Our Story
Well, hello there, I'm Madi.
My heart beams with pride that you'd have any interest in learning about my shop's story.
I'll try to keep it short and at least mildly interesting. I'll even throw in some purple to help with skimming!
Back in 2015, I went to work with my mom (affectionately referred to as Mother Mulberry these days) at a thrift shop she had opened in Harvey LA. Sadly, it was only open for a short period of time before closing due to unforeseen circumstances.
But this experience lit a fire in me that will never die (how dramatic).
The organizing.
The community.
The helping.
This is what I wanted to do.
So, 5 years later, Ms. Madi Mulberry's became a reality.
The name isn't a reality though (Thompson isn't as "cutesy"), it's a nickname from my mom's bestie 'cus I loved her mulberry tree, and I'm sure she loved the little purple footprints that stained her driveway and both of our hearts.
(Shoutout to Betty Boo, love you!)
The first 3ish years were HARD. There were many, many times it seemed easier to just give up, and even a couple times where it looked like I wouldn't have a choice.
Like when Yelp plunged my bank account several hundred into the negatives for ads that were supposed to be $50 (always read the fine print, folks).
Or when my dog died.
Or when covid hit.
Or when the building we rent went up for sale.
That junk was THE WORST! I, of course, attempted to buy it, but being a lowly thrift shop owner, I had no where near enough for a down payment, even with community fundraising.
So, in 2022 the building sold....
THANKFULLY to someone who KEPT us! I love love love my little building and my little community, I hope I'm here forever and ever!
We are steady growing and I'm able to help more and more people because of it. That's what pushed me to finally get a website going, the prospect of support from people who aren't physically in the store, so that I can help even more! Plus, it turns out my parking lot is too small some days, so virtual shopping is the next best thing!
Have you heard of Ikigai?
It's a philosophy originating in Japan meaning "reason for being." The main concept is based around a Venn diagram with 4 overlapping circles and "Ikigai" in the middle.
This work, this shop, is my Ikigai and I feel fortunate every day to have it.
But I wouldn't have it if it weren't for my phenomenal little team of volunteers. The amount that they've helped me grow and flourish in 2024 alone has been nothing short of incredible. I can only hope they realize how thankful I am and how lost I would be without them.
I guess that about catches you up! Feel free to continue exploring my page, I spent many a sleepless night adjusting margins ever so slightly!
They are:
1. What you love.
2. What you can be paid for.
3. What you're good at.
4. What the world needs.
