Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Monroe.
Hi Abby , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Abby’s Secondhand Style began as a personal passion—I just loved the thrill of the hunt. Scoring good deals, finding pieces that felt expressive and unique, and breaking up with fast fashion became my favorite weekend activity. I started collecting things that I liked or that reminded me of my friends’ styles and eventually dedicated a rack in a spare room to my growing treasure trove. That turned into a mini thrift shop in my garage, complete with bins and racks.
But I dreamed bigger. I wanted a way to share my finds at local events and markets, and I wasn’t in a position to open a brick-and-mortar store. That’s when I met Honey, my 1986 RV. She was anything but sweet during the reno—mold, cracked walls, motor drama, leaky roof—you name it. I thought it’d be a weekend project; it turned into a year-long lesson in resilience, family teamwork, and problem-solving. But now, Honey’s fully running and nearly ready to hit the road as a mobile thrift boutique.
This journey hasn’t just been about clothing—it’s been about healing. This past year was personally challenging: my daughter’s father passed away, I went through a divorce, and I started a new job. Through it all, Abby’s Secondhand Style became my therapy. It gave me purpose, joy, and a way to connect with others.
Today, I offer sustainable fashion in inclusive sizing, from XS to XXL, all thoughtfully curated with affordability and confidence in mind. I’m preparing to launch curated style boxes, host pop-ups, and make Honey a regular at community events. This isn’t just about selling clothes—it’s about building connection, expressing individuality, and proving that even in hard seasons, beautiful things can come out of secondhand beginnings.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth isn’t exactly the word I’d use—more like beautifully bumpy. Renovating Honey, my mobile boutique, was a test of patience and perseverance. Every time I thought I’d turned a corner, I’d discover something new: mold damage, structural issues, and a mountain of repairs. There were moments I felt totally out of my depth, googling my way through with tools I barely knew how to use.
On top of that, life wasn’t hitting cruise control either. Navigating motherhood, grief, and major family changes all at once challenged me mentally and emotionally. There were days I questioned whether chasing this dream made sense—but each hurdle reminded me why I started.
The truth is, every setback taught me something. How to ask for help. How to pivot. How to slow down and focus on what matters. It wasn’t easy, but it’s been worth it. And now, because of those struggles, I have a business built with grit, soul, and stories stitched into every piece of fabric on the rack.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
While Abby’s Secondhand Style isn’t my full-time job, it’s full-hearted. My professional journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and a master’s in Professional Communication from Weber State University. For the past decade, I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector, and recently transitioned into an exciting new role as the Communications and Community Engagement Director at Ogden Regional Medical Center. Even though it’s a large organization, it already feels like home—collaborative, warm, and deeply rooted in the community.
Thrifting became my way of combining creativity with purpose. I’m passionate about helping people find confidence through clothing that fits, flatters, and doesn’t drain their wallets. Size inclusivity and sustainability are key pillars of my business, and every item is carefully selected to offer style and comfort.
What makes Abby’s Secondhand Style truly stand out is its mobility. My boutique-on-wheels—Honey—is a fully revamped 1986 RV that shows up with racks, bins, and personality wherever the road takes me. I haven’t seen another mobile thrift like it, and I love the spontaneity it brings. Whether people come to shop or just to check her out, Honey sparks conversations and smiles. The community connection is just as important as the clothes.
I’m most proud of pushing forward through hard times, making tough decisions, and building something that feels both healing and hopeful. I also owe a huge thank you to my brother—his help in renovating Honey was invaluable, and his belief in this dream kept me grounded.
This project reminds me that joy, resilience, and style don’t have to be expensive—and beauty often begins in secondhand places.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Absolutely—this business was built on a foundation of support, encouragement, and generosity from the people around me. First and foremost, my brother deserves major credit. He rolled up his sleeves and helped me renovate Honey—from fixing the cracked walls to troubleshooting motor issues. His skills, time, and belief in the project kept me going when I wanted to give up.
My family as a whole has been incredibly supportive. They’ve shown up with tools, offered feedback, and cheered me on during the countless “one step forward, two steps back” moments.
Then there are my friends and early customers—the ones who trusted me, tagged me on social media, and spread the word. They’re not just buyers, they’re believers. They’ve helped me see the value in what I offer and reminded me that even small wins matter.
Whether it was showing up to markets, sending me messages of encouragement, or just asking “how’s Honey coming along?”—these people helped this business take shape. I couldn’t have done it alone, and I wouldn’t want to.
Pricing:
- Everyday products range from $1 to $25, making it easy to grab something special without breaking the bank.
- Seasonal Honey Boxes are priced at $45 each, filled with curated surprises and thoughtful details. It’s a little treat wrapped in love.
- Shipping for the Honey Box is an additional $8 flat rate—we want to keep things fair and predictable.
- Note: I’m exploring ways to include shipping in future pricing, but for now, separating it out keeps the box itself accessible.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @abbys_secondhandstyle
- Other: TikTok: @abbys_secondhandstyle
