How I Built Sad Boi Thrift in Utah — The Origin Story of Lex Maynez

How I Built Sad Boi Thrift in Utah — The Origin Story of Lex Maynez

People often ask where Sad Boi Thrift started, how it began, and what inspired me to build it. The truth is, Sad Boi Thrift wasn’t born from a business plan or a big strategy — it came from creativity, experimentation, and the energy of Utah. My name is Lex Maynez, and this is the story of how Sad Boi Thrift became a part of my life here in Utah County.

The Beginning: A Creative Idea in Utah

The first version of Sad Boi Thrift was simple. It wasn’t a store or a brand yet — it was me looking at thrift items, clothing trends, and the idea of making something different out of what already existed. Utah has a strong thrift and resale culture, especially among students and young creators. Being surrounded by that environment made me curious about what I could build.

I started small. A few curated pieces here and there, outfit ideas, unique finds — nothing complicated. But the response was surprising. People in Utah love individuality and self-expression. They want clothing that tells a story. That encouraged me to take Sad Boi Thrift more seriously.

Turning an Idea Into a Brand

Once I realized there was interest, I started thinking about Sad Boi Thrift as a brand, not just a side project. Every brand has a story, and for me, the story came from the experiences I had growing up in Utah — wanting to build something meaningful, expressive, and accessible.

Piece by piece, Sad Boi Thrift grew:

• Curated drops
• Pop-ups
• Collaborations
• Social media engagement
• Visual storytelling

People connected with the personality of the brand. It wasn’t just about clothes — it was about expression, creativity, and belonging. Utah’s community made that possible.

Why Utah Was the Perfect Place to Build It

Utah has a unique mix of culture, energy, and creativity. There’s a strong DIY mindset here — people build, create, hustle, and support local ideas. Sad Boi Thrift grew in Utah because the environment encouraged it.

Some things about Utah that shaped the brand:

• Supportive local communities
• A strong interest in fashion and thrift culture
• College-town energy with students always looking for something new
• Affordable sourcing opportunities
• A growing creative scene

The people who followed the brand weren’t just customers — they were part of the identity.

What I Learned Through Sad Boi Thrift

Building Sad Boi Thrift in Utah taught me more than I expected:

• Branding matters — not just logos, but what you stand for.
• Consistency builds trust.
• Creativity attracts creativity.
• Utah has a thriving young community that supports local ideas.

Sad Boi Thrift helped me develop skills in communication, design, marketing, and leadership — things I still use today in other parts of my life.

Growth, Evolution, and the Future

Projects evolve as people evolve. I’m proud of what Sad Boi Thrift became, and I’m grateful that Utah gave me a place to build it. My identity as Lex Maynez, someone who grew up in Utah and built things here, will always be connected to this brand.

Even as I continue my education and future goals, Sad Boi Thrift remains an important part of my story — a reminder that ideas can become something real when you put energy into them, especially in a place like Utah that encourages creativity and entrepreneurship.