Kelsey Mikula, a 27-year-old from Philadelphia, has transformed her side hustle of reselling thrifted items into a full-time career while successfully paying off $80,000 in student loans.
A 27-year-old entrepreneur from Philadelphia has successfully transitioned her side hustle of reselling thrifted items into a full-time career after paying off approximately $80,000 in student loan debt. Kelsey Mikula’s journey reflects a significant change from traditional employment to embracing online reselling as a primary source of income.
Mikula’s interest in resale began in her childhood when she would coupon with her grandmother. However, it gained real momentum in 2020 when she started exploring thrift stores for unique finds and collecting unwanted clothing directly from individuals’ homes. Upon graduating, Mikula initially took a position as a unit secretary at a local hospital. Yet, she soon discovered that her side gig was generating higher earnings than her administrative role.
In an interview with “Good Morning America,” Mikula explained, “I was making more money reselling thrifting items and selling them online for profit than I was working an administration job at a hospital.”
Mikula has refined her process for sourcing and selling items, often investing around $1,800 in clothing each month. This investment allows her to generate a net profit of approximately $12,000 monthly by reselling the items on platforms such as Poshmark and eBay. “I will go to a thrift store locally. I’ll look for items for profit,” she elaborated. Her method involves meticulous research, where she evaluates each piece by checking potential selling prices online before making a purchase.
Her success can be attributed not only to her business acumen but also to a rising awareness of sustainability and the value of secondhand shopping. The convenience of online selling has made it increasingly popular, with customers expressing appreciation for resellers like Mikula. She noted, “I get a lot of comments of people almost sticking up for resellers saying that ‘I don’t want to go thrifting to find this item. So, I’m happy to pay somebody else to find the item for me.'”
In addition to her entrepreneurial journey, Mikula is keen to motivate others interested in reselling. She advises individuals to sift through their own possessions for items that could be resold, particularly health and beauty products that tend to have good market demand. “I know you have stuff lying around in your closet that you can find. Health and beauty items sell really well. Go through your own personal belongings and get started,” she encouraged.
Through her initiative and dedication, Mikula has turned a side endeavor into a thriving business, reflecting a broader trend of entrepreneurial spirit seen among recent graduates.
Source: Noah Wire Services
