During Spring Quarter 2024, the UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center hosted a new program called the Side Hustle Challenge. The Side Hustle Challenge offered students the training, resources, and networking opportunities they needed to turn their passions into bona fide ventures. Throughout the quarter, the students learned about branding, finances, legal considerations, e-commerce, and other key aspects of building a business. The program culminated in a Finals Marketplace where the UC Irvine and wider Orange County communities were invited to explore the various student-developed side hustles and shop their products and services.
To highlight some of the incredible student side hustlers who participated in the challenge, Ryan Foland, ANTrepreneur Center Director, invited these ANTrepreneurs for a series of informative interviews. Welcome to Side Hustler Stories!
In this interview, Ryan sits down with UC Irvine student James Yee (Business Economics) to learn more about his vintage men’s clothing side hustle UC, I Want Some Clothes.
Ryan: Ahoy James; thanks for meeting with me today! To start off this interview, can you tell me about your business?
James: Thanks for having me. At UC, I Want Some Clothes, we specialize in curated men’s vintage fashion at affordable prices. Our mission is to offer a wide variety of quality pieces so that everyone can find something timeless, wearable, and built to last. Whether you’re new to vintage or a seasoned thrifter, our shop makes style accessible without compromising individuality or budget.
Ryan: What inspired you to start UC, I Want Some Clothes?
James: My passion for vintage fashion made this side hustle a natural fit. Before starting UC, I Want Some Clothes, I sold sneakers, but I quickly realized that the market was extremely saturated and profit margins were lower than I expected. Shifting to vintage clothing felt like the right move because I love the style and individuality that vintage pieces offer as well as their accessibility. The lower startup costs and the ability to source unique items through thrifting allowed me to build a more sustainable and creative business. Vintage fashion reflects personality and history, and that’s what I aim to bring to every drop.
Ryan: Affordability is a big part of your mission. How do you balance offering stylish pieces while keeping prices fair and student-friendly?
James: As a student myself, I completely understand wanting to express your style without spending too much. That’s why affordability is at the heart of UC, I Want Some Clothes. I make a conscious effort to source a wide range of vintage pieces that are both stylish and accessible. When pricing, I reference platforms like eBay and Depop to make sure my prices are fair and often offer items for even less. At campus events, for example, I’ve sold curated Y2K graphic tees for as low as $6. I also aim to have a variety of price points, so no matter someone’s budget, they can find something they love. It’s important to me that vintage fashion feels inclusive, not exclusive.
Ryan: What does your sourcing process look like? How do you find and select pieces for your inventory?
James: My sourcing process is a mix of research, experience, and instinct. I rely on both online resources and insights from other vintage sellers to stay informed about what makes a piece truly vintage. One of the most important things I’ve learned is how to identify era-specific tags and manufacturing details, from 1980s single-stitch tees to early 2000s brand labels, which helps me quickly filter through hundreds of garments when thrifting. It’s not uncommon to go through racks of clothing and walk away with just one or two gems. Having a good eye takes time, but it’s essential for finding pieces that are both authentic and sellable. I focus on selecting items with unique character, wearability, and resale value always keeping my customers in mind.
Ryan: How do you market your clothing and attract students on campus and beyond?
James: I started off selling on Depop and participating in campus marketplace events, which helped me build an initial customer base. From there, I created an Instagram account to showcase new drops and connect with the UC Irvine fashion community. I focused on following and engaging with students who were part of fashion-related clubs or who clearly had an interest in vintage style, so I knew I was reaching the right audience. One of the most unexpected and rewarding moments was when my friend Parker made posters for our shop, and we ended up being mentioned in a UC Irvine Reddit thread. It was totally organic. We hadn’t even thought about promoting on Reddit, but someone else did it for us. That kind of word-of-mouth and community support has been essential to this side hustle.
Ryan: Have you encountered any challenges in communicating the value of vintage to customers who might be more used to fast fashion?
James: Honestly, I haven’t faced many challenges when it comes to getting people on board with vintage. A big part of that is pricing. Most of the pieces I sell are affordable and often even cheaper than fast fashion brands like Zara or H&M. That helps lower the barrier for students who might be curious about vintage but still budget-conscious. Another important part of the appeal is sustainability. Once people understand that buying vintage reduces waste and supports more ethical consumption, they’re usually quick to get behind it. I think today’s students are more aware than ever of the environmental impact of fast fashion, so offering a stylish, sustainable, and affordable alternative really resonates with them.
Ryan: What specific lessons or key insights have you gained from participating in the Side Hustle Challenge?
James: One of the biggest takeaways for me was realizing how fun and fulfilling a side hustle can be, especially when it’s built around something you genuinely enjoy. Turning a personal interest into a small business showed me that making passive income doesn’t have to feel like a chore. That said, it also taught me the value of consistency and effort. There were definitely moments when the process felt like a grind, but I learned that the results are directly tied to the energy you put in. It’s rewarding to see something grow from your own work.
Ryan: What advice would you give to students who want to start their own fashion-focused side hustle but don’t know where to begin?
James: First, I’d ask what exactly they’re interested in selling because fashion side hustles can take a lot of forms, from custom clothing to upcycled pieces to jewelry to curated vintage. Once you know what area you’re drawn to, the next step is to define your niche. Having a clear niche helps you stand out and connect with the right audience. I also recommend starting with research and inspiration. That’s how I began, by exploring what others were doing online and figuring out what resonated with me. The internet is a great resource, whether you’re learning how to source materials, price items, or brand your shop. Most importantly, start small and let your interests guide you. If you’re passionate about what you’re creating, the motivation to keep going will follow.
Ryan: Looking ahead, what’s in store for UC, I Want Some Clothes? Do you see opportunities to expand as thrifting becomes more popular?
James: My partner and I have talked about eventually branching out beyond clothing into other vintage items, but for now, vintage fashion is what I know best, so I’m taking the time to really focus on that and do it well. Looking ahead, one of our goals is to grow our presence by selling at larger markets like the Rose Bowl Flea or Silverlake Flea in Los Angeles. I think that would be an exciting next step in reaching a wider audience while still keeping our roots in accessible, student-friendly fashion.
Visit the UC, I Want Some Clothes on Instagram @uc_iwantsomeclothes15 to view their latest drops. Inspired by James’s journey and interested in other student side hustles? Then stay tuned for the next installment of the Side Hustler Stories series.
Want help developing and launching your side hustle or business venture? Then visit the ANTrepreneur Center website to learn more about programming, speaker series, Micro-Internships, funding, and more. You can also learn more about the Center’s collaborations with Blackstone LaunchPad, Tech Coast Angels, Tech Coast Venture Network, OC Startup Council, and SoCal Celebrates Entrepreneurship. Keep up with the Center’s latest news by following them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.