One of Port Orchard’s newest business owners has raved about the art of the thrift for as long as she can remember.

Long before the modern generation began craving “blast from the past” vintage fashion and searching for second-hand necessities on a budget, 33-year-old Brittany Hess grew in her love for thrifting from a young age.

“It’s in my blood to just collect,” she said. “My parents are antiques and collectors, and they have just a plethora of stuff in their house as well.”

Her own collections contain ties to her personal passions and her years of teaching at Gig Harbor Academy and InMotion Creative Arts Preschool. Women’s clothing, antiques, childhood materials, home goods and books make up just some of her extensive collections, among the other small knick-knacks and treasures.

“My husband didn’t really know what I was doing for a while,” she laughed. “I do get attached to some of the things, but at a certain point in your life, you just have to give it all up.”

She plans to do just that in her newest endeavor just inside the revived Town Square Mall off Mile Hill Drive. Dos Casas Thrift opened in April and is now one of the first storefronts customers will see when entering the mall’s floor-level entrance by Goodwill.

The small and snug corner storefront is a fresh look for thrifters who typically find themselves maneuvering through unorganized piles of the miscellaneous just to find their diamond in the rough. Dos Cases Thrift, even in the limited space, is spacious, and a great number of items both donated and from Hess’ own thrifting hobbies are available for purchase.

“There’s a little something for everyone here. If you love to hunt and love the process of thrifting, this is a good experience to be had,” she said.

The store, while mindful of those delicate antiques, is also a very hands-on experience for mothers and their children. Toys are easily accessible by littles, and elementary art supplies and tools for sensory and fine motor skills are also making their way into the shop.

Hess went on to describe it as similar to a Mommy & Me shop. “I want families to come in and to be able to shop. I’ve already seen so many kids on my floor just playing with the toys while mom gets to actually enjoy her shopping experience.”