Pawareness Podcast # 37 | A Thrift Store that Saves Animals | Second Life Atlanta

On this episode of the Pawareness Podcast, we welcome Tanya and Toby, Founder of Second Life Atlanta, a non-profit, community-oriented thrift store that supports animal rescues all over Georgia. Second Life Atlanta has donated over $1.6 million to 70 animal rescues and spay/neuter programs in Georgia since being founded 10 years ago.

Tanya and Toby share the story behind Second Life Atlanta, along with the challenges they’ve faced in their journey and advice for people who want to open their own thrift store. They discuss the importance of having a structured, detailed business plan before opening a business, the role of volunteers and employees in a business’s success, and how they found success in pivoting to online sales during the covid-19 pandemic.

“I wish people understood how many rescues there are across the US and how much work goes into saving just one animal each day.”    - Tanya

Tune in to learn valuable lessons from these two amazing entrepreneurs and philanthropists, as well as how you can purchase from and donate to them from anywhere in the US!

Visit Second Life Atlanta’s website: www.secondlifeatlanta.org
Connect with them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/secondlifeatlanta
Follow them on Instagram: www.instagram.com/secondlifeatl
Donate: www.secondlifeatlanta.org/donate
Visit our website: www.pawareness.org
Where to find the Pawareness Podcast: www.linktr.ee/pawareness
Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/pawareness_official
Submit for Pet of the Week: www.pawareness.org/pet-of-the-week

Episode Timeline

[00:30] Introducing Tanya, Toby, and Second Life Atlanta
[04:21] The story of Lucky the Dalmatian
[05:09] Why this model of activism and philanthropy works so well
[05:53] What do your relationships with local rescues look like?
[08:08] Advice for people interested in opening a thrift store
[12:19] What changed and how did you pivot during the covid-19 pandemic?
[16:45] Lessons learned from having a team and running a business
[18:50] Goals and plans for the future of Second Life Atlanta
[22:35] How to connect with and support Second Life Atlanta