Daily Inspiration: Meet Rachel Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Thomas.

Hi Rachel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always had a love for creating, from making bracelets and selling them outside my parents’ beach house as a kid, to decorating my dorm room with magazine cutouts. I grew up dancing and performing, and somewhere along the way, I felt like I had to distance myself from being “too girly.” But now, in my 30s, I find myself returning to that softness and sparkle I loved as a child. There’s something really powerful about reclaiming it.

I started thrifting for my own closet and for my wedding in 2020, and that’s where the seeds of Busy Vintage were planted. It began as a personal love affair with shopping secondhand, but it quickly grew into a space where I could connect with others through fashion, creating, and crafts. Busy has since become more than a shop, it’s a platform for events, community connection, and creating space for people to express themselves fully and joyfully.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to believe in myself and trust my vision. It’s easy to fall into imposter syndrome, especially when you’re building something deeply personal. I’ve had to remind myself that the magic is in the details, in the intention, and that it’s okay to go slow and stay small if it means staying true to what I’m building.

I also wear a lot of hats (as many small business owners do), creative, logistics, marketing, planning, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. There’s always a long list of ideas I want to bring to life, but learning to balance the desire to do more with the reality of doing most of it myself has been a real practice in patience and trust.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is all about breathing new life into secondhand finds and building a community that celebrates whimsy, self-expression, and sustainability. At Busy Vintage, I hand-pick vintage and secondhand pieces that feel like they were made just for you, things with history, heart, and a little charm. I design one-of-a-kind reworked bags using thrifted pieces, which I adorn with charms, pins, and other trinkets. Each bag is totally unique and full of personality!

I also host hands-on workshops like Charm School, where attendees come together to play, craft, and create something magical using secondhand materials. It’s about making space for imagination and connection while keeping it fun, creative, and low-waste.

What matters most to you? Why?
Creating joy without waste matters! I believe in building a space where you can play with fashion, explore trends, and express yourself without leaning on fast fashion. Busy Vintage is rooted in the idea that style should be fun and kind, to the planet and to ourselves. By utilizing secondhand and upcycled materials, we’re keeping clothes and treasures out of landfills and giving them a second life. Everything we do encourages thoughtful consumption, creative reuse, and tapping into your personal style in a way that’s both whimsical and sustainable. Because looking cute shouldn’t cost the earth!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopbusyvntg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopbusyvntg/

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Sarah Devoti / @altelement