A Second Breath - Upscale Thrift: Our Story
A Second Breath – Upscale Thrift
Where Faith, Resilience, and Second Chances Become Something Beautiful
A Second Breath – Upscale Thrift was created with a purpose far greater than fashion. It is a boutique built on survival, gratitude, and the belief that every person — and every item — deserves a second chance to shine.
Founded by Nicole Grigorov and Rod Ponkin, the store blends upscale consignment, sustainable shopping, and a faith-driven mission to give back. What began as one woman’s fight for her life has become a movement rooted in hope, stewardship, and community.
How Our Story Began
In the fall of 2025, Nicole Grigorov traveled to Costa Rica for a cosmetic procedure that unexpectedly turned into a life‑threatening medical crisis. Within hours, she developed severe sepsis, suffered multiple organ failure, and was placed on life support. Doctors gave her only a five percent chance of survival.
Nicole spent weeks in a coma and months in recovery. The infection ultimately led to the amputation of her fingers and toes — a devastating outcome that made headlines around the world and touched thousands of people who followed her story.
But Nicole survived. And survival changed everything.
During the darkest moments, many who loved her refused to give up on her. One of those people was Rod Ponkin. While Nicole fought for her life, Rod worked tirelessly behind the scenes — coordinating her emergency return to Canada, securing medical air transport, contacting hospitals, advocating for her care, and standing by her through every unimaginable step of recovery.
Their shared journey of faith, perseverance, and purpose became the foundation for something new.
The Meaning Behind the Name
A Second Breath is more than a brand — it is Nicole’s testimony.
“After surviving sepsis, I know what it means to fight for your next breath,” Nicole says. “There were moments when I didn’t know if I would make it. Coming through that experience felt like God had given me another chance at life. That’s where this name comes from. A second breath is that moment when you thought it was over, and it isn’t.”
Every item in the store receives a second breath — a second life. Every customer is reminded that they, too, have purpose ahead of them. And every part of the business reflects gratitude for the miracle that made it possible.
What We Stand For
Faith at the Foundation
Rod’s Christian faith played a central role throughout Nicole’s recovery and continues to guide the heart of the business today. A Second Breath is built on stewardship, compassion, and the belief that broken things — and broken moments — can be restored.
A Mission to Give Back
A meaningful portion of store proceeds is donated to Christian charities, faith-based organizations, and causes supporting individuals and families facing hardship. Nicole is also committed to supporting fellow amputees and organizations that help people rebuild their lives after catastrophic illness or injury.
“This store isn’t just about fashion,” Nicole says. “It’s about creating something that can genuinely help people.”
Rod shares that commitment, ensuring the business remains focused on service, generosity, and community impact.
Meet the Founders
Nicole Grigorov – Co-Founder & Partner
Nicole Grigorov grew up in the Niagara region, where spending much of her childhood in and out of foster care shaped her deep compassion for others and her lifelong belief in second chances.
An accomplished entrepreneur, Nicole has owned and operated several successful businesses, including thrift stores, a spa, and a resort in Northern Ontario. Throughout her career, her passion has been creating places where people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.
Nicole is a proud mother of four, grandmother of two, and has lovingly welcomed more than 50 foster children into her home over the years. Her Christian faith is the foundation of her life, inspiring her to serve others with compassion, generosity, and hope.
Having experienced multiple life-threatening situations and overcome many challenges throughout her life, Nicole has emerged more resilient and determined than ever. These experiences have strengthened her faith, deepened her gratitude for life, and fueled her desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. As co-founder of A Second Breath, she believes that every person—and every item—deserves the opportunity for a fresh start.
Rod Ponkin – Co-Founder & Partner
As a devoted father of four children—two adults and two young children whom he is raising on his own—Rod understands the value of family, community, and creating a meaningful legacy. Grateful for the many blessings God has given him, he is passionate about using those blessings to help others. That heart for serving people is what led him to co-found A Second Breath—a place where every purchase, every donation, and every person has the opportunity for a second chance.
