Secondhand Spotlight: Amber of Ivory Mirth

Happy Friday, everyone! It's time for another installment of Secondhand Spotlight! This week, we've got one of my favorite thrifty humans ever: Amber of Ivory Mirth! The above photo is literally how she lives in my head - always laughing. She is such a ray of sunshine and happiness for so many, all while running an INCREDIBLE thrift shop with the most amazing finds. So let's get on with getting to know this secondhand style icon...

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hi friends! My name is Amber Martin, I am the owner of Ivory Mirth! I’m from a small town in Lancaster, PA, yes the place where all the Amish and their horse and buggies are! I have a lovely boyfriend named Anthony, and together we have the cutest little kitty named Olive or Ollie for short. I went to a junior college near Philadelphia, where I played D1 soccer and earned my Associates Degree for Occupational Therapy! I love hanging out with friends, going to cafes, thrifting, adventuring, going on walks, traveling, etc! I have been reselling for 2 years, and have had my small business for a year and a half!

2. Let's talk about Ivory Mirth! How did you get started? How did you come up with the name 'Ivory Mirth'? It's beautiful!

I have always had a passion for thrifting, I enjoy the thrill of finding a diamond in the ruff, sifting through all the items at the thrift store, pushing the hangers, the whole 9-yards! I often would find pieces that weren’t necessarily MY style or my size, but I just KNEW someone else would love it! I started out by selling clothes from personal closet and some of my unique finds on my personal instagram story. It honestly became a little overwhelming because so many of my friends were interested in my clothes! I eventually decided to create a second page to sell clothing, home goods, etc. 

My OG name was @prettylittlepeachess (LOL), I have always loved being unique, and something that stand out a little bit. I had used that name for almost a year but it just didn’t fit who I was and what I wanted my page to be about. I started brainstorming some ideas, some words that meant something to me, bible verses that stuck to me, things that genuinely meant something to me and my life. I created @ivorymirth for many reasons, and the name didn’t just come to me overnight, it was something that I thought about for a long time. Ivory stands for elegance and worth. The tangible form of ivory has always been of super high value. I believe it is the perfect metaphor to encourage self confidence and self worth, and to show the world has beautiful and unique, each and every one of us is! Mirth stands for “great joy” or amusement expressed in laughter. Life should be spent sharing smiles with strangers and sharing joy with those around us. 

3. What has been your proudest moment since starting this lil business?

I’m honestly blessed beyond belief to have created a name for myself. I’m insanely proud of the hard work and time I put into this business to get where I am today.

4. Who or what would you say inspires you on a daily basis?

I’m inspired by many people, a new person everyday. Friends, family and even strangers inspire me. I am constantly inspired by strong, independent women and people in general, that just get up and DO or GO! No hesitations, just do what their heart is saying. I am inspired by people that take risks, take leaps, and make things happen!

5. What is your fav thrift store & which section do you go to first?

Goodwill has always been a holy grail for me! It’s my go-to store if I have the “thrift itch”. I also love my local Re-Use It shop, Plato's Closet, Salvation Army, local “mom and pop” consignment stores, and I have even found thrift stores in other states that have shipped items to me as well (I love technology)! 

6. Favorite brand to thrift?

I always love finding Madewell, Free People, Doc Martens (of course) and more outdoorsy brands like Patagonia!

7. What items are you currently on the hunt for?

I will keel over once I finally find the perfect pair of black denim overalls!

8. What has been your favorite thrift find EVER?

I recently thrifted a NWT Reformation dress, retailing for almost $500!

9. Any thrifting tips/secrets/tricks of the trade you have for us?

I can’t say this enough, SEARCH EVERY SECTION, every nook and cranny in that thrift store! The diamonds in the ruff, the hidden gems, they are in there! If aren’t a reseller and just go thrifting for fun, I would suggest going on a day where you have the time to spend a few hours thrifting! I always look for patterns, prints, textures, materials etc. that stand out to me and sift through those sections!

10. Okay, last question: what three words would you use to describe yourself?

Ambitious, emotional, optimistic.