Nadia Candiotes is spilling some designer secrets. And they’re all about pre-owned gems! From running garage sales as a kid to owning her own thrift shop, Nadia gives us a peak into the second-hand scene.
When Nadia Candiotes was a little girl, she’d strut around the living room in her mom’s clothes. Her passion for fashion growing with every pair of oversized heels and belts long enough to wrap around her body twice.
It was only a matter of time before she found the excitement of selling her family’s hand-me-downs to the neighbours. That’s when she realised it’s a win-win for both buyer and seller. Fast forward a few years, and it became something much more than that. She became an advocate for preloved clothing.
“Most people would buy clothes just because they like it in the moment, just to have it end up at the back of their closet after being worn once or twice. We don’t always realise that clothing production requires a considerable amount of energy and resources.
“Wastage occurs at almost every stage of the manufacturing process, which is often harmful to wildlife, degrades land and pollutes soil and water. Some resources state that fashion produces a tenth of the world’s carbon emissions.”
Although Nadia originally studied to become a dietician, she went on to become a known figure in the pharmaceutical – and later the surgical supplies – industry. But, admits she never for a moment thought running her own thrift shop would become her bread and butter.
It was during the Covid lockdown, and after completing her fair share of jigsaw puzzles that she decided to clean out her closet and sell them on local WhatsApp groups.
“Before long buyers started asking if I could help them sell their clothes. And so, it became my hobby to help them do so. Even though I was still working full time, my evenings and weekends became filled with taking pics of items to sell. From there, my online Insta shop, secondtime_love was born.”
Soon she turned her side-hustle into a full-time gig. On top of that, she opened a physical shop at her home in Centurion where she focuses on high street brands and steers clear of fast fashion. Let’s just say if you’re in the market for designer clothes, shoes, bags and other accessories for a fraction of the price, this is your one-stop-secondhand-shop!
“I believe that second-hand shopping is about finding little gems or items of excellent quality at an affordable price, which means you are being smart about spending your hard-earned money. From a sustainability perspective, you are also helping with the impact of mass consumerism on the planet. To top it all off, you’re supporting a small business. It’s a win-win-win all the way through!”
Today, daily life in Nadia’s preloved fashion world is a colourful blend of entrepreneurship and passion … as well as making up the crazy unique modelling videos for her Insta page! Initially shy, Nadia’s spontaneous videos now embody her friendly, light-hearted nature.
“I aim for authenticity, infusing humour while showcasing our items,” she shares. Her inspiration? “My head… it’s a crazy place,” Nadia chuckles.
“Luckily, I’ve got my trusty mannequin, and hardest working employee, ‘Dolly’ to help out with some of the content creation.”
A people’s person at heart, she just came to love the human interactions – whether in person or online. Beyond the colourful closets Nadia’s life is all about simplicity and joy. She unwinds by indulging in TV shows, traveling, making memories with her hubby, George , and occasionally exploring her artistic side.
But, to reach her current contentment, Nadia had to tackle a few – quite serious – obstacles. Some years ago, she was involved in a freak accident while skydiving – landed right on the perimeter fence of the landing area and broke her back. It was touch-and-go with nerve damage, but after enduring months of tough rehab, she’s all good now. Surprisingly, her back gives her zero trouble. And she’s super into keeping it strong, hitting up her home gym without fail every day.
“If I can bring a smile to your face, that’s my victory,” Nadia beams. Let’s just say this sassy second-hand queen is all about positivity, sustainability, and spreading joy through preloved fashion. And boy is she owning it!
Follow @secondtime_love on Insta and Facebook
5 Reasons to go second-hand
- Support a small business. Often these stores are owned and run by one person and a lot of effort goes into making even just one sale. A sale is much more appreciated than in a big retail store.
- You will be able to afford higher quality items than when buying them new in retail stores. Let’s say you have always loved Ted Baker dresses but simply can’t even think of paying R4000 for a dress. Now you can own a Ted Baker dress and maybe only pay R1200.
- You help save the planet. The impact of clothing manufacturing, and especially fast fashion, is huge on the environment. By circulating clothing and not buying new you are doing your bit to help save the planet.
- It’s like a treasure hunt. You won’t believe the cute or unique items you can find in these stores. If you want to look or dress different, well there you go, no better reason than to go thrifting.
- Great outing with friends. It’s always much more fun to take a friend along and go shopping. Friends can sometimes even spot something for you that you might have missed.
FAQs on thrifting answered
Nadia breaks down some frequently asked questions on thrifting and what you need to know to have a smart, and savvy thrift shopping experience.
Q: Is thrifting sanitary?
A: Absolutely. But ensure that the items you buy have been properly cleaned.
Q: Does thrift shops do current fashion?
A: Yes. Although vintage shops will specialise in vintage items. But many thrift shops often have items that are currently still in retail stores.
Q: Benefits of thrift shopping?
A: You often find unique items. Getting good quality items at a fraction of the price. You are supporting a small business where every sale counts. You are helping to reduce the impact of fast fashion on the environment. Finding hidden treasures. It’s a wonderful community and people tend to share their great finds with each other.
Q: Should thrift store clothes be washed after they’re bought?
A: I would always suggest that. Although the items will generally be clean, if it makes you more comfortable then give it a quick wash.
Q: Can I return things I buy from thrift stores?
A: Most stores don’t accept returns. The simple reason is that they sell on consignment so have probably paid the owner already.
Thrift shopping dos and don’ts
Don’ts
- Don’t ghost the seller. Don’t ask a hundred questions about an item and then simply disappear without a simple ‘no thanks’ or something like that.
- Resist the urge to bad-mouth the thrift business on a public platform without just cause. No problem in giving constructive feedback in a positive way.
- Don’t haggle the prices too much. The sellers are also trying to make a living and a lot of effort goes into getting the items and making them sellable for you.
- Be careful when you want to fit items. Treat them as new because the thrift shop owner is trying to look after all their customers’ items until they are sold.
Do’s
- Share the seller’s social media pages and posts – especially when you’ve made a purchase you’re happy with.
- ‘Build-a-bag’. This is where you buy a few items over a certain period of time and then ship them all together to save on courier costs.
- Create your own wish list and search the store or webpage for specific items. This will help you stay focussed and not buy unnecessary stuff.
- Build a relationship with a specific store. Sometimes the owner will know exactly what you like and can guide you to find pieces in your size or style.
- Remember you can buy from a store but also let them sell your preloved items, in that way you are also keeping the clothes in circulation.
Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET. • Photographer: HILDA MANS. • Make-up: HEIDIE FOURIE. • Hair: JANINE LATEGAN.
