ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - A Roanoke woman is gaining national attention after a TikTok showcasing her unique shop, which operates solely on donations and gives back to the community, went viral.

Caroline Dodson, 22, co-owner of Rodeo Thrift near Williamson and Peters Creek Road, started her entrepreneurial journey as a high school dream in 2019. Initially she shared clothes through Instagram.

“My now-husband, who was just my boyfriend at the time, convinced me to create an online Instagram account just selling clothes, and it actually grew from there,” Dodson said.

Four years later, Dodson’s passion for fashion has turned into a thriving reality with the opening of her storefront just over a year ago.

“Starting at 17, I would’ve never thought I’d be here today, but I am honestly proud of the people who have supported me and myself through all of that,” Dodson said.

Recently, a TikTok video of Dodson opening her thrift store gained significant attention, reaching 2.5 million people across the country from Roanoke to Texas and even California. It also had support from major retailers like Wrangler.

“I have girls messaging me saying, ‘I’m going to drive 4+ hours away’ That’s crazy! We’ve had people come all the way from North Carolina just to support the thrift store,” Dodson said.

Operating solely on community donations, Rodeo Thrift gives back to a local nonprofit, Six Forty Corporation.

Dodson says she is blessed by all the support she’s had. She wants all business owners to know their dreams can come true.

Rodeo Thrift is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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