I found a Bottega Veneta bag at the thrift store. I paid $8, and it's worth $3,000.

Tech Insider : Business, Style, Technology
Woman holding purse
Kristen Boelen found an authentic purse at a thrift store.

Courtesy of Kristen Boelen

I'm a Canadian startup founder. Y Combinator's initial decision to shut out Canadian startups was totally justifiable.

Tech Insider : Business
Yellowcake cofounder Hassan Ismail is pictured.
Hassan Ismail cofounded Yellowcake in the US after navigating tight Canadian regulations with his first startup, West Tek Defense.

Hassan Ismail

I joined a decluttering challenge and got rid of 496 items in a month. I made a point to not throw anything in the trash.

Tech Insider : Business
Mesha Griffith headshot
Mesha Griffith went viral with her decluttering challenge.

Courtesy of Mesha Griffith

I moved to the US when I was 14 and launched my own business in 2020. Now, Kim Kardashian is one of my clients.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
Personal trainer Senada Greca in athletewear with celebrity client Kim Kardashian.
Senada Greca started working with Kim Kardashian in 2023.

Courtesy of Senada Greca

I switched my smartwatch for an analog one. I feel much calmer.

Tech Insider : Business
Man showing off analog watch
Ryan Smith decided to wear an analog watch as a New Year's resolution.

Courtesy of Ryan Smith

I got let go from my job. Now, NFL and college teams pay me for my muddy footballs.

Tech Insider : Sports, Business, Sports
Daniel Kolcun prepping a football in his home for his business.
Daniel Kolcun heat-treating a football.

Business Insider

I've gone to Disney parks every year for decades. As prices rise, here's what I still splurge on—and skip.

Tech Insider : Economy, Travel, Travel
Sarah Rachul in Disney attire.
Sarah Rachul swears by Disney's annual pass.

Courtest of Sarah Rachul

My rare plants sell for five figures. The business helps me support my extended family, but I work about 100 hours a week.

Tech Insider : Business
Harry Luu headshot
Harry Luu has sold rare plants for $16,000 and $26,000. a piece.

Courtesy of Harry Luu

I'm a senior lawyer and only work 25 hours a week. I wanted to be present for my kids.

Tech Insider : Business
Maddi Thimont headshot
Maddi Thimont is a lawyer who works school hours to be also a present parent.

Courtesy of Maddi Thimont

I was laid off 1.5 years ago and still can't find a full-time job. I feel like I'm working harder than ever, yet making less than I did before.

Tech Insider : Business
Alex English
After being laid off, Alex English left LA due to the high cost of living and crowded job market.

Thomas Simonetti for BI

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