Austin has long been a thrifter’s paradise in Texas. But even with the over 100 thrift and vintage stores around, one stands out.
Heartening has been operating with a zero-waste goal since founder Kelley Rytlewski created an online directory of local charity donation needs during the pandemic.
After she was laid off from Twitter, she started accepting physical donations and growing Heartening full time. Eventually, she said, the operation outgrew her house, and Heartening moved into a 390-square-foot room to sort donations…