Being the president of the official Biola Thrift Club is a dream come true for sophomore Erin Park. As a passionate business student, she is working to turn this side hobby into a full-time, self-sustaining business. Upon her arrival to Biola, Park was disappointed to find that Biola did not have a thrift club, and began working to create a space for this specific community, freshmen being her main target audience. Her goal was to help grow and bond with a group that was low-commitment and fun because of how many students enjoy the thrill of finding new clothes for affordable prices, as many students are low-income or entirely self-sufficient.
The Thrift Club has garnered attention amongst students, with several on and off-campus events for students to thrift together or sell their findings and creations. On Monday, April 6, the Thrift Club held their first Flea Market on Metzger lawn. This 5-hour event provided students with the opportunity to come with their clothes, their creations, their budding businesses and make a little pocket money in a fun way.
“God really did provide so many things,” said Park. The testimony of the Lord’s hand over this club is one that she loves to share. However, with provision and encouragement comes a side of testing and spiritual warfare. Park elaborated on how her eyes were opened to the reality of the spiritual realm, particularly as she began to push this club to more success and business.
Park remarked, “I would definitely say there were a lot of struggles, though… It’s like there’s always something that… interrupts an event that I worked really hard to plan.”
Although she is the main one working in leadership, Park has learned how to delegate tasks and assignments to different people assisting her from time to time, as well as how to establish concrete roles, with the hope that there will be people to pass this club on to.
“I’m going to take this as a[n] opportunity to grow and make the club even better… so that this can be a sustainable club for years to come…” said Park. “… I don’t want this to be just a one and done kind of thing.”
Park’s hope with this club is that it can be a space where students can practice different business skills such as managing funds, advertising and managing social media, all within a specific protected space.
In regards to the Thrift Club’s recent Flea Market, Park said, “We want to give students an opportunity to sell on campus when [it] otherwise couldn’t happen.”
The turnout was quite a success, with just under 30 different tents, and a variety of different people reselling or upcycling clothes, as well as a multitude of small businesses selling different items such as jewelry, matcha, dorm accessories and even Christian-themed skateboards. Students flocked to these tents, creating a space of enjoyment in the midst of their busy schedules.
As a whole, Park’s vision for the Thrift Club is to give students a space to unwind and have fun in a good community. “I want to create memories that people could cherish,” said Park.
