“My feet were excruciating from standing for 6 hours before this bin came out. As the bin came out, I noticed the texture and color of a Carhartt jacket. I moved where the bin would stop and grabbed it right away when I was able to. It was a Detroit jacket, a pretty expensive jacket. I walked away with pure pleasure. When I noticed another jacket, I leaped into the bin, grabbing the teal-colored Chore-Carhartt jacket. I was on two. Right when I thought I was done, this guy gave us one more faded black hooded Carhartt jacket,” said Wyatt Kreple.

   The Goodwill bandits Brylan McConnell and Wyatt Kreple’s favorite scents happen to be antiques, old tee shirts, and a hint of mustiness. These two are some of the biggest vintage enthusiasts in town, and despite thrifting through all of the mildly stained and raggedy clothing, they found not only an enjoyable hobby but, better yet, a business.

   Across an abundance of social media platforms, especially TikTok and Instagram, fashion in general is HUGE. People realize that clothing isn’t just something to wear, but a way of expressing and showing interest. Kreple and McConnell have found an appreciation for vintage clothing because it comes with a story and each piece has its history.

   Kreple and McConnell started off admiring thrifting as a fun hobby and a way to get some pieces for themselves, getting inspired through TikTok, but quickly realized they could turn it into a business with such a high demand for vintage. “People are willing to pay more for vintage because usually older stuff is better quality and looks a lot better than some newer clothing, along with the history and nostalgic feeling that comes with it,” said McConnell.

   McConnell and Kreple take trips to thrift stores anywhere from two to six times a week. “We have to go often because there are always new rotations of clothing, and you never know what you may come across,” said Kreple, “The top things to keep on a lookout for is the stitching and tags because it is a major indicator of a piece’s time period and history, but sought-after brands such as Carhartt, Dickies, and Nike are the biggest sellers.”

   “Since I don’t have a job in the winter and I enjoy thrifting, it’s a win for me because I make money while doing it,” McConnell said.

   The use of third-party apps has become a big factor within the reselling business, with some of the major ones being Depop, Grailed, and Poshmark. These are primarily used by clothing enthusiasts and are one of the major ways McConnell and Kreple sell their clothes, but unfortunately, these come with selling fees, “My preferred way to sell is definitely in person,” Kreple said, “There´s no selling fees taken out and it also builds customer relationships that will keep the buyer coming back and shopping with you often.”

   “One of my biggest come-ups throughout my time reselling was a Vintage MSU hoodie that I bought for less than $5 at the Goodwill bins that I later sold the next day for $80 in person, and since then I have sold to that customer multiple times,” said McConnell.

   ¨It’s hard getting into a type of reselling like this because it’s hard to know what to look for and what things have actual value compared to what doesn’t but is well worth it and opens up a whole new perspective on what clothing is,” Kreple said, “It also helps us build entrepreneurship skills and relationships with others that could definitely help us in the future and maybe it could open up an opportunity for us.”

   Brylan and Wyatt show that there is opportunity in things that you love doing, it just takes hard work and dedication whether it’s some sort of reselling, cooking, or even a friendship bracelet business if you just step your foot in the door and try to turn it into something bigger you may be surprised with what you may accomplish.