Betting on Secondhand

How University of Louisville College of Business Students Launched Their Thrift Store

Kentucky’s springtime spirit is unmistakable: the excitement of basketball, the pride of tradition and the thrill of March Madness just around the corner. The energy builds across campus as fans rally behind their teams, fueled by the hope of another tournament appearance. And every Cardinal fan knows the best way to watch the game is in style. Just a few blocks off campus vintage clothing store Thrifted has quickly become the go-to location for pre-owned fashion, including Louisville gear. Created by three longtime friends and University of Louisville College of Business students, the store blends style, sustainability and a strong connection to campus life. In this interview, owners Tyler Paul, Peyton Berry and Quan Le talk about how the idea came together, what it was really like opening a store as students and the lessons they learned along the way. From figuring things out as they went to being able to define success, the owners of Thrifted share an honest glimpse at what building a business truly looks like. 

Before the Bargain 

Paul, Berry and Le met at Atherton High School and have remained friends since. When they entered college, the trio opted to turn their shared love of thrifting into something bigger, launching online resellers 3 Guys with Clothes and D.S. Finds. Although both businesses pursued different brand identities, they shared a similar strategy, hosting university-wide pop-ups during the busiest times and at the most active areas on campus. There were always signs of this friendship extending beyond pool games and football watch parties, as they frequently collaborated through these pop-ups. It wasn’t until November of 2025 when the friends decided to combine the two stores into one–Thrifted.  

At the time, opening a storefront was something they were collectively interested in, but it was not a priority. In fact, Paul says, “I was mentally preparing to get an internship,” but that quickly shifted as Berry found the perfect building. Situated on 1449 S. Second St., right between the university and downtown, a prime location. Being near the UofL campus was crucial for the team, as the university’s students were the very people who made their success possible. Meanwhile, remaining close to downtown allowed locals to feel comfortable shopping there too.  

While the store created new business opportunities, it also allowed them to expand their purpose. Opening Thrifted gave them an opportunity to make a better impact on the environment. The greater public might deem their clothes as old and ready to trash, but they see past the age and take the time to upcycle the clothing to make for a greener, more sustainable shopping experience. “Lots of our clothes come from places that will end up dumping them once they’ve been there long enough. Once trashed, they’re in line to be burned and create pollutants,” said Berry, highlighting Thrifted’s commitment to sustainable sourcing. Procuring clothing, however, is not as easy as it seems. Ensuring that customers are receiving high-quality, beautiful pieces is of utmost importance to the Thrifted team–so important, that the team dedicates hours to properly restoring garments so they are the best they can be for customers. “They do a great job sorting through clothes,” said College of Business student Austin Walsh. “I bought two jackets and I love them.” 

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Making the Cut

Going from a few racks and a folding table to a brick-and-mortar store shows how growth can bring opportunity, but they learned it comes with its own set of challenges. Creating a perfect space that truly represents a business is difficult, and even more so when much of the work falls on a small team. Paint, racks, flooring, décor and branding come at a cost, so the Thrifted team opted to DIY as much of the space as they could. Together they painted the exterior, mounted wall racks and transformed the space into a perfectly curated vintage vault–one they built side by side, putting in long hours and a shared vision for what it could become. 

One of the biggest challenges these young business owners faced was learning how to work with city officials. They quickly learned the extensive number of permits and documents required to operate legally. It proved challenging not only to obtain permits but also to navigate through the necessary channels of communication. Communication is not limited to regulatory efforts, but the team recognized the importance of strong internal communication. Clearly delegating responsibilities, coordinating schedules and maintaining equal commitment among members became essential to sustaining the business’s growth.  

The growing responsibilities and lessons ultimately set the stage for Thrifted’s official launch on November 8, 2025. Considering 3 Guys with Clothes and D.S. Finds were launched about five years ago, the contrast between past and present was striking. While their former launches were informal and quiet, Thrifted’s launch was on an entirely different scale. “Launch day here blew me away,” said Paul. Le said, “[Both launches] had some similarities in the aspect of uncertainty of where it could go, but the scale of the [Thrifted] idea was more complex.” The turnout far exceeded expectations and highlighted the strength and support of the UofL community. That strong support not only helped establish Thrifted’s customer base but also reinforced the team’s growth as student entrepreneurs.  

Beyond community support, their experience as business students played an unexpected yet crucial role in Thrifted’s success. While classroom concepts initially felt disconnected from their day-to-day lives, those same lessons became increasingly more relevant as the business grew. Courses in marketing, finance, management and entrepreneurship helped the team stay focused, make informed decisions and think strategically about the future. “Having the store makes it where I can compare [classroom topics] to exactly what I’m doing,” Paul explained, turning concepts into real-world application.  

As a result, Thrifted evolved into more than a storefront; it became a living classroom. Every challenge, from budgeting to branding, offered a chance to apply what they were learning in real time. “Generally, my business professors contributed guidance and knowledge toward building Thrifted,” said Paul. “There were great professors [who helped shape me into] a better businessman.” Professors Kenneth Hartung, Jeffery Koleba and Andreas Elpidoru are among the many faculty members credited for providing support and guidance to the Thrifted team. This faculty support quickly translated into distinct opportunities for growth. With the help of UofL Events Coordinator Heather Stein, Thrifted was able to obtain a departmental sponsorship with the Management and Entrepreneurship Department, which allows them to continue participation in campus events. “We’re proud to play a small role in Thrifted and help create an environment where ventures like Thrifted can take root,” said Zachary Goldman, chair of the management and entrepreneurship department.  

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Worth the Price

After weeks of manual labor, a successful launch and continually thriving business, Thrifted’s owners took a moment to reflect on their journey thus far. When asked about advice for students who wish to follow Thrifted’s footsteps, Paul said, “When the opportunity does come, you’ve got to take it.” Berry said, “create a plan and do it.” These mindsets are woven into every stage of Thrifted’s story. “Don’t ever be scared of an idea and do your best to make that impact,” said Le. Thrifted stands as a clear example of recognizing an opportunity and acting on it without hesitation.  

Seizing these opportunities not only shaped the business but also shaped the individuals behind it. Along the way, the team has learned a lot about themselves. They discovered strengths as hands-on learners and developed a better understanding of each other’s communication styles. These are not skills that can be perfected overnight, but as the business continues to grow, so will the Thrifted team.  

This personal growth ultimately influenced how the team defines success. For Thrifted, success goes beyond financial gain; it’s rooted in people and shared experiences. “One of my favorite parts is people who you can tell love coming here and love finding new things,” Paul shared. “Seeing new faces in here is what success is.”  

Together these lessons reveal that Thrifted’s journey represents something larger than entrepreneurship alone. For Paul, Berry and Le, it's about building not just a store but character, confidence and connections. The willingness to take risks, learn through challenges and prioritize the people who walk through their doors shows that true success is measured in impact as much as achievement. As Thrifted continues to evolve, Paul, Berry and Le’s story serves as a reminder that opportunity, growth and community are often the strongest foundations for any lasting venture. 

Ready to turn your ideas into your own business? At the University of Louisville College of Business, we’ll help you learn the skills, take the risks and launch the ventures you’ve been dreaming about. Learn more: https://business.louisville.edu/academics-programs/undergraduate-programs 

About the UofL College of Business:  

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity and the power of people.  

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