Finding Your Good

Andrea, Erika, Jen, and Renata can decorate a room using thrift finds with their eyes closed. Tune in to learn some handy tips and tricks for styling and staging your home with quality and one-of-a-kind Goodwill gems. Goodbye, fast furniture! Hello to designing a home with preloved pieces that will last.    

We're talking about the thrift do's and the don'ts! Expert thrifters from across the nation, Bryce, Mary, and Tandra, share thoughts on what you SHOULD NOT do when thrifting. They also reveal the shopping etiquette that everyone should know. Don't be one of those people that they describe.

Sasha Plotitsa, Founder and CEO of Formr, shares how he launched a booming business that transforms construction debris, and the lives of those who were formerly incarcerated, one beautiful piece of furniture at a time.

Can you imagine living in a van and solo traveling across the United States while upcycling thrifted clothing to make a living? Live vicariously through Luna Ward as she shares how she packed up all of her bags to embark on a journey of a lifetime.

Thrift experts, Courtney, Tess, Temica, and Stan, continue revealing their ultimate secrets for scoring the best home décor items, plus-size fashions, vintage gems, and designer men's suits at Goodwill. The group touches on alarming furniture waste statistics, easy thrift flips, vintage identification, and luxury brands at a Florida Goodwill.  

This podcast episode will become your favorite DIY sewing partner! In this episode, professional seamstress and wardrobe stylist Chris Cooper, and self-taught tailor Tyrēk Cheeseboro, reveal their go-to clothing hacks for those who don't know how to sew.

Home Décor, Plus-Size, Vintage, Rock & Roll, and Men's Fashion. What do these subjects have in common? We're talking about finding THE BEST of them at Goodwill during this two-part conversation. Thrift extraordinaires from across the country, Courtney, Tess, Temica, and Stan, join us to provide the down-low on thrifting treasures according to their areas of expertise.

Will secondhand stores ever run out of inventory? With the popularity of thrifting growing, will there be enough clothing to go around? Sarah Fraser interviews Hailey, Ugochi, and March about their predictions for the future of thrifting and how the image of all-things-preloved has quickly evolved over the past few years.

We can't keep these secrets to ourselves. Three Goodwill Team Members from different states are spilling all of the beans on some of the best thrifting tips they've learned both as shoppers and current employees. Take notes so that you can shop smarter during your next store visit.

Things don't fit. What you saw on the phone screen isn't what you actually bought. Shopping online is easier than ever before, but it's easy to fall into the seemingly never-ending cycle of buying and returning. Two thrift experts, Mycroft and Rah'tah, share their secrets on how to thrift online for one-of-a-kind items that exceed expectations.

You dropped off your box of slightly used items at a Donation Center. Now, how do they move from your car's trunk to the Goodwill store floor? Here's how the Goodwill donations process actually works. PLUS, tips on how to find the best thrift finds from a Goodwill insider! Spoiler Alert: There might be treasure taped inside a dresser's drawer. 

When you think of activism, what comes to mind? Protests? Picketing? It can be so much more than that - and something that you can do through the simple act of shopping. To find out how we talked with thrift podcaster Emily Stochl, fashion activist Xavier Clark, and social media graphic designer Hope Ann Flores.

Carolyn Becker put a new spin on vacation. She fused her love of thrifting and adventure by embarking on a solo Road Trip, driving to 40 Goodwills in six states over 10 days. In this funny and informative episode, she shares her vintage Goodwill finds, tips on planning a safe thrift trip, and what she learned about how Goodwill operates.

Three life-long thrifters from across the nation, Dina of @dinasdays,  Kamrin of @naturallykam, and Sunset of @sunsetsaraid, join us to describe their best-ever Goodwill finds (hint: we're talking high-end designers and vintage, baby!), how they found them, and ways that you too can achieve your thrift shopping dreams.

DC and Baltimore area fashion bloggers, Keisha, Mayra, and Taylor, discuss the latest spring fashion trends and tips for thrifting the essentials at Goodwill. They answer questions about dressing up on a rainy wet day, how to style short-sleeved sweaters, and practical yet versatile fabrics. Explore the Instagram pages of today's guests: Keisha Daniel of @lattiemoorestyle Mayra Mejia of @mayraymejia Taylor Evans of @stylishlytaylored

The boys are taking over the Goodwill! Expert thrifters AJ, Jeoffrey, and Seth talk secondhand style, why men don't thrift, insider tips for shopping at Goodwill, and traveling to LA with an empty suitcase and building a whole wardrobe while there using preloved finds.

With purchasing habits and personal priorities forever changed because of COVID-19, the way that we shop is more important than ever before. Catherine Castillo, a DC-area sustainable fashion and lifestyle expert, shares how she navigated a year of not purchasing anything new (with the exception of items like undergarments).

