Downtown Chaska has a new small business turning heads and building community. The Dive Spot, co-owned by 19-year-old Cadyn Angell and her father Nick Angell, is a thrift store focused on sustainability, creativity and connection.

The store opened earlier this month to a crowd of more than 200 visitors on its first day, July 12.

“The grand opening went amazing. It was actually far better than I expected,” Cadyn said. “Just because our social media has been so vibrant and everyone commenting, actually seeing people in person was super exciting.”

That online following, built primarily through Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, has played a key role in the shop’s early buzz.

“We decided to start Facebook first to show our friends and family the process of me, a 19-year-old, starting a thrift store from scratch,” Cadyn explained. 

Each platform has its own purpose, she said. Facebook is used for updates and community posts, Instagram highlights visuals and store moments, and TikTok leans into humor, thrifting culture, and reaching younger audiences.

A Family Project

Cadyn and Nick co-own and run the shop day-to-day. Nick brings experience from his other small businesses – Red Rock Carpet Cleaning and a dumpster rental/junk removal service – and handles everything from store layout to strategy. Cadyn’s stepmom, Amber Angell, manages the behind-the-scenes operations and bookkeeping, while Cadyn oversees the branding, social media and creative direction.

And it’s not just the adults. The four youngest Angell kids, all under 12, are often found in the store, greeting shoppers or helping around the floor.

A Mission-Driven Space

The Dive Spot isn’t just about selling secondhand goods, it’s a sustainability mission in action. The idea came from Cadyn and Nick’s experience running junk removal jobs, where high-quality items, including left overs from garage sales, often ended up headed to the landfill.

“So we wanted to do something where we could start a thrift store where we could keep prices low for people, and keep high-quality goods out of the landfill,” Cadyn said.

Donations are accepted during open hours and include clothing, accessories, small household goods, plant pots and small appliances. Furniture and large items aren’t accepted due to the limited space, but that’s part of what makes the shop unique.

“We’re small, but we pack a lot in,” Cadyn said. “It keeps things moving and always fresh.”

What You’ll Find

The shop’s inventory changes daily, and the team is intentional about pricing items to move. Items range from brand-name clothing and unique accessories to gently used kitchen goods and quirky home décor. Jewelry is a customer favorite.

A standout feature is the “dumpster bin” – a large communal bin full of mystery clothing priced at $3 Wednesday through Monday and just $1 on Tuesdays.

“We do not go through anything in that thing. When we get loads of clothes in we just dump it in there,” Cadyn said. “So it’s always a surprise what you’re gonna find, $120 leggings, Carhartt jackets, whatever you find in the bin you get for that price.” 

Also offered: potted plants in upcycled containers, many of which are named. (“Sprinkle Spike,” a cactus in an ice cream cone planter, is a current favorite.)

Every Item Has a Story

The Dive Spot adds a personal touch to thrifting with a storytelling option for donors. Anyone dropping off clothing is invited to include a note about the item’s history – a dress worn to a friend’s wedding, a shirt from a memorable concert.

“It makes thrifting more personal,” Cadyn said. “Customers love reading those little tags.”

Rooted in Community

Though Cadyn lives in Shakopee and many of the family’s other businesses are based there, Chaska offered something different: a walkable downtown, welcoming vibe and affordable rent. 

“What caught me off guard in a great way is the support of local businesses. It has been such a blessing to see everyone coming together,” Cadyn said. “Bubble Time, Chaska Music Studios, Nation Karate Academy, QV Nails, and everyone in our building is so supportive. They love to come in and say hi and we love recommending our customers to each other.”

At the same time, The Dive Spot is naturally fostering intergenerational conversations, not just between customers of all ages, but within the shop itself. With Cadyn and Nick co-owning the store and the whole family working together, the family reflects the same kind of cross-generational collaboration they hope to see more of in the community.

That generational balance shows up in the store’s customer base, too. Teenagers come in for TikTok-worthy finds and quirky accessories, while women often look for athletic wear, and men for professional wear. 

As the business grows, Cadyn said she hopes to keep the focus on sustainability, accessibility and joy. She’s also exploring new ideas, including a special nighttime shopping event aimed at teens and younger thrifters, offering a fun, social and safe way to explore secondhand fashion.

“Thrifting is such a big thing with Gen Z,” she said, “and I want to give young people a space that feels like it’s for them.”

The Dive Spot is located off Chaska Boulevard and Audubon Road (1340 Crystal Lane East). Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The shop is closed on Sundays.

The shop can be followed on their various social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/thedivespotmn