We had the good fortune of connecting with Marissa Swavel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marissa, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The average person will keep a single piece of clothing for 1-3 years of their life. At Radicalthrifts, one of our main goals is for people to wear, love and keep their clothing for a lifetime, and possibly even hand it down. We give old clothing new life. Almost weekly we save upwards of 60 lbs of clothing from the landfills. That’s over 3,120 pounds of clothing a year being recycled and going to a new and loving home.

Not only is our business reducing the effects of climate crisis, but we also share memories of nostalgia through people’s childhood fashion. We want everyone to relive their best memories through their original vintage clothing. That shirt you regret donating when you were 12, but we saved from the landfill 30 years later. Yeah, we have it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Radicalthrifts is your one-stop shop for women’s and men’s vintage fashion! I am so proud to see how this business has grown and blossomed over the years. We are fearlessly authentic to ourselves and our fashion/style will always reflect that. We strive to provide a safe and inclusive community for those who have always dressed a little differently.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d definitely take my friends to hike camelback. We’d follow with some cocktails at Canal Club or on the rooftop.

 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Cori Matheson, My warrior. My best friend, my boss, my mom, my sister. What started out as a Master’s program internship turned into a lifetime of mentorship and friendship. Cori assisted me with my first business logo and everything in between. She’s supported me from the start with this endeavor. I am forever grateful for her.

Website: radicalthrifts.com

Instagram: @radicalthrifts

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-swavel-mslb-871872133

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063660302203

Image Credits
Julie Jackson Photo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.