Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethany Smalley.
Hi Bethany, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Quality has always been a non-negotiable for me, a value my parents instilled long before I understood the industry. My early career days was spent in mall retail, where I fell in love with fashion labels but eventually grew tired of a world that felt increasingly ‘plastic.’ The turning point came when I was furnishing my first apartment. I turned to thrift stores and discovered something remarkable—timeless, high-quality pieces just waiting for a second chance.
After moving to Cincinnati and having my three children, the stillness of the post-2020 world left me restless for a creative outlet that actually aligned with my soul. In 2023, I turned that lifelong passion into Small Changes. My shop is a carefully curated rebellion against the fast-fashion cycle, focusing on natural fibers, genuine leather, and heritage vintage. I truly believe that the way we shop matters—and whether it’s choosing secondhand or supporting a local maker, those small changes are exactly how we create a big impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Small Changes started with a clear concept and a curated dream of vintage fibers, but the road was far from easy. My first major move—a massive weekend pop-up—was a humbling failure that left me stalled for months, both financially and emotionally. The turnaround happened when my husband took me to a local Pride market; seeing that community energy was the ‘lightbulb moment’ I needed to finally hit the ground running. Now, I’m paying that inspiration forward. With the Hometown Market in Loveland, Ohio, we’ve created a weekly space specifically designed to help small businesses find their footing. My goal is to be the launchpad for the next wave of local makers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Small Changes is a carefully curated intersection of current and vintage goods, specifically chosen for the modern closet. My focus is on natural fibers, sturdy cotton denims, genuine leathers, and heritage accessories. In an industry that often feels disposable and ‘plastic,’ I source pieces that are built to last and have a story to tell.
Beyond the materials, size inclusivity is a cornerstone of the brand. I believe quality vintage should be accessible to everyone, which is why our collection thoughtfully covers a full range from XS to XXL. This isn’t just about ‘old clothes’—it’s about classic, wearable style that fits seamlessly into a contemporary wardrobe.
This mission extends beyond the rack and into the community through our Hometown Market in Loveland, Ohio. After my own early hurdles in the business world, I wanted to create a weekly ‘launchpad’ where other makers could find their footing. Whether you are shopping our inclusive vintage collection or visiting a local creator at the market, we believe those small changes in how we consume create a massive, beautiful impact.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Every favorite childhood memory I have features my older brother. He’s always been my hero, and his influence is the reason Small Changes exists today. Our ‘business research’ actually started years ago as kids, playing army and scouring the Salvation Army for authentic gear. That childhood play evolved into hunting for the perfect vintage tees in high school, and later, finding soul in secondhand furniture for our first apartments. Today, I’m still just trying to be as cool as him—turning those years of shared treasure hunting into a mission to find quality, ‘second-chance’ pieces for others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsmallchanges/ and https://www.instagram.com/shophometownmarketloveland