Whatever you do, don't throw it away! Eager to get rid of the unwanted clothing and home décor that you've been putting aside all year? This episode explores how to properly dispose of and/or use everything from broken furniture to stained clothing. Podcast guests include: Elizabeth Cline, a New York-based author, journalist, and expert on consumer culture, fast fashion, sustainability, and labor rights in the apparel industry. Author of “Overdressed” and “The Conscious Closet.” Emilia Ferrara, award-winning journalist, consultant, and teacher. Author of "Mag World: Mad Magazines, Fad Fashion, Bad Beauty And Finding The Way Out." Rebecca Margao, owner of The Shed DC and the lifestyle blog, The Black Rebecca.

What's the difference between raw and selvedge denim? How does one create yardage with jeans? We're going beyond iron-on patches and safety pins this week as we dive deep into one of the most versatile types of fabric: denim! Podcast guests include: Ebony Brown, Designer & Maker of Mz Eclectic Shway Williams, Sewist, and CEO of Be A Pro and Blacc Economics Lindsey Evans, DC Based Stylist & Creative Director, and Founder of  Curated Classix and Lindsey Evans Studio

Thrifting isn't just a hobby. It's not simply, "shopping." It's a lifestyle with meaningful lessons and values that should be passed down from generation to generation. Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen and Augusta of The Thrifty Hippie sit down with us to share their tips for thrifting as a family, how to teach younger generations the importance of thrifting, and ways they have debunked the "thrift stigma," amongst their peers.

We know you'll chair-ish these tips and tricks for years to come. On this podcast episode, Staged for Success, three professional DC-area interior stylists and home stagers share details about the items that one MUST bring to Goodwill for optimal thrift shopping success, information on why home décor thrifting in the nation's capital is the best of the best, and tips for styling a room using quirky, brain-teasing accent pieces. This week's guests include: Stacy Harvie of Capitol Vintage Charm Natania Busby of Nattie's Life for Real and Nattie Style Cat Guerra of Interior Stylings by Cat

Sweater bumps, toxic laundry detergent, the fear of mending socks, and organic cotton's dark side: In this episode, Sarah sits down with a panel of local fashion, home organization, and clothing repair experts to explore why sustainable style doesn't just apply to what we buy, it's about what we know about our favorite clothing pieces and how we take care of them so that they last the test of time.  Our guests include: Erica Ahmed, CEO of The Green Laundress clothing repair expert, Margaret Hathaway; mother-daughter duo, Mary and Emma Kingsley, Founders of the sustainability-focused; e-commerce lifestyle brand, Lady Farmer; and professional organizer Jakia Muhammad, CEO of The Sole Organizer.

No matter who you are or what you do, personal style is shaped by confidence-boosting clothing that you love. Tailoring can be a key tool in achieving your desired individual aesthetic. On this episode, we're joined by Casey Sibley of Pattern Scout and Burrell Brown of StreetSmart Tailoring to discuss why thrifters especially need tailoring to transform secondhand finds into long-lasting chic wardrobe staples that will leave one feeling good, without breaking the bank. Alterations are truly worth the investment. Even if a thrift find was under $10.

Do they actually teach you the importance of secondhand and upcycling in fashion design school? What's it like to thrift and use DIY skills while competing on Season 18 of Bravo's, 'Project Runway?' Chelsey Carter, Founder/CEO and Fashion Designer at Alex Carter, is the go-to expert to answer these unique questions.  On this episode of Finding Your Good, Chelsey shares her thrift story, explores what it was like to upcycle a two-piece look for Karlie Kloss using Goodwill denim, and provides insight into fashion school's emphasis on sustainability. 

A week after listening to this chat, we were able to thrift a REAL 70's leather Gucci bag for $6! Now we know what to look for when seeking vintage designer bags at Goodwill. Alison, Jason, and Joelle dive into all things authentication, designer, and vintage. They break down how to authenticate thrifted designer fashions (both handbags and clothing), methods of dating luxury vintage pieces, and ways to value hard-to-find secondhand treasures. May this episode be your pocket designer authentication guide! This week's line-up of fashion historians and thrift experts includes: Alison Zupancic, Lifestyle, Inclusivity, and Fitness Influencer, and Plus-Size Model at @curvygirldc. Jason Barnes, Performance Artist and Fashion Historian at @gracedrones. Comedic fashion history podcast host at @thebeautyarcheo. Joelle Firzli, Fashion Historian at @ellejo_theindependentcurator, Co-Founder of Tribute Collective (@thisistribute) and DC Sustainable Fashion Collective (@dcsfcollective). The podcast can also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/all-things-authentication If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Want even more thrifty inspiration? Follow us on Instagram @findingyourgood! Thanks so much for listening and finding your good with us!  *DISCLAIMER: Goodwill of Greater Washington does not authenticate inventory sold at its brick and mortar retail stores.

