Tell me about your job.
My work for Crybaby.Thrift entails designing new products, creating content, producing new stock and doing all the online and digital marketing and artwork. I also handle the day-to-day jobs such as responding to customers, packaging and sending parcels, and the social media advertising and engagements.
I also source and make all my products and do extensive research on their ethics and sustainability.
My work for Picnic & Thrift entails managing the market and handling a lot of admin, including calls in the middle of the night from vendors seeking a spot to sell, overseeing the event on the day with my co-host, and handling problems or discussions regarding customers, vendors or the venues and facilities we hire.
How did you end up running an online thrift store?
I have been selling clothing and jewellery online on Facebook since about 2014, but in 2018 I embraced the world of online thrifting and reselling and opened Crybaby.Thrift on Instagram.
At the time this was the easiest platform for me to use, and it has been so helpful in allowing me to find my feet as an entrepreneur.
Tell me about Picnic & Thrift.
Picnic & Thrift (P&T) is a market for entrepreneurs and small businesses, though also a platform for creation and development. It is a community of like-minded individuals who are interested in sociocontemporary causes and advocacy, fashion trends and supporting local businesses.
Most of our attendees and stall owners are creatives from the broader Joburg creative industry; we have fashion design students, media students and small business owners who are trying to make a living while perfecting and experimenting in a safe space.
Picnic & Thrift works because of a broad sense of community and the active participation and buy-in from vendors willing to explore their business practices within the Picnic & Thrift framework and community.
I am biased, but Picnic & Thrift creates an environment that is safe for all those wanting to explore their ideas, selves and practices.
What makes you good at what you do?
My personal and business experiences, developed intuition and discernment have made me good at what I do now. However, what has helped me get to where I am is my ability to engage, question and connect with people. It has made working through procedures and with clients and customers much easier.
What would people find surprising about your work?
A lot of what I do is rooted in common sense; looking at what works, what doesn't and finding solutions to prevent future risks or problems.
What mistake at work taught you an important lesson?
A big mistake that I have turned into a lesson is to be careful of the information you share as well as to use my discernment when it comes to working with others.
A level of privacy in business practice is important, especially when you are providing platforms to individuals to express themselves and labelling these spaces as safe.
I have made the mistake of giving the benefit of the doubt to individuals who were not deserving and had bad intentions with my businesses and platform.
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