Small Business Spotlight: 606 Thrift Ave
Happy Small Business Saturday, Happy Holiday Season and welcome to our first Small Business Spotlight (SBS)! This will be a monthly spotlight for small women/BIPOC/LGBTQIA owned businesses, Q&A style! If anyone in our community knows of a business that should be featured (or if YOU are a business who wants to be featured) please reach out to us.
Our first ever SBS features a thrift store in Hyannis, Massachusetts - 606 Thrift Ave (@606thriftave), owned by Brandi and our Q&A was conducted by our team members Alli and Alexis.
A&A: What inspired your business?!
B: I low key always wanted a spot to showcase my years of collecting vintage clothing and to be able to have everything in one place to admire… I lost my office job and figured it was the perfect time to give a brick and mortar a shot. I saw the floor plan of my current store on Main Street and fell in love with the space and jumped in
A&A: What advice would you give to women just starting out with their own business?
B: My advice would be to get as much professional assistance as possible whether it be advice from other small business owners, small business mentors like score on cape cod, or even extensive online research and forums. No information is too much!
A&A: Was there a time you wanted to quit? What convinced you otherwise?
B: All the time, especially in the spring! Foot traffic is so slow and it gives you a lot of time to reflect. And as a perfectionist down time can really get inside your head. But usually all it takes is some really cool old clothes, or a customer to come in and say how much they love the shop and then I’m back in!
A&A: Where do you see your business in 5 years?
B: In 5 years. Hopefully still on Main Street at 606 but also having expanded in some form! Vendor markets, pop ups, etc
A&A: What do you think makes you different from other thrift stores?
B: Our shop is different for the area we’re in. As far as what I collect and sell it’s actually pretty similar to a lot of vintage lovers. I love that the shop is geared towards everyday type of wear but you can also get 1 of a kind pieces that are hard to find.
A&A: What’s the wildest or coolest item you’ve come across, did it have a story behind it?
B: I found these really cool leggings from the 80s with an Andy Warhol camo print on Craigslist and drove to Boston to buy them for $10 they are sooo rare and valuable I’ll never let them go!
A&A: If your store had a soundtrack what songs or artists would be on repeat?
B: Omg unfortunately there are too many songs to name in just one sitting! Literally you can walk in and hear prince, Fleetwood, ambrosia, frank ocean or Tupac. Just depends on the day
A&A: How do you choose which items to buy or trade? Is there a certain vibe you look for?
B: There are certain staples and items we will always grab! Vintage denim leather etc.. everything else just kind of has a feel to it. Kind of hard to explain
A&A: What advice do you have for someone who is new to thrifting and wants to find their own style?
B: I truly think everyone should try thrifting and shop second hand. There are so many cool quality made items out there and most of it you’ve probably never seen or knew it existed . My rules for thrifting are don’t pay attention to anything!! Grab whatever you like: no gender specific, sizes, fabric, or print can keep me away from something that really speaks to me