Yes, your favorite thrifted summer romper CAN be worn in the fall or winter. It's all about styling, baby!  If you're looking for inspiration on ways to make summer fashion staples work for all seasons, or just some handy tips about thrifting at Goodwill for beautiful warm-weather pieces, join us for our very first Finding Your Good episode of Season 2! We're sitting down with not one but five thrift experts - of all sizes, backgrounds, and styles - to discuss how one can thrift effectively for summer treasures, where to find the best of the best, and ways to compose outfits that incorporate summer items year-round. Our exciting inaugural episode's line-up of thrift experts includes: Amanda, Thrift Hobbyist, Model and Clean Beauty Maven at @pandasantoro and @ivy.wild.beauty Amber, Thrift, Food and Lifestyle Blogger at @eatnstyleblog Emily, Thrifted Fashion and Home Instagram Influencer at @styledbyempris  Meredith, Digital Creator and Vintage Clothing Curator at @meredithgypsyglam and @stetsonstories Sam, Artist, Thrifter, Jewelry Designer at @newvintagebysam  The podcast can also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/summer-sizzle/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Want even more thrifty inspiration? Follow us on Instagram @findingyourgood! Thanks so much for listening and finding your good with us! 

Arielle Lewis is a mega photographer to DC's most popular style influencers. A self-taught lady boss who now photograph's the district's most fashionable full-time, Arielle shares her pro tips on taking pictures of street, luxe, and thrift style. She provides suggestions on everything from what patterns to consider when photographing vibrant outfits to where you should source props for desired backgrounds. The podcast can also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/strike-a-pose/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Thanks so much for listening.

The workplace fashion police have laws that are always changing. What colors can be worn at work? Skirts or pants? Will I be arrested for this dress? It all can be very hard to keep up with - making dressing for success difficult to navigate. But with the expertise of local fashion and lifestyle influencer, Tiffany of Policy and Fashion, we can explore the creativity and affordability of work attire and what it means to work it at work. The podcast can also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/working-it-at-work/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Thanks so much for listening.

How can you tell if it's vintage through a simple zipper? What are the best times to shop vintage at Goodwill? Sheena Ozzella, owner/curator of Ruby Threads Vintage, discusses starting an online vintage store, the state of vintage secondhand fashion, ways to identify vintage items through certain characteristics, and why thrift stores are to thank for her business. About Sheena Sheena grew up close to Buffalo,NY. There, she went to punk shows, learned how to bake her first cake, and fell in love with all things vintage. When she's not searching for vintage, Sheena plays guitar and sings in an indie rock band and tours the world. Sheena is the owner of Ruby Threads Vintage, an Etsy vintage store that offers items of all sizes and decades. The podcast can also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/the-vintage-vault/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Thanks so much for listening.

Expert thrifter and Goodwill employee Carolyn Becker of @Petite_Punk has been in the thrift game since she came out of the womb, with a wardrobe consisting of rare designer vintage (think Chanel and Emilio Pucci) - all of which she's thrifted. Tune in this week as she shares the best times to shop vintage gems at Goodwill, details about when new products go onto the sales-floor, and an insider look at the life-cycle of damaged donations that aren't sold in stores. The podcast can also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/thrift-tips-from-the-inside/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Thanks so much for listening.

We want to start new creative projects and experiment with crafting, but have no idea where to begin, what to paint and how to source materials. We want to make more handmade items and gifts but are afraid to fail. To mess up. Three makers in DC's DIY community, Tim Kime of Transformation Junkies, fashion designer Evan Ibrahim, and Elle VanDyne of CollabCreateDC join us this week to take you inside their creative minds to explore ways to find your own unique inspiration. They're providing tips on how to navigate creative process, how to find canvases at Goodwill and words of wisdom on what to do when you're not an artist but want to dabble into crafting. The podcast can also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/capital-city-upcyclers/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Thanks so much for listening.

10 Years of Blogging with Vivi of Heart, Print & Style - She started, she created, she conquered. She still continues to thrive.....and thrift! Pro DC fashion influencer, Vivi Nmezi, founder of Heart, Print & Style has been in the blogging game for 10 years, with no signs of stopping any time soon. Tune in this week as she discusses her experiences thrifting in DC, and tenure as an influencer navigating the ever-changing fashion world. The podcast can also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/ten-years-blogging-vivi-nmezi-heart-print-style/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Thanks so much for listening.

