“These are my co-workers Trisha Treasure and Trevor Trade and they are fabulous to work with although the staff Christmas party was a little quiet last year. I opened The Treasure Trade in August 2015 but it was something I had dreamt of doing for a very long time. I resell vintage, retro, handmade and interesting contemporary homeware, tableware and clothing for men and women. Ever since I can remember I’ve always loved second-hand things especially pre-loved fashion and I think this is for a few reasons.
Firstly when you step out of the house in an outfit assembled from second-hand items you are never going to have to deal with the embarrassing situation of running into someone dressed like you. Wearing unique, eclectic clothing you find along your travels instead of mass produced, chain store clothing allows you to really express your own personality, tastes and history.
I also love the sense of nostalgia often connected to second-hand clothing and sometimes I imagine what sort a wonderful adventures an object has been on before it comes to me. Sometimes when I acquire an item for the shop the previous owner will share a story about why it was special to them and then I am able to pass that bit of history onto the new owner.
But the main reason I am so passionate about second-hand clothing is for environmental reasons. Fast fashion and mass production is out of control! The fashion industry has the highest consumption of water after the agriculture sector. It takes an average of 2,700 litres of water to make one t-shirt! Not to mention all the chemicals, pesticides, dyes etc. used to grow and process the fibres. And then there is the disposal of unwanted clothing and the toxins and carbon which are released as it breaks down. Australia is said to be one of the highest producers of textile waste in the developing world with over 1 million tonnes of fibrous waste being buried in Australian landfills every year! So when you choose to buy second-hand clothing you are refusing to support the production of more cheap, throw away fashion and you look great while helping the planet!
This funny little shop space between Tommy’s Bar and 36 Chambers Skate Shop on Molesworth Street is a perfect venue for selling my treasures. Years ago the space was attached to The Canberra Hotel and was actually the hallway to the Powerhouse Nightclub and an adjoining pokie machine room. I joke that I took a gamble when I opened the shop because you never know how well a business will be received but I have been absolutely thrilled with how supportive our community has been. It brings me so much joy to be in contact with the Humans of Lismore and the tourists to the area every day and I’ve had some of the most interesting conversations of my life since opening the shop! Just this morning one of my customers was telling me that she once worked as a stylist for The Smashing Pumpkins!
I love Lismore so much sometimes I think my heart will explode! And if that happens everyone better be ready to be covered in sequins, lace, leopard print and bright coloured rayon! “