There's a New Culture Around Thrift.
Hi, I'm Alison! I started my love for thrift during high school before it was cool. From bedazzled Zebra tops to run-down tee's, I was in love! Not only do I love a good deal but thrifting allows me to create my own original style. Here at CCTE, we are building a new culture around thrift by inspiring our community to shop their own original. Originality and community go hand in hand because a strong community fosters the exchange of diverse perspectives and ideas, which can inspire originality and acceptance of being ourselves. Additionally, originality can help strengthen a community by bringing new insights and solutions to shared challenges. We all go through challenges and it feels nice to be supported and valued not just in our brightest moments but also in our darkest. Through this vision of originality through thrift and community, we can create a culture of sustainability collaboration, and acceptance.
Let's build together?
If you met me more than once you know I have a strong passion for small business and especially small businesses that are women-owned. I have owned a Virginia trade school program for 12 years and assisted many in opening their own dream businesses. Within my time in business, I have been nationally published, recognized locally as a favorite business in the community, been given the opportunity to present internationally on community over competition marketing, and just a few years ago awarded young professional of the year. My dream with CCTE is to create a new culture around thrift by providing the community a little free library, a culture cafe, and the ability to shop their own original. For others who want to pursue their dream of opening their own shop, we have the stylist program and as a seasoned business owner, I am with you every step of the way along with our amazing team.
.
.
.
Hi, I'm Amanda! A bubbly, hype-woman who loves photography, is OBSESSED with Taco Bell, and is a firm believer in #womensupportingwomen!
I have lived in this beautiful town we call Staunton, VA, my whole life, and over the years I find more and more things to love about this small town.
I have been a photographer for over 6 years now and I have to say, it's my absolute favorite thing! Not only have I been able to gain the technical skills of the craft, but I have been able to meet and work with some INCREDIBLE people - a BIG reason I am here today!
A couple of years ago, Alison reached out to me to do a Christmas photoshoot collab with her and a couple of other local business owners - it was amazing! Since then, I have been able to work with Alison on a couple of projects over the years, but I have to say, CCTE has to be my absolute favorite!
A little bit more of my story: I graduated from JMU - GO DUKES, back in 2018 with a graphic design degree and have been able to put my skills to work for CCTE! Having a love for design has brought me even closer to finding my purpose with CCTE. I feel that will all of these skills I have acquired have led me here, at Community Culture Thrift Exchange!