Plating With A Purpose: Picture this. Crispy falafel covered in creamy warm tahini on a decorative rustic plate. Soft cinnamon-covered dessert bites displayed in a bohemian basket. Is your mouth watering yet? On this episode, we're talking to the award-winning Chef Roro of Roro's: Modern Lebanese and Nadine of RevolSnax about how to lead with your heart and start a food business in DC that offers tasty plates – with a sustainable purpose. From compostable packaging to thrifted plating items, this conversation takes a 360 degree outlook. The podcast can also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/platingwithpurpose/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Thanks so much for listening.

Thrifters Unite: A Conversation with the Sustainably Stylish – Pajamas as day wear? Trying to find that good crisp white shirt secondhand? Let's talk thrift! We've brought in a crew of experts, from stylists to activists, to talk all things thrift, eco-friendly and sustainable (let's slow down fashion!) in DC. Meet Janice Wallace (of DC Sustainable Fashion Collective and Cultivons), Jackie Rodriguez (@jaquitabanana and @ourrestore), Eugene Simms (Stylist and Wardrobe Consultant) and Carin Johnson (Frugal But Chic), the budding secondhand influencers who are making waves in the nation's capital, with purpose and flair. The podcast can also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/https://findingyourgood.org/thriftersuniteconversationsustainablystylish/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Thanks so much for listening.

Color-Popping Curvy Girls – They're colorful, they're spunky – and overall funky. Kelly-Lynne Russell of The Low Low Style and Andi Marrs of AndiMarrs.com are two color-popping curvy girl fashion influencers who are changing local style, one outfit at a time, through bold prints and body positivity. Tune in as this duo discusses self-love, and provides tips on finding all the goodies, like bold maxi dresses, while thrifting. The podcast can also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/https://findingyourgood.org/colorpoppingcurvygirls/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Thanks so much for listening.

Go-Go at the Goodwill – What is the ‘other' DC? What does it mean to live in DC and find one's creative outlet while navigating the what some may consider, city filled with “soulless suits?” How does everyone from musicians, to drag queens, to vintage-decorated punk rockers find inspiration through thrifting? Listen as Farrah Skeiky, Rolling Stone-published local music photographer, musician, and Creative/Culture Manager at the LINE DC shares her experiences as a cutting-edge and passionate creative who is making waves in the capital of the country's counterculture. This podcast can be also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/gogoatthegoodwillpodcast/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Thanks so much for listening.

DC is Becoming the Mecca for Sustainable Fashion - The DC Sustainable Fashion community is a fast-growing group of makers, fashion bloggers, nonprofits, collectives and passionate voices who are doing good through a variety of ventures to make our DC more stylish, creative – and green. As the city of politics and policy, these movers and shakers are urging those in DC – and the world – to become more conscious consumers. Find your good this week as we lead an insightful conversation with Adriana Mendoza, Co-Founder of Femme Fatale DC; Gabrielle Clary, Co-Founder of DC Sustainable Fashion Collective; Ayesha Barenblat, founder of Remake; and Chris McKenzie, Ambassador at Remake, Buyer at Nubian Hueman, and Associate at The Ember Company. This podcast can be also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/dcsustainablefashionmeccapodcast/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Thanks so much for listening.

When Thrifters Thrift - For Michelle Raven, thrifting allowed her to find her passion for unique style, while connecting to other like-minded fashionistas in the social media community. As founder of Instagram's biggest thrift fashion color-popping party, @WhenThriftersThrift (WTT), Michelle celebrates the energetic and magical thrift fashion community through special features and Instagram takeovers. Listen as Michelle shares her favorite thrift finds and tells her story, from working at a local thrift store to becoming the catalyst that is helping to transform the state of the fashion industry. Alongside Michelle, Carolyn Becker, Thrift Fashion Influencer and Goodwill of Greater Washington's Digital Communications Manager, joins this conversation to provide her personal shopping stories, and overall perspective on the state of thrifting. This podcast can be also be found on our website here: https://findingyourgood.org/whenthriftersthriftpodcast/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Finding Your Good on Apple Podcasts, and while you're there don't forget to rate and review our show. Thanks so much for listening.

From treasure hunters and DIYers to fashionistas and the sustainable fashion community, this is the “go-to” podcast for everyone who is interested in thrifting, DIY projects, and affordable style. Hosted by DC area radio and television personality, Sarah Fraser, Goodwill of Greater Washington's Finding Your Good podcast is here to inspire you. Our community of experts share their experience and tips to provide inspiration to help you reinvent your personal style that is socially sustainable. So, get ready to become highly motivated to put new life into your Goodwill finds. If you've ever had the opportunity to read or participate in Goodwill of Greater Washington's Finding Your Good blog or social media pages, you know that creativity is everywhere at Goodwill. Find out more by going to our website, findingyourgood.org. For a transcript of each interview and links to resources mentioned, visit https://findingyourgood.org/podcast/