What a find! Local vintage store strives to be even more eco-friendly

Flints Finds, a vintage clothing store in Thornham, celebrates its second anniversary and owner Issy is determined to make sure no items go to waste

“My main aim is to keep as many items as possible in circulation,” says Issy Flint, the owner of Flints Finds, "We specialise in brands like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and lots of rugby shirts."

The 27 year old’s sustainable fashion business is focused on preventing second hand items from ending up in landfill.

And this week her shop, at Drove Orchards in Thornham, celebrates its two year anniversary.

“It’s cool to see how people’s mind sets are changing, people who initially maybe would never have worn second hand, now see it’s a great way to shop.”

As well as repairing items, she’s also making sure nothing goes to waste.

Issy picks up a hat and tells me, “This is made from an old shirt which was too damaged, so no one would actually buy it.  It’s what I want to do a lot more of, the sustainability side I’ve always been a fan of.”

Her passion for second hand clothes began at university, “I started selling a few items, realised there’s quite a demand for it, especially the older, longer lasting high quality items - and it just took off from there really. 

“The highs of owning my own business are great, but there are some days when things go wrong - but the positives outweigh it.

“Just seeing how happy people are to find a nice unique piece, or a piece they remember from when they were younger, is brilliant.”

As well as plenty of times for women and men, Flints Finds has children's clothes too - and is soon to sell second hand dog items.

Issy has suppliers from all over the world, "When I get a delivery, it might be a couple of boxes, it might be a couple of tonnes - it is exciting, like Christmas, the whole family gathers around!

"I go through it, everything will get washed, if something needs repairing it'll go on to the repair pile - then I label it up and decided whether it goes into the shop, on the website, or to a pop up."

Issy's family are very much involved, “My brother you’ll often see in the shop, dad often comes to pop ups and helps me set up and pack away and mum is great at helping with repairing.

“The shop is a place to come and search through the treasures, and see what there is.  

"And if I’m walking around and I see someone wearing an item that they’ve bought from me it does make my day, it’s wonderful!”