Not too long ago, I found myself unemployed (again), with no future jobs on the cards. It devastated me: I was emotionally damaged and mentally drained. In my opinion, the effects of unemployment are something that not many people talk about, while it is a dark reality for many in South Africa.

But innovation is often born from desperation – or however, the phrase goes – was the advice I got. So if I was getting nowhere in applying for jobs and talking to people, I needed to make my own opportunity. Welcome to the stage: Nothing New Here Thrift Shop!

If you’re unfamiliar with the term thrifting, it’s a new term for an age-old tradition of passing wearable items or accessories down to someone else. Instead of just handing it down, people pay a ridiculously low price for an item. Think of rummage or church car boot sales.

I rummaged through my and my husband’s cupboards, carefully considering if I would miss the shirt I wore once in five years or the skirt I kept until ‘I got skinnny’. Without taking a breath, I set up my IG, inquired about thrift markets, and asked friends and family to donate their old clothes.

@salaamjoghra

i love you all so much! it is all because of YOU, through HIM 😭 Alhamdulillah 💖 p.s ill be in Athlone tomorrow, come and visit my stall. i would really appreciate it 😊 #smallbusiness #thrift #foryou @lameesmeyer1

♬ Little Life – Cordelia

The nature of the media industry is to put yourself out there, speak to the right people and sell your talents as rare commodities. I used these principles to help me run my shop.

And this is what I found worked for me:

1. Be kind to your customers. Talk to them like they are human beings.
2. Do not be afraid of setting reasonable prices – but be open to negotiation.
3. Place trendy or unique items within easy eyeshot.
4. Set up your market stalls differently for each venue/crowd.
5. Advertise. Advertise. Advertise. Use free online platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp to spread the word.
6. Make friends with other stall holders/ thrift shop owners. Learn from them and be open to criticism.
7. Share your struggles and worries with someone you love: a close friend, spouse, parent or mental health expert.

Being a thrift shop owner is not a glamorous gig. It takes a lot of dedication to build a rapport with supporters. And some have been doing it for years and built entire livelihoods from it.

While my time in the thrift game has been brief. I am so utterly grateful for how it supported me and my husband during that very difficult time. Instead of losing hours writing cover letters, mindlessly applying for jobs and sifting through rejection emails: I found a new sense of purpose!

It forced me out of the (sometimes depressing) confines of home. I got to meet all kinds of people. See the joy on their faces when they find something beautiful. Through it all, I found a strong community. People who, despite me not being financially able or mentally well, still cared about me. Cheered me on and kept me motivated.

Becoming a stall owner or selling products is not for everyone. But looking beyond your comfort zone and ‘what you studied to do’ can bring about some unexpectedly wonderful things. Along with a newfound appreciation for yourself, your support system and the Almighty.

If you would like to support my thrift shop visit: https://www.yaga.co.za/zahraa-schroeder