The Horned Toad Thrift Shop... Owner, me, I am Agustina and I arrived in the USA in 1993. The store was named by my Husband, who for some reason loves Horned Toad Lizard, which are scary to me. We married in Chile and in 1993 I move to his native Texas...I have lived here for over 23 years and although I miss my country, I embraced the Texas culture by learning English, learning how to drive, sho
oting guns and getting an associates degree from Richland College! I now have two Boys ages 16 and 18. What a blessing. Our family met a big challange when my Husband resigned from his position from his Federal Employment in 2014, I didn't know what we would do but knew I couldn't sit around and cry like a weak woman so I told him I would start a thrift shop. After all how would we pay the bills? I always loved this american pass time called Garage Sales, I was really good at spotting good buys, So I knew I could buy and resell, I am glad I had this skill and a good thing I opened the store, although he resigned for a good reason, his ethics didn't pay the bills. Honestly I was afraid that we would loose everything, the house, our assets, pride, etc. But instead of feeding off the social system I had him help me and now we have the Horned Toad Thrift Shop. He was supportive and I put him to work painting the walls, hammering here and there, etc. We opened the doors in November but Honestly, I am not sure if I did the right thing, I can't compete against the big Thrifts like Goodwill (Their CEO earns about 3.5 million a year salary off donated goods), Salvation Army, and many more. Most get donations, me I buy everything you see. I feel good, at least I did something and not sit and be sad. At least I kept our home, and in late 2016, my Husband finally abandoned his idea of getting that big job he had before and settled for a 67% cut in pay and as he said at least we are a family and happy. He is right, I know he makes a small salary but it is a ministry, Youth Believing In Change, and whem he does work at the store on Fridays and Saturdays, he seems so happy. We have been blessed and humbled and appreciate all the businesswe have gotten and pray and hope our switch from clothing to funiture will help generate a profit and if it works we can stay open but In September of this year 2017 the lease is up and most likely the doors will shut but at least I can say I tried, and I saved my family, that is all I can do, is try and count myself as a successful Mom, Wife and Woman. My Highlights: I have met some wonderful supportive people, people of faith that have prayed with me, people of all backgrounds and I do mean ALL BACKGROUNDS! love diversity, people that were so kind and also would give me pointers, but most important is that I learned that as a Woman "I CAN" i can really get it done and in the USA at that. My low points: As any business owner knows, the hours are long and challanges are daily. how these are many and often but I just keep the spirit thanks for the prayers. UPDATE: October 2017 The Horned Toad Thrift Shop closed it's doors. We had a great three year but it was time to move on...
