Style Entrepreneurship

Dressed to Kill: Black Kettle Tea Shoppe Launches Alt Thrift Section

if you love thrifting and alternative fashion, look no further

Gracyn Leukam, photos by Sawyer Hoff |

KILLER STYLE. Black Kettle Tea
KILLER STYLE. Black Kettle Tea Bootique recently added a thrifting section to their spooky inventory. 

Black Kettle Tea & Bootique (217 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire) is a woman-owned small business that sells locally grown and sustainably sourced loose-leaf teas. The shop recently opened a new section dedicated to previously owned alternative-style clothing and accessories. 

The owner, Brianna Vodvarka, thought of the idea as she personally loves to thrift, but wishes she didn’t have to wait until Halloween time to find her style in stores. “There’s a need for more alternative clothing in the area,” Vodvarka said. “Other than Goodwill or Savers, there’s not much around.”

“I’ll take anything black, witchy, or weird.”

BRIANNA VODVARKA

OWNER OF BLACK KETTLE TEA & BOOTIQUE

Vodvarka has been dressing in alternative-style clothing since she was 10. Her love of rock and metal music ultimately inspired the way she expresses herself. “My favorite clothing brand is probably Disturbia,” Vodvarka noted.

People are encouraged to bring in their gently used items during business hours. Items brought in are purchased right then and there. Pricing is based on the quality and brand of the clothing. T-shirts usually start around $5, and jeans around $7. “People have brought in brands like Black Craft, Kill Star, and Hot Topic,” Vodvarka said. “I’ll take anything black, witchy, or weird.”

The section isn’t limited to clothing. There’s also a selection of jewelry, pins, shoes, bags, scarves, and hats. With the spooky season approaching, now is the perfect time to stop in and browse the growing collection. 


For more information, check out Black Kettle Tea & Bootique in person at 217 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire, and keep up with their Facebook or Instagram.