Thrift Core

Vanessa “Van” Alvarado, the amazing woman who runs Thrift Core, has become one of my personal inspirations, though we’ve never met. I’ve lost track of all that she does; at my last count, she writes and tweets daily, runs an antique booth, gardens, creates and sells original art and craft items, makes websites, writes nationally-published copy and collects robots. She’s a wonder of creativity and generosity, and I can’t speak more highly of her or her site. She also has just launched an online store of her finds, which I urge you to check out. Van took a few minutes outside of her whirlwind schedule to answer a few questions so that we can all get to know her better:

When did you begin your site, and what made you decide to take the leap and do it?

I started copywriting/webmarketing professionally 3 years ago and initially started ‘Thrift Core” as a way for me to write online with my own voice, it was an outlet from work writing. I chose “Thrift” as the subject because I’ve always loved thrifting! Thrift Core wasn’t a big leap for me because I’m constantly making websites, but it’s evolved into the project where my heart is.

What’s your “swing for the fences” dream in relation to your site?

I’d love to make a living through a combination of advertising on Thrift Core, freelance web marketing consulting for artists and crafters, freelance writing related to art and thrifting, my antique store booth, and online shops that resell vintage items and different art lines I create! I’m being realistic by dreaming of multiple revenue sources, that and I like work to be varied!

What are some of the more significant changes to the second-hand/repurposing field you’ve seen in the past two years?

Social Networking will continue to be vital for online reselling. Interact (genuinely, not cheaply) in as many social networks as possible, and you’re sales and career will take off. It’s exciting, exhilarating, and exhausting!

What are some of your favorite finds/projects?

I feel guilty for keeping it, but my winking owl is a favorite find because it’s so perfectly aligned with my drawing aesthetic. So many people are trying to buy it from me! The biggest hit of my thrift hauls is my gorgeous mid century modern hutch that I found for a mere $15 at a yard sale.

How does your readership affect your content?

I’m sensitive to my reader’s needs. They help me write content that’s honest, informative, fun, and inspiring. I continue to evolve and find my voice, but having attentive readers keeps me from being lazy while I do this, I strive to make each post provide something of real value for whoever reads it. My readership affects my content by keeping me on my toes and producing the best quality work I can.

Why are subscribers, “likes,” comments and other social media follows important?

For Community: Writing without inspiring subscribers, likes, comments, and social media follows is like shouting into the vacuum of space. Writing is meant to be read, and when we write online we write to engage in a community. We share, and we take in what others have to offer. For Sales: The more you interact in social media and receive comments, followers, likes, and subscribers, the more people that will potentially purchase from your online stores if you’re a reseller, artist, or crafter.

What’s something fun/interesting about you that people may not know?

I’m extremely quirky! The biggest influences in everything I design and maybe even everything I do are cartoons and comic books. Also, I’ve been making websites for 14 years (I was 11 years old when I started)!