“And I learned (later) that they found a skull in the basement,” Secret said, completely jolting me out of a story she was sharing about a time when a rude customer on her newspaper route challenged her to explain the concept of business marketing.
She was younger than he was and had been working that newspaper route for a while. To his surprise, her years of experience in various jobs had actually taught her many things about business. And to her surprise, there was history with the house when she read a news story about it years later.
Secret had an early start in marketing and customer service. Growing up, her mother had her practicing skits and selling raffle tickets for school at a young age. As a naturally introverted, shy child, Secret reflected it was a powerful tactic on her mother’s part to help her step out of her shyness and develop people skills.
Secret does not just sell, she connects. During a telemarketing stint, she stayed on the phone with a customer for an additional hour simply to listen to their story. The customer shared that they were going to prison soon and wanted to leave something behind for their family. As a result, the customer purchased three coupon books for their family.
Secret finds similarities between those previous jobs and her work with Street Roots. She explains that customers “can see that you’re really, really being sincere, and you’re not just a robot.”
Together, we wondered if her ability to connect with others and shine might have to do with her Leo cusp. Although Secret is a Virgo, she was born just a few days into the Virgo season. She recalled being popular in school, but also acknowledged her Virgo tendencies of being organized and picky.
Secret has also considered working in astrology. As a child, she wanted to become an astronomer, despite her classmates warning her about the simulator that “shakes you up.” Moving into astrology seems like a natural side step that still keeps her close to the stars.
These days, Secret sells Street Roots newspapers on her own schedule, while also balancing other jobs such as buying and selling on eBay. She enjoys searching for quality, affordable items for her loved ones, and has also sold items on the platform. One time she found a designer shoe, cleaned it up, and sent it to a third party on eBay that verifies brands, making good money in the process. Selling on eBay is another source of income and a way to support a platform she enjoys. Browsing eBay has also become a fun activity she shares with her roommate.
“My friends and I will find the wildest stuff on eBay,” Secret said.
Secret heard about Street Roots through Transition Projects and began selling in June. While it’s only been a few months with Street Roots, she loves the staff, the volunteers and getting to know the other vendors. They always greet her with a smile and are welcoming to her whenever she comes in.
One of her main challenges selling newspapers is knowing when to move on from a location. She used to sell outside of Next Adventure but is looking for other spots since the store is closing. She also sells at unconventional hours. As a night owl, she’s whipped out the newspapers while out wearing a nice dress and heels. If you’re lucky, you might spot her — be sure to say hello, grab a copy and ask her about the skull story. She’s done quite a bit of sleuthing on her own.
You can also support Secret through @StreetRoots Venmo by entering her name and badge number (804) in the memo.
Street Roots is an award-winning weekly publication focusing on economic, environmental and social justice issues. The newspaper is sold in Portland, Oregon, by people experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty as means of earning an income with dignity. Street Roots newspaper operates independently of Street Roots advocacy and is a part of the Street Roots organization. Learn more about Street Roots. Support your community newspaper by making a one-time or recurring gift today.
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This article appears in September 17, 2025.