Just a nine-minute car ride and 20-minute walk from the University of Miami, Dragonfly Thrift Boutique features a variety of clothing, home goods, books, vinyl records and furniture.
Dragonfly offers a curated thrifting experience that feels different than a traditional resale shop. Prices are often lower than what you’ll see online and the store regularly runs deals like $45 fill-a-bag sales or 50% off everything.
All items sold at the store come from donations, but the selection never feels random. If you care about sustainability and enjoy shopping for unique finds, this is the place for you.
“Anything we don’t sell in the store, because we’re more boutique-style, we donate to people who will use it,” Leeann Parker, Dragonfly’s manager, said. “Like Dress for Success or other people who give to homeless people, we will donate to them.”
The boutique is an initiative of the Ladies Empowerment & Action Program, a nonprofit giving previously incarcerated women a second chance in life.
The program offers in-prison education, transitional housing and post-release employment.
Since its founding in 2009, LEAP has helped more than 600 women, with about 80 graduating from the program.
Parker, for example, spent 20 years incarcerated before joining Dragonfly as a sales associate. She climbed up to leadership roles, becoming store manager, while also enrolling in college and completing an internship at Telemundo.
“Being in the role of a leader has given me the inspiration to move forward in my life after being incarcerated for so long,” Parker said. “It’s giving me the courage to step forward in my personal life.”
LEAP continues to support women even after they complete the program. According to Parker, graduates stay connected through regular check-ins and an annual gala. The store also includes a shared kitchen space where staff members celebrate birthdays and take part in cooking classes together.
For many women, LEAP provides their first job after prison, helping them build responsibility, communication and teamwork skills. It’s one of the few organizations designed specifically to support women returning from incarceration.
“This is a big community,” Parker said. “They still stay in contact with people that have graduated years from now. You’re still part of the family.”
Dragonfly is offering University of Miami students 50% off their purchase if they show a valid student ID. The store also welcomes volunteers and ambassadors who want to get involved beyond shopping.