Did you know that the bustling town of Daraga in Albay is home to a thriving thrift shop scene? At the heart of this vibrant market is Rhea Llaneta, a savvy entrepreneur who turned her love for secondhand fashion into a successful business.
The Birth of a Business
Every Saturday at 7 a.m., Rhea Llaneta’s “ukay-ukay” shop in Daraga transforms into a bustling hub. Bargain hunters eagerly sift through piles of secondhand garments, hoping to find hidden treasures.
“It’s chaotic but fun,” Rhea shares, describing the lively atmosphere as her regular customers, mostly resellers, rush to grab the best deals.
Rhea, a 42-year-old mother of four, started her journey as a reseller of used clothes. Despite the challenges, her determination never wavered.
She recalls,
“For years, I juggled reselling preloved clothes and working as a fish vendor, all while taking care of my kids. Life was tough, but giving up was never an option.”
The Turning Point
In 2014, a fortuitous opportunity changed Rhea’s life. The owner of a thrift store where Rhea often shopped offered her a small space to start her own business. With no capital required upfront, she set up a makeshift table and displayed the garments she purchased.
“From that single 100-kilo ukay-ukay bale, I doubled my earnings,” she remembers fondly.
Today, Rhea owns four stalls, earning more than PHP100,000 a month. Her success doesn’t stop there; she also owns a beauty salon in Daraga.
Financial Details
- Investment Amount: PHP11,000 for the first bale
- Current Earnings: Over PHP100,000 a month
The Thrill of the Hunt
Rhea’s shop is an eclectic haven for thrift shoppers. From vintage accessories to branded clothes, her store offers unique finds that draw in loyal customers like Renadel Angeles.
“I visit every Saturday because the items are high-quality and reasonably priced,” Renadel shares.
Unique Finds
- Vintage accessories such as bags, belts, scarves, and caps
- Branded clothes that are one-of-a-kind and long-lasting
Renadel appreciates the uniqueness of thrifted items, saying,
“You can be assured that what you get here are unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else.”
Secrets to Success
Rhea credits her success to maintaining good supplier relations. She sources her merchandise from a trusted supplier in Manila, who imports secondhand clothing from the United States and Korea.
“Succeeding in this business requires taking risks and building mutual trust with your suppliers,”
Rhea advises.
Supplier Relationship Tips
- Build mutual trust with suppliers
- Source high-quality merchandise
Managing an “ukay-ukay” business, Rhea notes, is not for the faint of heart. It requires knowledge, skills, and experience to navigate the challenges and ensure a steady supply of quality merchandise. “It’s always a gamble,” she admits, “but the rewards are worth it.”
Joy in the Journey
For Rhea, the best part of owning a thrift shop is seeing her customers’ joy when they find something special.
“This business has allowed me to connect with people and achieve things I could only dream of before,” she says proudly.
Rhea’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for success in the thrift business. Her journey from a struggling reseller to a thriving entrepreneur serves as an inspiration for many.
Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency.
