When I was raised in Italy, the concept of secondhand shopping was far from trendy. Our family relocated to New York in 1984, when I was just seven years old. Given our modest financial situation, we made the most out of thrift stores. While many perceive these establishments as dirty and filled with unwanted items, to me, they are akin to treasure troves.
Fast forward to 2014, the year I got married. My spouse and I were in the process of furnishing our inaugural rented apartment. Having worked multiple jobs to put myself through college, financial constraints were a constant. The conventional homeware stores proved to be overwhelming, leading to an emotional breakdown in one such store due to the exorbitant prices. Turning to secondhand stores, I was astounded by the remarkable items people had discarded. From luxurious 3,000 sofas priced at a mere 100 to vintage candlesticks and retro dining sets from the 80s, the discoveries were endless.
My enthusiasm for secondhand shopping grew exponentially. This passion drove me to create a blog showcasing my vintage finds and aiding others in their quest for hidden gems. Among my remarkable discoveries are a rare Alexander McQueen jumpsuit from the 90s, vintage Gucci pieces, and exquisite Oscar de la Renta couture dresses. This venture serves as a creative outlet for me, offering a stark contrast to my serious and corporate HR profession. I derive joy from expressing myself through unique jewelry, clothing, and homeware. Often, I find solace in treasure hunting during my lunch breaks in secondhand stores.
August 2018 was proving to be a stroke of bad luck until a serendipitous encounter changed everything. A visit to a thrift shop in Queens culminated in a remarkable find—a set of plates adorned with a captivating painted face attributed to “Picasso.” Despite initial skepticism, expert validation confirmed the authenticity of the plates, leading to a whirlwind of emotions. The subsequent auction of these plates, initially priced at 1.99 each, resulted in an astonishing 34,000 windfall.
Investing the proceeds promptly in the stock market provided a newfound sense of financial security. Despite this unexpected windfall, my passion for secondhand shopping endures, with aspirations of discovering a Renaissance painting—a seemingly audacious goal that my past experiences have proven to be within reach. The journey of secondhand shopping exemplifies the adage that one must actively participate to reap the rewards—a mantra that culminated in my golden moment.