A Second Glantz at Fast Fashion

Fast fashion, a term used to describe the rapid production of inexpensive clothing to meet the latest trends, has revolutionized the fashion industry. It allows consumers to update their wardrobes quickly and affordably with the latest styles. However, the consequences of this convenience and affordability are profound, affecting the environment, society, and global economies in ways that are increasingly difficult to ignore. Ashely Glantz, founder of Second Glantz, created a unique approach to addressing this issue by offering affordable, quality clothing with little to no impact to the environment. 

Ashley’s journey into the world of secondhand fashion began long before it became her livelihood. "When I was growing up, my grandpa would take me out looking for sales, and we would thrift together," she recalls. This early exposure to thrifting planted the seeds of what would become her life's work. After discovering Poshmark at seventeen and later finding success on the Curtsey app, Ashley began to realize the potential in reselling high-quality, preloved clothing. "I started thrifting things that didn’t fit me, but that I really loved, and they would sell. Eventually, I started thrifting for other people." Over time, Ashley’s side hustle evolved into a full-fledged business, rebranded as Second Glantz to reflect her vision of providing stylish, sustainable clothing to people of all ages. 

One of the most significant impacts of fast fashion is its toll on the environment. The fashion industry is the third-largest polluter in the world, just after the oil and agriculture industry. The rapid production cycles of fast fashion demand vast amounts of resources, including water, energy, and raw materials. Many people remain unaware of the harmful toxins used in low-quality clothes that contaminate water supplies and harm aquatic ecosystems. In addition to the water pollution, the nature of fast fashion encourages a throwaway culture. Consumers are tempted to purchase inexpensive clothing, only to discard it after a few wears. This leads to an overwhelming amount of textile waste, much of which ends up in landfills. These garments, often made from non-biodegradable materials, can take hundreds of years to decompose. 

Aware of the detrimental impact fast fashion has on the environment, Ashley has challenged the status quo with her business model. She protests the culture of instant gratification, where we want the latest trends delivered to our doorsteps the next day. Since Ashley’s entire inventory is thrifted or gifted, there is no additional waste created for the planet. She’s also saving clothing that would otherwise end up in the trash. Available through mail delivery or local pickup, Ashley can always find a way to get the cutest pieces to your doorstep. Her mission goes beyond selling clothes; she’s on a crusade to change how people think about consumption. "There’s already so much stuff on this earth, we don’t need to be creating more," she says. She urges people to rethink the impulse to buy new and to embrace the value of secondhand shopping.

One of the most compelling reasons to shop secondhand is the unique, one-of-a-kind pieces you can find. Ashley encourages people to explore every section of the thrift store, including kid’s and men's sections, as treasures can be hidden anywhere. "Sometimes they’ll put the wrong sizes in the wrong places, so you have to look at everything." Ashley also highlights the importance of supporting small businesses. "Larger brands don’t even care; the ten-dollar sale doesn’t mean anything to them," she says. By choosing to shop secondhand and support local entrepreneurs, consumers can make a significant impact.

Ashley’s business is continuously evolving. She has recently started offering a closet cleanout service, helping people declutter and consign their unwanted clothing. "There are so many people who don’t have the time to sell stuff or donate it. I think it’s important that everyone has access to that, so I offer it for free," she says. Ashley also enjoys curating style and mystery boxes for her clients, going through their Pinterest boards to select items that match their tastes. No day is the same for Ashley, who thrives on the diversity of her work- from sourcing and photographing clothes to live selling on platforms like Whatnot.

As awareness of the impacts of fast fashion grows, there is a collective responsibility- shared by consumers, corporations, and policymakers- to transform the fashion industry into one that values sustainability, ethics, and long-term well-being over short-term gains. Ashley’s model of clothing exchange is a testament to the possibility of a sustainable and ethical future. As the world becomes more aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion, entrepreneurs like Ashley are leading the way in showing us that there is a better, more sustainable way to shop. To buy or consign clothes through Second Glantz you can contact Ashley through Instagram at Scndglantz, email at secondglantz@outlook.com, or call 402-431-3486.