Sustainable fashion is gaining momentum, and women entrepreneurs are at the forefront of this movement. One such trailblazer is Lydia Agu, the founder of @leeediahthrifts, who is redefining secondhand fashion with style and purpose.
Through Forkeeps, she has found a platform that aligns perfectly with her mission of making thrift shopping more accessible, trendy, and socially accepted. In this interview, Lydia shares her journey, challenges, and insights on balancing business with sustainability.
Meet Lydia Agu: Thrift Queen and Sustainability Advocate
Lydia Agu is not just selling clothes—she’s changing mindsets. With her keen eye for style and a passion for reducing fashion waste, Lydia has built a community that celebrates the beauty of preloved fashion.
Q&A with Lydia Agu
What inspired you to start selling on Forkeeps, and how has the platform helped you grow your business?
“Forkeeps was introduced to me by a very good friend and customer, and I’m so glad she did! The app is incredibly user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and list my thrifted items.
Since joining Forkeeps, I’ve been able to expand my sales beyond Instagram and Twitter, tapping into a vibrant community of buyers specifically looking for preloved items. And the best part is that I no longer have to persuade people to buy or explain the benefits of thrift shopping—it’s a game changer for real!”
As a woman entrepreneur in the resale and sustainable fashion space, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
“A major challenge is convincing people that thrifted items are not bad. Most girlies see preloved items as inferior or unhygienic but I’m on a mission using my brand @leeediahthrifts, to show that thrift shopping can be stylish, sustainable, and fun.
I overcame this challenge by curating a selection of clean and trendy fashion pieces that appeal to my customers’ sense of style. By doing this, I’ve helped change perceptions and prove that thrifted pieces can be both chic and sustainable.”
What advice would you give to other women looking to start a business in fashion, resale, or sustainability?
“First off, it’s not as easy as it looks. It takes time, patience and plenty waka waka to source these trendy pieces. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll love it! Think of it as shopping for beautiful items you’d love to own, only thing is that you don’t get to keep any for yourself.”
How do you balance running your business with other aspects of your life, and what keeps you motivated?
“Scheduling. I have specific days set aside for market runs and others for personal time. That balance is key.”
“What motivates me most is seeing the joy on my customers’ faces when they style their purchased items and reading the amazing reviews they share. Knowing that I’ve helped bring a smile to someone’s day and made a positive impact on their wardrobe keeps me going!”
Conclusion
Lydia Agu’s journey is a testament to the power of sustainable fashion and the role platforms like Forkeeps play in supporting women entrepreneurs. Through resilience, creativity, and dedication, she’s helping redefine what secondhand fashion looks like—and proving that preloved items can be stylish, valuable, and impactful.
As more women embrace eco-conscious fashion, Lydia’s story serves as a reminder that with passion and perseverance, anyone can make a difference in the fashion industry.
