We had the good fortune of connecting with ANDREA WILLIAMS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ANDREA, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
thrifting has been a hobby since my childhood. I was always on the curvier side. As I got older, I would listen to women express how they couldn’t find trendy pieces in the thrift stores so I created a safe shopping space for curvy plus size thrifting.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to believe that I am an artist when it comes to the thrifting industry. Thrifting is a scavenger hunt, and you definitely start with a blank canvas. What sets me apart from other resellers is I take the time to get to know my customers and dissect their personalities. It makes shopping and pulling inventory so easy. I’m able to pull pieces swiftly and at ease with particular customers in mind. What I am most proud of is seeing women transform and love on themselves when they’re in my pieces. I so proud of how far I’ve come from something that started out as a hobby. The way I’ve progressed this much professionally is by simply using the two keys to success which are patience and perseverance. I kept going when I lacked support, I kept going when the numbers and sale were slow. I kept going through life’s transitions. I never considered quitting and now I’m consistently elevating. Every journey has obstacles, but you must be willing to sacrifice for it. I’ve always depended on my faith to overcome the challenges. I’m a true believer of much prayer, much power. I’m a living testimony of God turning nothing into something. I’ve learned to not compare my journey to others because what God has for me is for me and what is meant for me won’t miss me. Moving forward it’s only up from here as far as I’m concerned. I like to believe that God selected me to do this to uplift and encourage women to love themselves and demonstrate to the world that life can be fabulous and frugal.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a self-care feminine girly so some TLC would definitely be in motion. My go to spot for mani pedis is Executive Spa in West University Place. I keep my resort passes in rotation. One of my favorites as of lately has been the Chifley Hotel and Spa is River Oaks. It’s not far from home and gives vacation villa vibes. I love chilling by their poolside with some shrimp tacos and mocktails. I’ve reached my hosting era so setting a decorated aesthetic and preparing an intimate dinner would definitely be somewhere in the itinerary.
Though it may look lavish to some, my life is very frugal. I’m the queen of free festivals and events. Life is what you make it. You’re the artist so paint the picture how you want to. I once got dressed up real cute and took myself on a carousel ride for $1 in Hermann Park and got myself an ice cream cone for $2. It was a vibe, I had fun, and a memory was created for $3 not to mention the dress that was wearing was thrifted for $1

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my Mom, Zondia Dorough. She is a resilient, overcomer, and
go getter. She was my forerunner and paved the way for me.

Website: https://getupandgodivas.com

Instagram: daily_life_with_drea

Facebook: Drea Godiva Glam

Youtube: daily_life_of_drea

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