by Miranda Steadman | Contributing Writer
Folly Beach local Janessy Frometa started her small business Nessy Thrifts as a hobby during quarantine in 2021. Since then, Nessy Thrifts has been nominated for Best Thrift/ Resale Shop by Charleston City Paper.
“This just happened during Covid and started as a hobby and grew into a business much quicker than I could ever imagine it could,” Frometa said.
Nessy Thrifts was the only small business nominated for the category among shops owned by corporations and much larger companies.
“Fast fashion is bad for the environment because most items end up in landfills,” Frometa explained. Slow fashion showcases unique pieces that may be slightly used but are usually of high quality.
Frometa is trying to make a difference in the Folly community by promoting the sale of recycled clothing. She was recently appointed to the Folly Parks and Recreation Board by City Council. She studied Marine Biology at The College of Charleston and works at Hollings Marine Laboratory. She’s passionate about preserving the environment and works as a contractor for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. Her interest in marine biology sparked after the BP Oil Spill on the Gulf Coast in 2010. After the tragic event, Frometa moved to Charleston to study and help restore mesophotic and deep sea habitats.
Sustainable clothing reduces your carbon footprint, supports safe working conditions, and saves money in the long run.
“I love spotting past customers wearing clothes that they bought from me. It’s a great feeling,” Frometa said. Her first market was at the funky outdoor Folly Beach bar Chico Feo. “I enjoy meeting different personalities and helping people find a good fit,” Frometa said.
Nessy Thrifts are size and gender inclusive, ranging from XS to XXXL and from feminine to athletic in style.
Frometa says she’s stoked to see looks from The ’90s coming back … picture crop tops and high-waisted shorts, oversized T’s over bralettes and black and grunge apparel. Her top brands to thrift include Free People, Vans, L.L. Bean, Dooney & Bourke, Target, and Old Navy. She sells an enormous variety of clothes including fancy dresses, gowns, and skirts or business suits, blazers, and boots. Frometa admits that her favorite items to thrift are vintage jackets. She describes her own style as comfortable and casual, yet versatile … “I’ll dress punk one day and hippie the next,” she said.
One of Frometa’s favorite markets in Charleston is 84Flea, which is hosted by Red Rose Vintage, which was Voted Best Vintage Store in The City Paper.
“It’s reassuring when people visit markets to view my shop and like things I’m offering,” she said.
According to Frometa, she’s excited to vend at Pickers Hullabaloo on Saturday, July 8 at Firefly Distillery. The event will showcase more than 100 vendors, including Nessy Thrifts, Shmazzy Threadz, Shindig Vintage, Rosie The Wanderer, Retro Leo, Thrift & Thimble, and Homesick Housewares. The event is family-friendly, with artists Kayshawn and Noah Grove performing live music. At Pickers Hullabaloo, thrifters can find vintage jewelry, art, furniture, candles, handmade accessories, home decor, and plants.
Dubbed “The Most Funkadelic Flea Market,” the free event opens at Firefly Distillery at 11 a.m.and lasts until 3 p.m. with food trucks and live music, in addition to booths of some of the most creative vendors in Charleston.
Almost two years after Frometa started Nessy Thrifts, she said she hopes host and plan a market with rotating vendors to include a collection of local small businesses in the future.
“There’s a lot of talent on Folly from musicians to artists, creators, and movers and shakers. It’s a great community… We need to showcase artists more,” said Frometa, who recently attended Deep Sea Coral Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland. Now back stateside, she’s excited to showcase stylish apparel and accessories.
