Second hand is a bottomless treasure trove
In an interview with Emmy, our customer Sini Pankka, Commercial Director at Smartum. Sini, who is socially and environmentally conscious, is actively involved in various volunteer work, helping for example immigrant mothers and collecting litter from her surroundings. Energetic, social, and sales-oriented, Sini strives to inspire everyone to join in on what excites her; a great example being second hand and the services related to it.
Your best second hand find?
A black leather trench coat, for which lovely people give me compliments almost daily.
How and when did you get into second hand?
In the 90s, following in my big sister’s footsteps. Back then and still today, I also customized many of my finds, though nowadays a wonderful professional seamstress living in the same neighborhood does it for me.
What motivates you to buy second hand?
The clothing industry accounts for about 10 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, which is more than air and sea travel combined. In addition, I have found every single one of my current favorite clothes either from Emmy or Vestiaire, so the bottomless treasure trove of second hand continues to fascinate me.
What do you buy second hand?
I buy most of my clothes second hand. Why buy new, when you can’t be sure of the quality and it consumes natural resources, when you can buy used, proven quality, and something that will last for the next users as well.
Are you also active as a seller?
Yes. I don’t want to leave clothes sleeping in my wardrobe, but instead I put into circulation those pieces that, for one reason or another, I almost never choose to wear.
Have you ever sold on Emmy?
I have been selling since 2018, because selling has been made extremely easy; Emmy picks up the clothes from my doorstep and takes care of the entire sales process for me. Even though the clothes I sell are most often second hand finds, they are still high-quality and in good condition. Maybe that’s exactly why they quickly find new happy owners.