Community Highlights: Meet Daniel Hastings of Omnia Vintage Thrift And Collectables

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Hastings.

Hi Daniel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My wife and I have always shared a deep love for vintage items and thrifting. We grew up exploring flea markets, estate sales, and garage sales, developing a passion for uncovering unique treasures. We were really into vintage collectibles, antiques, and learning about their history and value. I was particularly fascinated with vintage Pokémon cards and Magic: The Gathering, collecting them since I was a kid. I always dreamed of finding that rare, hard-to-get card, but I soon realized that reselling these items for profit was challenging due to market fluctuations and distribution hurdles.

Over the years, we started experimenting with garage sales, buying bulk items from storage units and estate sales, and reselling them. We discovered that there’s a certain thrill in hunting for treasures and turning them into profit, even if it’s not always huge.

I come from a background in the food industry—most of my career as an executive chef and food service director, managing resorts, camps, and revamping failing businesses. After the upheaval caused by COVID-19, I found myself wanting a change. I was interested in leaving the food service industry but was hesitant to jump ship entirely. So, I decided to run a thrift store on the side while keeping my job.

Making the leap to full-time thrift store ownership was daunting, but we took the plunge. While the store isn’t a huge money-maker, the experience has been incredibly rewarding. It’s more than just a business; it’s a treasure hunt every day. We learn about so many different items, their histories, and their stories. Working for ourselves has given us a new sense of purpose and joy—it’s about finding treasures, connecting with our community, and enjoying the journey.

Now, we’re proud to say that our thrift store is more than just a shop—it’s a reflection of our passions for vintage, learning, and discovery. It’s a testament to taking risks, following our passions, and turning what we love into a meaningful venture.

Despite our passion and success, we’ve faced some significant challenges along the way. One of the most difficult moments was surviving a robbery that resulted in the loss of over $10,000 worth of Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon products. Because these items are difficult to insure—mainly due to the lack of a fixed MSRP—we were uninsured and had to navigate that heartbreak without coverage. It was a tough lesson, but it taught us the importance of resilience and planning for the unexpected.

We’ve also learned a lot the hard way through experience with estate sales and other vendors, which has helped us become smarter, more cautious, and more strategic in what we buy and sell. Despite these setbacks, we have countless great memories and have built a wonderful community around our store. We are proud to be the **only five-star rated and reviewed thrift and vintage store on Google and many other review sites in our area**. Our loyal customer base continues to grow, and we’re grateful for the support of our community.

We’re truly blessed to be doing what we love—connecting with people, sharing our passion, and creating a space where everyone can find a treasure. Every challenge has strengthened our commitment, and we’re excited for what the future holds.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not quite. We’ve navigated many twists and turns—learning, adapting, and growing with each challenge. From the complexities of sourcing rare items to building a loyal community, every step has tested our resilience. Through it all, we’ve created a special space that stands out as a highly rated thrift and vintage store—born from passion, perseverance, and a love for the treasure hunt.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Omnia Vintage Thrift And Collectables ?
We specialize in the unique and hard-to-find items that other thrift and vintage stores often overlook. Our store is a curated mix of goth, punk, cottagecore, vintage shirts, skulls, marbles, and all the cool, eclectic stuff you wish you could find at your local Goodwill. Our vibe and aesthetic truly set us apart—our wall art, decor, and curated selection create a distinctive atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. We pride ourselves on offering a one-of-a-kind shopping experience filled with treasures that reflect personality, style, and individuality.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Dreams are destiny. If you want it, you have to go out there and chase it with everything you’ve got! Remember, failure isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone. Every setback teaches you something new, bringing you one step closer to success. So don’t be discouraged; try again and again. The law of averages is on your side, and persistence is key.

I’m proof that you don’t need a fancy degree or a traditional background to succeed. I’m a high school dropout with no business degree, yet here I am, leveraging the incredible resources available—whether it’s the internet, YouTube, or AI—to learn, grow, and build my dreams.

There’s truly no reason why the average person can’t become a business owner these days. The tools, knowledge, and opportunities are all at your fingertips. Believe in yourself, stay committed, and keep pushing forward. Your dreams are worth it, and with determination, you can turn them into reality!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://omniavintage.biz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1X2yxpRsVw/

Image Credits
Josie Hastings