Spotlighting Small Businesses in Denton: A Deep Dive with Salvage Secondhand Shoppe
At The Brown Thumb, we believe in the power of community. Our journey isn’t just about building a space for plants, matcha, and connection—it’s about uplifting the incredible small businesses that make Denton, TX, such a vibrant and unique place. That’s why we’re launching a new tradition: Small Business Saturday Blogs, where we highlight the amazing entrepreneurs shaping our city.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about us. It’s about all of us.
To kick things off, we’re featuring a business that’s close to our hearts—Salvage Secondhand Shoppe, a curated vintage and secondhand clothing store right off the Square in Denton, TX (225 W Oak St Suite A). More than just a thrift store, Salvage is a space where sustainable fashion meets self-expression, and where community is just as important as style.
I’ve personally known Juliana, the powerhouse behind Salvage, for over three years. She’s not just a fellow business owner—she’s a friend who keeps me accountable, helps me stay grounded, and never fails to bring a good laugh when I need it most. She’s built something truly special, and I can’t wait to share her story with you.
So, let’s get into it.
Meet Salvage Secondhand Shoppe: A Vintage Haven in Denton, TX
1. Tell us about your shop.
Salvage Secondhand Shoppe is a curated secondhand and vintage clothing store that brings pre-loved fashion back to life. Shopping sustainably shouldn’t be overwhelming, and Juliana has made it her mission to create an experience that’s easy, enjoyable, and gender-inclusive.
Every piece in the shop is hand-measured to ensure a perfect fit, and the store is organized by style, not gender, making for a truly stress-free shopping experience. But Salvage isn’t just about clothing—it’s about community.
Juliana also supports local artists and creators, giving them space in her shop to showcase their work. “Supporting the community that supports us is super important to us,” she says, and that philosophy is woven into everything she does.
Why Secondhand? A Passion for Sustainability and Style
2. What inspired you to start Salvage Secondhand Shoppe?
At its core, Salvage was born from a love of self-expression and sustainability. While fast fashion dominates the industry, secondhand shopping offers a way to break free from trends and embrace individuality.
“For me, shopping secondhand is like a treasure hunt,” Juliana shares. “Once I find that joy-sparking piece, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot.” She wanted to bring that excitement to others while making sustainable shopping more accessible.
3. What’s one item or trend you’d love to see make a comeback in the secondhand market?
Trends may come and go, but self-expression is forever. “We kind of live in a time where wearing what makes you happy is trending,” Juliana explains. But if she had to choose, she’d love to see ’60s mod and ‘70s fashion continue to thrive in the secondhand world.
4. If Salvage Secondhand Shoppe had a theme song, what would it be?
“Anything groovy, really,” Juliana says. But if she had to pick one song, it’d be “Is It True” by Tame Impala—a track that perfectly encapsulates Salvage’s effortlessly cool and vintage-inspired energy.
Balancing Business, Life, and Mental Health
5. How do you maintain balance between your personal life and running a business?
Running a business is no joke, especially when you’re the only one holding it down. For Juliana, keeping a clear boundary between work and personal life is a constant challenge.
She tries to leave the shop on time, making space for quality time with her husband and pets, but Sundays and Mondays are always a toss-up—sometimes they’re for sourcing inventory, other times for catching up on life outside of work.
“When you run a business, you sacrifice that clear line between personal life and work. They always overlap, and it can be really stressful. The business-owner lifestyle definitely isn’t for everyone,” she admits.
6. What sparked your passion for thrifting and secondhand treasures?
For Juliana, secondhand fashion isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about storytelling.
“I love bringing things back to life that might have been trashed otherwise,” she says. “It’s really cool to know that a secondhand piece lived a whole different life before you found it.”
This mindset extends beyond fashion—it’s about appreciating the history, craftsmanship, and character of every item, rather than opting for mass-produced, disposable goods.
Staying True to Your Values as a Business Owner
7. As a small business owner, how do you navigate the balance between staying true to your values and adapting to the demands of running a profitable business?
It’s a fine line to walk, but for Juliana, her values guide everything she does—from the inventory she curates to the way she connects with customers.
At the same time, listening to what people want is key to staying afloat. “I stay flexible by finding ways to meet customer needs without compromising what matters most,” she explains. It’s all about finding that balance between passion and practicality.
8. How has your personal growth been intertwined with the evolution of Salvage Secondhand Shoppe, and what does this journey mean to you on a deeper level?
For many small business owners, success and self-worth become tangled together—and Juliana is no exception.
“When business is good, I’m in a good mood. When business is slow, I feel like I’m failing,” she says.
Comparing herself to other entrepreneurs is a struggle, but she reminds herself that everyone is on their own path. “I’m four years in, and I’m still learning. At the end of the day, I can’t do better than my best.”
This kind of honesty is why so many in Denton resonate with her and her shop—because she keeps it real.
Why Salvage, and Why Denton?
9. Is there anything else you want Denton to know about you?
“Just that I appreciate this community more than anything in the world,” Juliana says. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the village of supporters we’ve built in Denton, and I hope to be here for as long as they’ll have me.”
And that’s exactly why we’re doing this. Because Denton thrives when we support each other.
More Than Just a Shop—It’s About Community
Small businesses are the heart of Denton, TX, and Salvage Secondhand Shoppe is one of the many gems worth exploring. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, make sure to stop by, hunt for some treasures, and support a space that values sustainability, self-expression, and community.
And if you’re looking for things to do in Denton, TX, add a visit to Salvage to your list. Then grab a matcha and a plant at The Brown Thumb. We’ve got all the plant vibes you didn’t know you needed and some of the best matcha in Denton, TX (yeah, we said it). Make a day of supporting small businesses. Trust us—you’ll thank yourself later.
Because it’s not just about one of us—it’s about all of us.
Want to see more stores in Denton featured? Stay tuned for more Small Business Saturday blogs, where we’ll keep highlighting the incredible entrepreneurs making this city special.
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