Meet Kiah Bachman, a Charlotte-based secondhand digital content creator and passionate advocate for sustainable fashion and mission-driven shopping. Through her platform A Journey I Deserve, Kiah inspires thousands to embrace secondhand style while supporting community-focused organizations like Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont.
We sat down with Kiah to talk about her journey, her values, and why shopping secondhand is more than just a trend – it’s a way to give back.
What inspired you to start shopping secondhand?
Kiah: It started with a personal need. I have an endocrine disorder that caused my body to change rapidly, and I suddenly needed clothes in a bigger size. I didn’t know how to dress this new body, and I wanted to do it sustainably. Shopping secondhand gave me the freedom to explore fashion while being mindful of the environment. I realized how much was out there and thought, “I’ve been shopping all wrong.” That moment changed everything – I knew I’d always shop secondhand first.
Why is it important to support mission-focused organizations like Goodwill?
Kiah: I grew up in Tennessee, deeply involved in church and community leadership. I saw firsthand how many people lacked access to basic necessities – things like backpacks or shoes. That shaped my values. Now, my family shops at Goodwill because we believe in its mission. You might not always have time to volunteer or attend a fundraiser, but you can shop intentionally. Supporting Goodwill means supporting your neighbors.
How does it feel knowing your purchases help fund career training and job placement in Charlotte?
Kiah: It brings me so much joy. As a mom and a neighbor, I feel fulfilled knowing that my shopping helps someone I may never meet gain confidence and stability. Goodwill’s mission is rooted in heart – and that’s what makes it powerful. Every purchase is a step toward someone’s fresh start.
What would you say to people who misunderstand how Goodwill operates?
Kiah: I used to be one of those people. But once I became a regular customer, I saw how the business truly works. Donated goods are transformed into opportunities – jobs, training, and economic mobility. Goodwill is a nonprofit, and it has to operate in a way that turns generosity into real impact. That’s what makes it sustainable and effective.
What’s your favorite thing about shopping at Goodwill?
Kiah: Oh my gosh, so many things! Every time I walk in, it feels like family. The staff is fun, the energy is warm, and there’s always a treasure waiting to be found. What someone else gave away becomes something that brings me joy—and I always round up at checkout to give back to the mission.
What’s the heart behind your platform A Journey I Deserve?
Kiah: My whole purpose online is to remind people that we all deserve to live the life of our dreams. But to do that, we need the basics—job placement, community, and self-awareness. Goodwill provides those fundamentals. I want people to stay beautiful and know that this is the journey they deserve.
If you would like to help fund Goodwill’s programs and services that we offer to the community free of charge – like the ones that helped Cynthia on her pathway to prosperity – consider dropping off your gently used donations at one of our locations or making a financial contribution.
Follow Kiah’s journey on Instagram: @ajourneyideserve
