10 Questions with Ocean Beach clothing swap organizer Danielle Eder

Ten Questions is a series in the Point Loma-OB Monthly that shines a spotlight on notable locals we wish we knew more about. This month’s featured personality is Ocean Beach resident Danielle Eder, who organizes multiple community clothing swaps every month.

Danielle Eder was born and raised in Michigan. After graduating from college, she moved to Las Vegas and ventured into coffee school.

Then she went to Ocean Beach.

“I fell in love with OB and made the move,” she said. “Fast forward a couple years and I had the privilege of opening up a couple of coffee shops here in Ocean Beach: the Lazy Hummingbird and The Nest. I got to share wonderful coffee with so many incredible people.”

Eder started hosting clothing swaps at the coffee shops 13 years ago and has kept them going at other locations. “Today, I host a couple of swaps a month,” she said.

So, what is a clothing swap?

“Instead of going to the store to buy new clothes, we all get together ... bring the clothes we already own but just don’t wear anymore. And then essentially we ‘shop’ among all the things we brought. You can come with as much as you want, leave with as much as you want,” Eder said.

“We find homes for all remaining clothes after each swap at local shelters and with others who reach out in need. Ultimately, we are trying to create a circular system with clothes.”

The next clothing swap is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at the Ocean Beach Woman’s Club, 2160 Bacon St. Entry is $10.

To learn more, follow Eder on Instagram at dani_rose_repurposes.

Now on to the 10 Questions:

Q. What attracted you to the Point Loma-Ocean Beach area as a place to live?

A. I remember driving into Ocean Beach for the first time, visiting from Las Vegas. I felt the air change. And as I arrived in OB, I felt this overwhelming sense of finding my place. ... I think everyone who has ever moved here knows what I am talking about. It was the people, the talent, the tiny treasures you only notice if you slow down. … The pace, the beauty, the community. Oh, and the weather isn’t so bad either.

Q. What are your favorite places to go in Point Loma and Ocean Beach?

A. I’m bad at this game because I have lots of favorites. Honestly, there are so many little slices of heaven and nooks and crannies. You can find yourself enjoying life in the silliest of places here in OB. Every spot is a gem in itself if you hang out there long enough to see it.

I love walking through the neighborhoods, especially up on the hill a bit. It is usually my dog and myself enjoying all the unique homes, the hidden gardens, the view of the ocean. It’s really magical places: The Joint. Azucar. Winstons. The beach. The cliffs.

Q. If you could snap your fingers and have it done, what might you add to improve Point Loma or Ocean Beach?

A. With just a snap? That’s glorious. I’ve heard of and have lots of ideas of ways we can live a more carbon-neutral lifestyle. So to make all these great ideas happen, I would like to see a Point Loma/Ocean Beach Green Team created — a small group of individuals whose main job is to create, design and implement more sustainable practices in and for our community. Oh yeah, and a big ol’ monthly clothing swap!

Q. Who or what inspires you?

A. Community. Mama Nature. Health. Love.

Q. If you hosted a dinner party for five, who (living or deceased) would you invite?

A. My grandparents. They have all passed. It would be such a treat to sit around and hear their stories. Listen to them laugh. See them in love. Find out more about where I came from. Get the scoop on my parents. Since that is only four people, let’s throw Oprah Winfrey in there. She would bring the good questions, and have you seen the dinners she hosts? In-cred-i-ble!

Q. Tell us about what you are currently reading or watching on TV.

A. “Sex and the City.” Yesterday, today and tomorrow. The clothes in it are enough to have me hooked. Lately, my nightly ritual has been sewing, and I just have it on a loop in the background. My happy place.

Q. What would be your dream vacation?

A. One that never stopped. I recently went on one of my dream vacations. I traveled for six months in my RV with my sweet little dog all over the U.S. — from OB to Connecticut and back again, stopping along the way. I had a family member or friend join me at different parts on the trip. There were so many great moments and beautiful places with people who are nearest and dearest.

Next vacation goal: Drive through Canada in the RV.

Q. What are your five favorite movies of all time? Or if you prefer, what are your five favorite apps?

A. I have an old six-disc CD changer in the RV, so I’ll tell you what I have in there right now. “Dirty Dancing,” “Beetlejuice,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Pretty Woman,” “Stand by Me” and “Seinfeld.” Some treasures on this list, aren’t there?

Q. What is your most prized possession?

A. I don’t know if this would be considered a possession, but my dog definitely is my favorite thing in the entire world. I mean, I’m the luckiest woman alive (says every pet owner, and rightfully so).

Q. What is your motto or philosophy of life?

A.: Lately? Big fan of Glennon Doyle. And one thing she likes to say is, “We can do hard things.”

Do you know someone you’d like us to ask 10 Questions? Send an email with your suggestion to robert.vardon@lajollalight.com.