8 years but recently relocated back home. I have been thrifting for as long as I can remember even when it wasn’t “cool”. In 2013 there was a big snowstorm called Nemo, we were stuck in the house for almost a week, as I was looking around my room one day I realized I still had stuff that exes had bought me. I started listing those things on Instagram and thus Skeletons In My Closet was born. I took my love for thrifting and getting rid of things to a new level and created a brand. As the Thrift Therapist of Skeletons In My Closet I curate experiences for my clients offering modern and vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home decor. I help many of my clientele discover new things about themselves such as color looks good on everyone, it’s not the number size that matters but how does it fit and how does it make you feel and that vintage does not have to be expensive. I think what sets me apart from others is that Skeletons In My Closet has truly developed organically and I stay in my own lane. I’ll admit I’m not posting daily, I’m not creating tons of reels, hell I don’t even have a website but when I do show up baby I SHOW UP! You will get me, authentically and you’re going to leave feeling better and with some bomb ass pieces. And that is what I’m most proud of.

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

Well we all know when the plandemic hit businesses across the board were affected, small businesses especially. For Skeletons In My Closet I was used to hosting pop up shops, personal shopping for my clients, in person meet ups, etc. But 2020 shut it all down and I had to pivot. Moment of honesty, I’m a little shy when it comes to being in front of the camera but I started doing live sales on Instagram and it was such a success! I’m so happy I got over myself and just did it! It was a great way to stay connected to my customers and also gain new ones.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of my life’s mottos is “quality over quantity” and I quickly applied that to thrifting. When I first started out sourcing for Skeletons In My Closet I was checking out with overflowing carts. But I became more intentional about thrift trips and now I may walk out of the thrift store with a handful of items or nothing at all and I am totally ok with that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: skeletons_inmycloset
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inmyskeletonscloset

Image Credits
Ciara Walker (@paparazci)
Alecia Renece Photo (@aleciarenecephoto)