Everyone Needs Nifty Thrifty Love !

Thifting has taken on a fashionable new life in the indie industry. Why look like everyone else, when you can find a hidden treasure buried in your local consignment shop? I love that this fashion movement allows individuals to not only recycle gently worn clothing, but also create their own look. So now that you are all excited, what if I told you I know about an amazing online vintage boutique with thrift store prices, fantastic finds , and a CEO you will see walking in the DC Fashion Week shows this month. You’d want to check it out, right? Well, here is Ashley Harris, CEO of Nifty Thrifty Love.

HH: What is your fashion philosophy? How did thifting become part of your style regime?
AH: I believe that people should wear whatever they feel comfortable in. In my eyes, clothing is optional. We weren’t born with clothing so if someone feels comfortable walking down the street in something such as a trash bag or even nothing but socks, then they should do so! Personally, my fashion philosophy all lies within color and pattern. I believe your clothing is not only a reflection of yourself, but it is a reflection of your mood as well, which is why I love bright colored clothing with patterns that reflect nature. I think I would go crazy if I had to wear all black or plain clothing everyday. So bright colorful clothing in my wardrobe is a must; it brightens up my mood and my day.

When I was a child I used to tag along with my Grandma to various thrift shops. I was always fascinated by all of the things that my eyes came across. I saw patterns in clothing that I’ve never seen in any of the stores that I was accustomed to. I saw jewelry made in shapes and material that I’ve never seen before. When I stepped inside of a thrift shop, it was like stepping inside of a fun wonderland, which was full of amazing surprises. Eventually, throughout my many journeys with my Grandma, thrifting became my way of life. I love that the quality in the material, precision, design, color, and overall longevity of an item found in a thrift store, can be reflected in my style.

HH: Nifty Thrifty Love is an online vintage boutique, how did you come up with this concept?
AH: I wanted a way to share some of the wonderful items that I come across with the world. I knew that there were people out there who were oblivious to the marvels of vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, and antiques. I also knew that some people like to shop online for merchandise. So I created Nifty Thrifty Love so I could in fact spread the love to people all around the world. 

HH: What have you learned thus far about being an entrepreneur? 

AH: I’ve learned that the fewer people you rely on, the better. I do everything myself from the website design, to the photography, to the shipping. So being self-sufficient is a very important aspect in being an entrepreneur. I’ve also learned that you have to be very determined, motivated, and focused on what you want because facing deterrents along the way is inevitable. 

HH: You also model, what shows have you walked in?
AH: Modeling has always been something that I have been interested in so in February 2012 I decided to audition for DC Fashion Week. I was so grateful to get the opportunity to walk in most of the shows wearing beautiful garments from local designers to International designers. I had a chance to see what its like to model and build my confidence in the field so I’m so excited to be walking in this year’s DC Fashion Week’s September show. I also can be found on NTLs site modeling several garments which I really enjoy doing.

HH: You are a natural haired Nubian! What are your favorite hair products and styles?
AH: I try to keep it as natural as possible so I use pure olive oil or Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Spray, which is made with sea kelp, argan oil, and shea butter. Currently I’m in the “ugly stage” of locking my hair so right now I have three hairstyles that I like to do. When I want to look fancy, I like to wear my locs in curly coils. Sometimes when the mood is fun, I like to pin them up into a Mohawk. On a relaxed day and on most occasions, I like to wear them straight with a headband. I’ve been natural for over 5 years now and I love the freedom that comes with it. 

HH: Three words to describe the Nifty Thrifty Love client. 

AH:Bold, Eccentric, Powerful 

HH: Where can we follow you and NTL?
AH: Please show your love and support.
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