We recently had the chance to connect with Cori Berg and have shared our conversation below.
Cori, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time whenever I’m creating something. I love crafting and bringing ideas to life—once I visualize a project, it’s go time! Lately, I’ve been using wood boards to transform plain or unattractive walls and furniture into something beautiful. For example, a glass stand left behind in our new location was falling apart and destined for the dumpster, but I reimagined it and gave it a new home in our store. Those moments of creativity help me feel most like myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Cori, and in addition to working as a registered nurse, I also run Sunshine Eco-Finds Resale Boutique with my mom, Sue, in Tarpon Springs, FL. Our shop is all about giving secondhand treasures a new life—keeping items out of the landfill while helping people find affordable, unique, and sustainable pieces for their wardrobes.
What makes our boutique special is the blend of creativity and purpose. I love reimagining items that others might overlook, whether it’s refinishing furniture for the boutique or styling clothing in fresh ways. Our store is more than just resale—it’s a space that celebrates creativity, sustainability, and community. With over 20 five-star reviews, it’s rewarding to know that others feel the same way.
Right now, we’re especially excited about our move into a larger location, which gives us more room to share beautiful finds and host new events. Sunshine Eco-Finds is not only a boutique, but also a little reminder that pre-loved items can be your next best find.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What a deep question! I think bonds often break between people when there’s a lack of understanding, communication, or compassion. Misunderstandings, unspoken expectations, or even just being too busy can create distance.
Thankfully, bonds can be restored—or kept strong—through simple things: listening, showing up, and offering grace. My faith has taught me a lot about relationships and reminds me that I’m never in a position to judge, because we all have our struggles. Whenever possible, I choose empathy and grace.
Although I love to talk, I’ve learned how important it is to listen. Listening has opened the door to so many valuable stories that others have shared, and those stories often stay with me. My grandparents, for example, always had such meaningful stories that helped me appreciate my own life and circumstances even more.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds of my life was learning at a young age that I carry a BRCA2 mutation. My aunt died young of breast cancer, and with this mutation comes an increased risk for several cancers—so that knowledge carried both fear and uncertainty. At the same time, it motivated me to take action. Becoming a volunteer with organizations like Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) and Sharsheret gave me a sense of purpose, connection, and hope. Being part of those communities has been a big part of my healing.
Another wound came from experiencing insensitive comments as a patient in healthcare settings. Those painful moments ultimately fueled my decision to continue my education and become a nurse educator, where I can emphasize the importance of compassionate, competent care.
Healing, for me, has also meant finding creative outlets. Through my boutique, Sunshine Eco-Finds, I’ve discovered another way to restore and renew—whether it’s giving discarded items a second life or building a space that fosters community. Just like in nursing and advocacy, it’s about seeing value where others may not and helping something (or someone) thrive again.
In many ways, my journey has been about transforming wounds into motivation—to advocate, to educate, and to create spaces of hope, whether in healthcare or in my community.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My friends would say I have a pretty long list of what matters to me—my faith, my family, my friends, crafting, animals (most), thrifting, and cake! My faith keeps me grounded and helps me see the good even when life gets messy. My two boys are a nonstop source of joy…and chaos. They definitely keep things interesting!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I definitely get excited to come to Sunshine Eco-Finds, but I’d say I “tap dance home” usually because of a great day, a fun story, or a special moment that sticks with me.
Just a couple of weeks ago, a customer was so thrilled with the clothing she found that she was literally jumping up and down with excitement. Moments like that remind me why I love what I do. Being able to offer reasonable priced clothing and outfits that help people express themselves—and make them that happy—is incredibly rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sunshineecofinds.com
- Instagram: sunshine_ecofinds_
- Facebook: Sunshine Eco-Finds Resale Boutique
Image Credits
These are various pictures of me and my family: my husband, Philip, and my two boys, Christian (11) and Collin (9). There is also a picture of my sister, Nicki, and my mom taken before my sister’s surgery to reduce her risk of cancer due to a BRCA2 variant.
The last two pictures are of customers.
