Welcome to Employee Spotlight, a thrEDIT original series featuring real-life thredUP employees that give us a peek into their job and so much more! Meet Ambika, one of our awesome product managers, who brings secondhand and sustainability wherever she goes. Keep reading to get a peek into her thrifty life and her top tips!
Tell us what you do at thredUP.
I am a Product Manager, focusing on supply. This means I’m all about the Clean Out Kit experience. My team strives to make the experience convenient, transparent, and delightful, while also ensuring we’re getting well-loved clothes to their new home.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Easy. I love working with folks from every part of our company. I enjoy teaming together to find creative solutions to challenges given our different perspectives on day-to-day operations.
I’m actually just in it for the cake.What’s your fave thredUP feature?
The Clean Out bag. I sometimes get sad when I have to let go of clothes that I love but never wear. But, the colorful polka dots and squishy comfort of a full bag of clothes that will find a new home brightens up that moment.
Name your top 3 favorite brands.
Lululemon for athleisure, J. Crew for work pants, and Vince for basics.
Why do you think secondhand first?
I’ve been amazed with the quality and affordability of the secondhand items I’ve bought. They make me extra happy because I feel like I’ve found treasure.
What percentage of your wardrobe is thrifted?
About 10%. I’m a minimalist so I’ve had most of my wardrobe pieces for over 5 years. As I slowly add items, my first stop is thredUP.
What was your most memorable thrifty find?
I am obsessed with a Ralph Lauren trench coat I bought off of thredUP (and all my friends are too). It’s the perfect classic wardrobe item that will never go out of style.
What’s your top secret tip for cleaning out your closet?
Let go early. I feel like I know within the first couple of wears if a piece of clothing doesn’t feel like me. Rather than holding onto it to see if I eventually come around, I love sending it in to thredUP so someone can enjoy it as good as new.
Share your best life hack.
I write down a few high level goals (not to-do items) for the next day when I crawl into bed. The next morning, I glance over those goals so that it’s easier to stay true to what’s important to me that day and say no to what’s not!
Share your best thrifty living tip.
Never buy an item at its original retail price.
What are the ways that you stay sustainable?
I bike and use public transportation to get around my city. I also eat local fruits and vegetables, which is so easy to do in California.
I also like to cycle in foreign countries. My sister and I cycled the Croatian coastline this summer!What are you looking forward to wearing most for fall?
My Ralph Lauren trench coat! Bring on the rain, Bay Area!
Name the one thing you can’t live without.
My Birkenstock Gizeh sandals. I’m on my 4th(?) pair now and they have been all over the world with me.
My husband, my Birkenstocks, and me in India!What are you currently obsessed with?
I’m obsessed with interior design and secondhand furniture. I just moved and I’m excited that creating a new haven at home doesn’t have to cost big $$$!
