The Beginning of My Journey
My Reselling Journey: From New Mom to Full-Time Entrepreneur
When I was a young newlywed and had just welcomed a new baby into our lives, things were tight financially. Like many new parents, I wanted to provide the best for my child, but our budget was stretched thin. Buying brand-new clothes for my baby and myself was a luxury we couldn't afford. That's when I discovered the world of reselling, a journey that began out of necessity and blossomed into a full-time career.
The Early Days: Finding My Passion on Facebook
It all started in 2009, on a humble Facebook group. I was searching for affordable clothes and stumbled upon a community of moms buying and selling gently used items. The concept intrigued me. Not only could I find adorable outfits for my baby at a fraction of the cost, but I could also sell the clothes my little one had outgrown.
It wasnt until 2017 when I began by selling my own gently used items on platforms such as Ebay and Poshamark, that I quickly learned the ins and outs of taking good photos, writing detailed descriptions, and communicating with buyers. The thrill of making a sale and seeing my items find new homes was exhilarating. It wasn't long before I realized that I had a knack for this and decided to expand my inventory by sourcing clothes from thrift stores, garage sales, and clearance racks. Brands that I thought I could never afford, I could actually have in my closet now!
Turning a Hobby into a Business
What started as a way to stretch our budget soon became a passion. I loved the hunt for unique, high-quality pieces and the joy of giving these items a second life. The more I sold, the more I learned about branding, marketing, and the importance of curating a collection that resonated with my target audience. At first, It was just about selling things that I loved to sell items that others loved. I soon learned that my true passion was with collecting pieces that are unique and are hard to find that fits the cottagecore/ boho style.
As my confidence grew, so did my customer base. I began to see this as more than just a side hustle; it was an opportunity to create a sustainable business. I invested time in building an online presence, first on Facebook and then branching out to other platforms like Instagram and a dedicated website. I started offering styling tips, sharing my journey, and connecting with like-minded women who valued sustainability and style. My first brand that I fell in love with was Lululemon. I learned that there were collectors around the world that would pay hundreds of dollars for USED shorts and leggings. It was incredible to see the passion that the collectors had. Soon Lululemon collecting was shot down and had to move to a different brand! So I went back to what I loved the most….cottagecore and found LoveShackFancy.
The Transition to Full-Time Reselling
The decision to go full-time with my reselling business wasn't easy, but it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It allowed me to be home with my children while also contributing financially to our family. I learned to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship, managing my time efficiently and setting goals for growth. When I decided to homeschool my 3 children, it got even more difficult. Time management was even more important.
Today, my reselling business has become more than just a source of income; it's a passion that aligns with my values of sustainability and conscious consumerism. It also allowed me to teach my kids about, time managment, adaptability, problem-solving, negotiation and communication. I've expanded to include not only clothing but also accessories and home goods, all curated with care and attention to quality.
Reflections and Future Plans
Looking back, I'm grateful for those early days of being a new mom with limited resources. It forced me to think creatively and take risks, leading me to a career I truly love. My journey from selling on Facebook to running a full-time reselling business has been filled with challenges and triumphs, each one teaching me valuable lessons about resilience, creativity, and the importance of community.
Reselling and cottagecore sustainability are not just passions for me; they are a way of life. I love the thrill of finding unique, sustainable pieces and sharing them with others, all while promoting a lifestyle that values simplicity, nature, and mindfulness. It's incredibly fulfilling to see how reselling can make a positive impact, both environmentally and personally. I've had the privilege of teaching several ladies how to start their own reselling journeys, helping them discover the joy and potential of this business. Watching them grow and succeed has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my own journey.
As I continue to grow my business, I'm excited to explore new avenues, such as offering consignment services for my readers and expanding my sustainable collection. My goal is to inspire others to embrace second-hand shopping and see the beauty in pre-loved items.
Thank you for being a part of my journey. Whether you're a fellow reseller, a conscious consumer, or someone just starting on their own path, I hope my story encourages you to pursue your passions and find joy in the journey.
Brooke
Hello Gorgeous Threads 🩷
