Rising Stars: Meet Holly Martinez of Clarksville TN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Martinez

Holly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Since childhood, I’ve had a passion for secondhand shopping. I fondly remember waking up early on weekends with my father to drive around my small mountain town in California, searching to find yard sales and hidden treasures. Thrift shopping became second nature to me.

After graduating high school in 2018, I joined the Air Force. However, I always knew deep down that I wanted to have my own business. While still on Active duty, I decided to combine my passions and launched an online Thrift Boutique, called Unique Threads Boutique in 2020. Unique Threads offers a carefully curated selection of modern and vintage pieces.

Growing a small business while serving in the military was far from easy. Late nights became routine as I balanced the ever-changing demands of my Air Force schedule. At times, I even had to temporarily close Unique Threads twice due to deployments.

In May of 2023, after leaving Active Duty, I moved to Clarksville, TN, a neighboring city to Nashville, TN. Since fully dedication myself to Unique Threads, the business has truly flourished. Fast forward to April of this this year: my husband and I renovated a 16ft In closed trailer, transforming it into a mobile shop. In conjunction with doing pop-ups, I have offer weekly clothing drops on Instagram and serve as a vendor at two local business- Pups Plants and Sanctuary On Main- in Clarksville TN.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running a small business has certainly come with its challenges. The most difficult obstacle that I have faced has been closing down my business twice for deployments to the Middle East. When I returned to the United States, there was definitely a transition period for me to get my deployment life back to being normal. Another struggle I faced was moving and reestablishing my business in a new city. Now that I’m settled, I can honestly say its been a blessing to be here. Not only am I close to the vibrant Nashville Thrift scene, but the community support and opportunity for growing a small business has been incredible!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the heart and soul behind my business, running it as a true “one-woman show.” Every item in my store is personally curated by me, sourced from thrift and vintage shops that I explore regularly. Each piece is carefully handpicked and resold at an affordable price, giving it a chance to continue the journey of the item. In addition to curating, I take things a step further with what I call “thrift flips.” These are creative transformations where I completely reimagine an item into something fresh and stylish. For instance, I once turned an old quilt into a trendy vest! Beyond that, I offer simple alterations such as repairing damaged or torn pieces, hemming pants or dresses, installing zippers, and adding linings. My mission is to bring new life to every item—whether by redesigning it or simply making it better.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
This may sound cliché, but what I truly love is the people. There’s such a vibrant community of creative individuals here, and I’ve never experienced this level of support and involvement anywhere else. Its inspiring to be part of a place where everyone lifts each other up. If i had to pick a downside, it would be the terrain. growing up in a mountain town is unbeatable, in my opinion. However, the upside is being just a short trip away from the Great Smoky Mountains, which is always an amazing getaway!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniquethreadsboutique/