Thrift is her gift
Ngāruawāhia mum Jessie Matthews talks about her love for pre-loved things – and exercise
Jessie Matthews, 41, is a Ngāruawāhia mum who has undergone a major weight loss transformation.
I sat down with her to learn more about how she lost 83kgs after her gastric bypass surgery two years ago, while utilising her love for second-hand clothes.
Jessie has always had a love for second-hand clothing which is an attitude she acquired from her mother and is passing down to her young daughter today.
Through her mum, Jessie “fell in love with taking something second hand and giving it new life”.
Her attitude towards thrift means she can dress her child and herself well in second-hand clothes for a reasonable price.
When asked about this attitude, Jessie said that she valued family experiences over overpriced material goods.
“I would rather take my family on a holiday, and I would rather create a memory with my family than look a certain way to run along the pavement.”
When embarking on her weight loss journey she ensured she kept her exercise gear basic and practical. She has spent “no more than $4” on any of her exercise gear, except on her running shoes.
Jessie’s love for pre-loved goods has even developed into an Instagram store she uses to sell her goods.
@handpicked_by_me is Jessie’s marketplace that has just shy of 1700 followers. People can buy retro clothes, shoes, kidswear, bric-a-brac, and ‘old school’ homeware.
Her page has gained traction with mums who like the funky ‘old school’ pieces such as toys or homewares Jessie sells that they cannot find in many stores.
“Some mums like specific things for their children to play with.”
Having her store has allowed her to make a community of people and it has generated some income that she uses to reinvest into more second-hand goods for her home.
“It’s not about making money or putting a mark up on it, it’s about giving a new life to something deemed retro or old that could’ve been thrown away.”
Jessie has been able to spend money on nutritious food, and family time activities because she has utilised op shops.
She is a reminder that expensive branded gym gear cannot make up for hard work, saying that her advice for those looking to have a healthy lifestyle change is simply, “hard work and consistency”.
