Omni Lester is a Charlotte-area educator, mother, and longtime Goodwill supporter whose passion for thrifting runs deep – across generations, classrooms, and communities. In this candid conversation, she shares how secondhand style became a source of self-expression, healing, and connection.
Q: What first got you into thrifting?
Omni: Honestly, I was raised by a thrifter—my mom. I watched her piece things together from different stores, and it just became second nature. People ask me all the time how I find things in thrift stores, and I tell them, “I don’t know, it’s just natural.” Every stage of my life has included thrifting. My first apartment was completely furnished by Goodwill. Even when I became a mom, I thrifted my children’s clothes. I’d say 80% of my daughter’s wardrobe has been thrifted.
Q: What does thrifting mean to you personally?
Omni: It’s everything. When I walk into a Goodwill, it’s like a breath of fresh air. It’s the one place I can just breathe and close all my tabs. Between teaching, parenting, and community work, I’m always juggling so much. Thrifting is my therapy.
Q: You mentioned your daughter—how has thrifting become part of your relationship with her?
Omni: It’s our love language. I’ve introduced her to thrifting, and now it’s something we share. She’s found her own style and is confident in her skin. We have a Saturday routine—after I tutor, we go to Goodwill. If we miss it, she’ll ask to go on Sunday. It’s become our way of life. I tell her, “You’re an artist. Let’s go find pieces and create something beautiful.”
Q: How does thrifting show up in your classroom life?
Omni: I teach second through fifth grade, and every day my students say, “Ms. Lester, I love your outfit!” I always tell them, “It’s thrifted.” They’re shocked—like, “Wait, you got that from a thrift store?” And I say, “Yes! Everything I wear is thrifted—except maybe the shoes.” You can see their minds working, like, “If Ms. Lester can find this at Goodwill, maybe I can too.” Some of them come back and say, “Miss Lester, I went to Goodwill with my mom and got these pants,” or “My mom found a blazer for her job.” That’s the moment I know I’m helping shift their mindset.
Q: What do you say to people who think thrifting is “less than”?
Omni: I used to think that way too, as a kid. I’d ask my mom, “Why can’t we go to the mall?” But now I know thrifting is beautiful. You never know what you’ll find. You just have to be open-minded. I post thrift hauls online, and people are surprised to see tags still on items. Sure, you might have to dig a little, but it’s worth it. Go in with an open mind—you’ll find gems.
Q: What makes thrifting so meaningful to you personally?
Omni: It’s life. It’s everything. I’ve been trying to find the words, and I told my mom, “The little girl inside me is so happy.” Thrifting has been the thread connecting every phase of my life. It’s how I express myself, how I decompress, how I bond with my daughter. It’s art. I walk into a store, see a piece, and immediately imagine how it fits into my closet. It’s therapeutic.
Q: You’ve spoken about Goodwill’s mission. How do you see that impact in your community?
Omni: I teach at a Title I school and I’ve seen firsthand how Goodwill supports families. We’ve sent students to Goodwill programs for job training and trades. When I shop or donate, I know I’m helping people I interact with every day. Even rounding up at checkout—it may be just a few cents, but it adds up. It’s a full-circle moment for me.
Q: What are some of your favorite Goodwill locations in the Charlotte area?
Omni: I love the North Tryon store, it’s close to my school. WT Harris is another favorite; the ladies there are amazing. Concord is underrated but one of the best. I get at least half of my learning materials from Goodwill. My daughter and I also love the Mountain Island location. And I’ve checked out the Shopton Road store and The GRID is great for tech finds.
Omni Lester isn’t just a thrifter; she’s a storyteller, a teacher, and a community advocate. Her journey reminds us that every purchase, every donation, and every shared moment at Goodwill is part of something bigger.
