Today we’d like to introduce you to Karis Gamble.
Hi Karis, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a 2020 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University where I obtained a Multimedia Journalism degree with a minor in Communication Studies.
Despite the pandemic, I grew my love for film, media, fashion, and thrifting through various outlets encouraging me to become an entrepreneur.
I began working as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator for the video production company “My Friends and I.” During this time, my love for fashion and thrifting lead me to open a vintage to early 2000s resale closet called Kare To Thrift.
My experience with production and fashion has helped me assist in the creation of projects across Missouri. Now, I hold the titles of Production Assistant, Wardrobe Stylist, Production Coordinator, Junior Producer, and Second Shooter.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was very difficult for me to graduate during the height of COVID but it was honestly the best thing that could have happened because it lead me down the entrepreneurial path.
It was difficult because nothing was normal and I had to try and navigate finding a “Big Girl Job” while the entire world was on pause. I thought I would one day be a News Reporter and Anchor but after obtaining a position at a local news station, I learned very quickly that was not for me.
I told myself I could never be an entrepreneur because it takes so much work but now I am totally surprising myself and staying busy. I struggled with finding my niche, confidence, failures in business, and imposters syndrome at times.
However, with determination and support from the awesome people around me, I was able to push through.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
It seems like I wear so many hats these days, but I like to call myself a Multimedia Freelancer. I can assist with social media, video production, interviewing/reporting, and more.
I am the proud owner of Kare To Thrift LLC, a vintage to 90s thrifted resale closet, where I bring my quality thrifted gems to my customers as fashion. The goal is to bring style inspiration and promote confidence – also on a budget.
Our 1 year Anniversary is June 25th and just within this year, I’ve had my first fashion show, the title of Lead Wardrobe Stylist for a short film, stylist for themed parties ( 70’s, 80’s, and ’90s themed) all while inspiring others to be confident in what they wear.
I am also the Production Coordinator and Junior Producer for the Video Production Company My Friends and I (MFAI). MFAI is a hub for visual storytelling and video production created by Film Maker Cami Thomas. With our community as our motivation, MFAI enjoys capturing the Essence of St. Louis and the people who come with it.
My position allows me to help with the planning processes of video productions as well as be one of the main points of contact during production days and help keep the day running smoothly.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
People may not know that I really love spending time with myself, like an introvert.
I believe I portray myself to be very outgoing and an extrovert on social media, but there are so many times I wish I could just delete everything and not come back to it because jeez it can be stressful and very overwhelming.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kare2thrift.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkariskgamble/ Kare To Thrift: https://www.instagram.com/kare2thrift/
- Other: MFAI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfaimadethis/
Image Credits
@gregoryriot
