“I made vintage shopping my whole personality…and then my career.”
 

Emily Stochl is a circular fashion journalist and the founder of Pre-Loved, a multimedia platform dedicated to vintage and secondhand fashion. A lifelong thrifter, Emily discovered her passion for vintage as a teenager, spending years exploring thrift stores, estate sales, and vintage shops, developing a deep appreciation for the stories, craftsmanship, and individuality behind each piece.

(What started as a creative and affordable way to shop evolved into a purpose-driven career centered on sustainability, storytelling, and community. With over two decades of hands-on experience, Emily has built her expertise through “boots on the ground” research—handling garments, learning labels, and connecting with sellers and collectors around the world. Through her podcast, newsletter, and social platforms, she documents the cultural, economic, and environmental impact of resale.)

IG: @emilymstochl (27K followers)

SHOW NOTES & TAKEAWAYS

• Emily Stochl shares how a lifelong love of thrifting, starting as a teenager, grew into a full career in vintage and secondhand fashion
• How “boots on the ground” experience such as handling garments, learning labels, and connecting with sellers shaped her expertise
• The role of storytelling in vintage: every piece has history, meaning, and cultural relevance
• “The hunt” as a core part of thrifting culture. Why finding pieces in person creates a deeper connection
• Trend spotlight: the resurgence of vintage fur and how sustainability is reshaping its perception
• Celebrity and pop culture influence on resale, including Zendaya and stylist Law Roach using vintage for red carpet storytelling, helping normalize and elevate secondhand fashio.