Bangladeshi origin Tahia’s thrift store draws attention in US

Tahia Islam, New York Univesity student of Bangladeshi origin has been featured at Kimmel’s Artist Market event recently for her venture of Instragram thrift store, reports Washington Square News.

Tahia runs ‘Reclaimed Womxn Vintage’, a socially and environmentally conscious Instagram thrift store. The concept was inspired by her love of vintage clothing and thrift shopping.

“I’ve always loved thrifting and knowing my pieces were second hand because of the sustainability portion of it,” she said, adding that her Bangladeshi heritage has been a major factor in establishing her business.

She explained that poor factory conditions, prevalent in Bangladesh, are the sad outcome of many large-scale, corporation clothing productions, and the sustainability of thrifting is an excellent way to combat that.

“I love learning people’s stories behind where they found things,” she says, pointing to her own 80s Cole Haan shoes.

Born and raised in Queens, Tahia studies Media, Culture and Communications and Global and Urban Education as a senior in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development.

According to the report, Tahia’s business did not start from offices amidst extensive meetings and lengthy paperwork, rather Reclaimed Womxn Vintage was born in an NYU dorm where she was a resident assistant.

“I remember taking photos against a random white wall in our little suite, having a fellow RA come down and be part of the photos,” she said. “Then we’d just post it on social media.”

A proud thrifting supporter who hasn’t purchased fast fashion in over two years, Tahia says that her own wardrobe has always come with social consciousness.

Reclaimed Womxn Vintage also aims to provide a relatable shopping experience. Recalling her own thrifting history, she said while past vendors have done a good job at advancing sustainability and providing a platform that supports small businesses, the industry still seemed to lack an inclusive environment. That’s why Tahia has made it a point to feature models that fight homogenous norms.

“I was like, ‘Wow, I can’t even see myself in thrifting’ which you would think is an alternative to corporations,” she said. “All my models are women of color, femmes of color, non-binary people of color.”

When organizing pop-up events, Tahia adds that she loves collaborating with markets whose agendas align with hers.

“I like to vend at places that align missions and I think that’s why I’ve been able to find a lot of markets,” Tahia said. “They’re people who support people of color, small businesses, young people.”

While purchases can be made through her Instagram account, @reclaimedwomxn_vintage, most of Tahia’s business comes from pop-ups, which she says she has been doing since July.

“It’s an idea that I’ve been sitting on for a couple years and officially put into reality last April,” she said of the business, an excited smile plastered across her face in anticipation of its one-year mark.

And, though business is business, Tahia stays true to her social platform of sustainability and minimalism.

“Shop small, don’t shop too much, be mindful with what you purchase,” she advises. “I’m not trying to inundate people with 15 pieces a day,” said Tahia.