Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Ebbesen Rowan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2012, my husband lost his job. My big sis took me for some retail therapy at “VV Boutique” the nickname for Value Village, a major thrift store chain in Canada {Savers in the US, we don’t have them in Houston :(}. Once I got home, I took photos wearing my thrifted finds with my existing wardrobe. My sister said, you should start a fashion blog! And so I did. That day, I decided to shop secondhand for a year and blog about it, but once the year was up, I just kept going and I will never go back to regular retail! I have learned so much about fashion and have been privileged to be a part of cool events back in Canada and now in Houston, after moving here in July 2017. I started thrifting because of the low cost, but I continue to thrift because of sustainability. Thrifting has gained incredible popularity both in Canada and the US since 2012 but the predominant choice of the everyday consumer remains fast fashion. I hope to spread the love of thrifting in Houston and help increase awareness of the devastating human and environmental cost of fast fashion. By the way, the job my husband found after that trying time is the same one that brought us here to Houston! I’m living proof that you can emerge from the most stressful challenging circumstances and find blessings you never could have imagined!
Has it been a smooth road?
My journey towards a focus on sustainable approach to everyday fashion for myself and my family has had its bumps and challenges! One of the hardest things has been saying no to my kids when they have asked for cute clothing in major stores… that, unfortunately, were fast fashion. However, with a little information, they quickly learned and now fully embrace sustainable secondhand fashion. It is their default and preference. I also had to come to terms with some of my favorite brands – I’m looking at you Anthropologie – that are so pricey they *must* be ethical fashion… except they aren’t. I am not a perfect ambassador for sustainable fashion, but I’m making good choices most of the time that works for this ‘everyday’ woman. If I can do it (as a 40 something busy mother of three), anyone can. My advice is to start with small steps – try thrifting a scarf or bag, go to a local thrift store and look in one section for starters, take a friend who’s comfortable in the thrift store… Thrifting can be, er, addictive! It is a great way to find basics and try trends! You can thrift for your whole family and your home too!
Over the past six years, I have dispelled the myths about secondhand shopping and posted plenty of tips for thrifting and a more sustainable approach to fashion. I would encourage women to read those posts and learn as much as they can, to watch The True Cost on Netflix and then to just say no to fast fashion. We truly have an opportunity to be an activist every time we make a consumer decision. I encourage women to choose wisely – and then share their thrift hauls with me! The score is sweeter once you tell someone about it!!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Spirited Thrifter story. Tell us more about the business.
Well, my official (self-appointed) title here in the US is “Texas Trophy Wife”! Up until today, as a matter of fact, I have been unable to work in the US. In Canada, I was a licensed pediatric Occupational Therapist by day and a thrift enthusiast and blogger by night! In the past, I offered thrift guiding and stylist services in Canada and enjoyed blogging about those adventures! I was fortunate to partner with Value Village several times, including organizing a citywide thrifting “shop hop”. I was featured on local morning television and in the local paper several times and enjoyed being a Canadian influencer for Fashion Revolution Week. Through my thrifting endeavors, I was recognized as one of Edmonton’s Top 100 Leaders and part of the “Good Hundred” which then led to an opportunity to be a speaker coach for Edmonton’s Youth TedX talks. I have thrifting expertise combined with my perspective and training as an Occupational Therapist which is a perfect combination for guiding the everyday woman towards more sustainable choices. This is a labor of love more than work – I truly care about people here and overseas who are affected by the global garment industry, and I care about sustainability. I am surprised by the lack of awareness of sustainable fashion in Houston, relatively speaking. Houston is the 4th biggest city in the US!!! I expected to find a robust sustainable community – from food to fashion to transportation. Instead, I get to be part of building the community which is full of promise! I’m excited!
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I have blogged several times about sustainable fashion with links in the past, for example: http://thespiritedthrifter.com/fall-fast-fashion-challenge/ and recently, on Houston Moms Blog: https://houston.citymomsblog.com/fashion-revolution-for-the-everyday-mom/ and https://houston.citymomsblog.com/how-to-host-a-clothing-swap/.
The True Cost movie on Netflix is a must-watch and should change the consumer habits of anyone who watches.
There are so many excellent accounts, bloggers, and Instagrammers who focus on sustainability – a simple hashtag search will lead you to endless options! There are also many designers and brands that offer ethical fashion and housewares options. When in doubt, one can always support local makers and designers!
A great podcast on sustainable fashion is:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sorta-awesome/id983378923?mt=2&i=1000393142607
Pricing:
- Thrifting Guide and Stylist services $25/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thespiritedthrifter.com
- Email: thespiritedthrifter@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thespiritedthrifter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thespiritedthrifter/
- Twitter: @SpiritedThriftr
- Other: https://www.pinterest.ca/ner74/thrifted/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
