From trash to treasure: How a glam mom turned dumpster diving into a $30K goldmine
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Could hidden fortune be closer than you think—perhaps even lying unnoticed on a quiet city street?
For one New York City mom and vintage reseller, casual curbside searches turned into a $30,000 windfall in just six months.
Her finds range from designer fashion and real gold to even a grand piano—all pulled straight from the trash.
The story behind her discoveries might just change the way you see your neighborhood sidewalks.
Don’t picture someone in sweats digging through bins—Ariana Rodriguez dumpster dives in full glam.
“I always dress up to leave the house. I hunt in full glam—with my full outfit on. Anyone can do it,” she says.
Her mission is part environmental, part economic—and 100% fabulous.
Her finds include:
Also read: Are you making this huge mistake with your garbage disposal? It’s not what you think!
Ariana’s journey began when she joined a local “buy nothing” Facebook group in 2022.
From there, she learned about stooping—grabbing items left on the sidewalk for free. Curiosity turned into a passion project.
Within months, she dove deeper, into dumpsters and garbage bags, and started uncovering real gems.
According to Ariana, it’s often due to apartment cleanouts, moves, or simple boredom with furniture. She’s amazed at what people discard—mirrors, tables, even jewelry.
“It’s more embarrassing to be over-consuming and throwing everything out,” she says, brushing off trolls who call her hobby gross or risky.
Ariana estimates 80–90% of her lifestyle is now thrifted or reclaimed. “It makes you really conscious,” she says.
Her husband, Erick, and their three kids are all on board. “It’s like diving for gold—you never know what you’re going to find.”
Trolls warn her about bed bugs and bacteria. She shrugs it off. “I hope the stigmas are removed—there’s nothing wrong with it.”
Read next: From trash to treasure: How one couple scored $11K in savings!
Have you ever found something amazing in the trash or at a thrift store? Would you ever try dumpster diving or ‘stooping’? Share your stories, tips, or questions in the comments below—let’s celebrate the thrill of the hunt!
For one New York City mom and vintage reseller, casual curbside searches turned into a $30,000 windfall in just six months.
Her finds range from designer fashion and real gold to even a grand piano—all pulled straight from the trash.
The story behind her discoveries might just change the way you see your neighborhood sidewalks.
Don’t picture someone in sweats digging through bins—Ariana Rodriguez dumpster dives in full glam.
“I always dress up to leave the house. I hunt in full glam—with my full outfit on. Anyone can do it,” she says.
Her mission is part environmental, part economic—and 100% fabulous.
Her finds include:
- A vintage Burberry coat ($500)
- Prada shoes ($900)
- A Sohmer & Co piano (valued between $3,000–$10,000)
- A glass vanity ($2,500)
- Hermès boxes ($175)
- A Stokke high chair ($397)
- Table ($750 to $3.5k)
- Jibbitz charms ($50)
- Basketball hoop ($35)
- Glass lamp ($150)
- Bag of games ($200)
- Bedside table ($949)
- Real gold jewelry
- A Bally briefcase from the 1960s
- Even actual cash!
Also read: Are you making this huge mistake with your garbage disposal? It’s not what you think!
Ariana’s journey began when she joined a local “buy nothing” Facebook group in 2022.
From there, she learned about stooping—grabbing items left on the sidewalk for free. Curiosity turned into a passion project.
Within months, she dove deeper, into dumpsters and garbage bags, and started uncovering real gems.
According to Ariana, it’s often due to apartment cleanouts, moves, or simple boredom with furniture. She’s amazed at what people discard—mirrors, tables, even jewelry.
“It’s more embarrassing to be over-consuming and throwing everything out,” she says, brushing off trolls who call her hobby gross or risky.
Ariana estimates 80–90% of her lifestyle is now thrifted or reclaimed. “It makes you really conscious,” she says.
Her husband, Erick, and their three kids are all on board. “It’s like diving for gold—you never know what you’re going to find.”
Trolls warn her about bed bugs and bacteria. She shrugs it off. “I hope the stigmas are removed—there’s nothing wrong with it.”
Read next: From trash to treasure: How one couple scored $11K in savings!
