In recent years, thrifting has been on the rise and shows no signs of stopping. While some people thrift simply because it is more affordable and eco-friendly than buying new clothes, others have decided to take it to the next step with a process called up-cycling. Kristina Amato saw her opportunity and took it once Covid took away her previous job. She now runs her own small business where she up-cycles thrifted clothes to match current trends while staying relatively affordable. She also has great advice for those looking to possibly start their own businesses one day.
Her Campus (HC): What is your name? Year? Major(s)?
Kristina Amato (KA): My name is Kristina Amato. I am a senior majoring in Business Marketing!
HC: How/why did you decide to start up Thriftedbytina?
KA: I started Thrifted by Tina because I recently lost my job due to COVID-19 and wanted to find a way to make money while doing something I love and while working mostly from home.
HC: What is your process for upcycling the clothes you sell?
KA: I normally start with cropping or distressing the clothing to give it a new look then I decide whether or not to bleach it with different designs to give it a revamped/trendy look.
HC: What kind of progress/growth have you seen since starting your business?
KA: I am feeling super grateful to have reached over 1,000 followers in my first two weeks of starting my business and have sold over 90% of my inventory so far!
HC: What kind of methods did you use or do you plan to use to grow your business on Instagram?
KA: I used some methods that I learned from my Social Media Marketing class that I am currently taking. I started with creating my brand aesthetic. I am a lover of neutral colors and simple designs, so I created my brand and Instagram feed to look like that style. Posting engaging content helped keep new followers interested in my business and gave me information on what they want to see more of.
HC: Do you think you will continue with a career in fashion/retail? Why or why not?
KA: Throughout my college experience, I still never really knew what I wanted to do for a career. With that said, I knew I didn’t want to work in an office from 9-5 every day, so I had to find something that I could do remotely from home. Online retailing is something I recently gained a new interest in from shopping online in quarantine and now that I have started my own business, it is something that I am interested in continuing!
KA: My future goals for Thrifted by Tina is to continue to grow my brand and make it into something I can hopefully turn into my dream career!
HC: Do you have any advice for people hoping to start up their own businesses?
KA: I would simply say, just go for it! Don’t be afraid of failing. I had been thinking about doing an online business since I lost my job over the summer and I just had to get over the fear of failing and just do it! Don’t get discouraged if you aren’t seeing growth in the beginning. When you put in the proper work and dedication, results will come, and it is truly the most rewarding feeling!
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Youtube and Pinterest!