Today we’d like to introduce you to Manuela Nogueira.
Manuela, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Outsider was founded by Derrick and Manuela, who met while backpacking through Argentina in 2008. Coming from different worlds—Manu from the megacity of São Paulo, and Derrick from rural Virginia—they connected over a desire to learn from one another.
Together, they expanded each other’s sense of nature. Manu introduced Derrick to Brazil’s coastline—snorkeling through reefs, spotting toucans, chasing shade under the hot sun. In São Paulo, she showed him a different kind of wild: sunsets over rooftops, quiet corners of Ibirapuera Park, and tropical life woven into the energy of the urban. Through her, Derrick learned that nature takes many shapes.
Later, in Harrisonburg, it was Derrick’s turn. He introduced Manu to the rhythm of four seasons—to fall hikes along Skyline Drive, and to winters that are best embraced, not avoided (with the right gear). What began as discovery became tradition: biking around downtown and along Western Slope, camping trips to Hone Quarry, and now, sharing it all with their two kids.
Outsider grew from this exchange—of places, perspectives, and ways of being outside. A belief that the outdoors is richer when it’s shared. And that when gear keeps moving, more people get to explore.
Welcome out.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Starting a business is a big risk for anyone, but for a family with two young kids, it felt like an especially big leap. We knew we were taking a chance financially and personally, but we also felt that this was an opportunity worth pursuing.
The renovation of our space also took much longer than we originally anticipated, which had an impact on our finances and required a lot of patience. And now that we’re open, there’s the ongoing challenge of balancing the demands of running a small business with raising young children. Some days it feels like we’re juggling a million things at once!
But honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. We try to take the challenges with a smile, and we love that our kids are growing up seeing what it means to build something from the ground up. They’re regulars at the store, and seeing them running around, helping out, and becoming part of the community we’re creating has been one of the most rewarding parts of the whole experience.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Outsider Gear Exchange?
Outsider Gear Exchange is Harrisonburg’s first dedicated outdoor consignment shop, offering both new and pre-owned outdoor gear, clothing, footwear, and accessories for adults, kids, and even pets. We specialize in making outdoor adventures more accessible by giving people a place to find quality gear at a range of price points — and a place to sell the gear they’re no longer using.
We carry gear for all kinds of adventures, from hiking, camping, and backpacking to biking, climbing, paddling, fishing, skiing, and snowboarding. We also carry everyday outdoor clothing and footwear, so you don’t have to be an experienced adventurer to find something here.
What really sets us apart is the idea behind the word “exchange.” We want gear to keep moving. Someone’s forgotten-about sleeping bag, barely-used hiking boots, or outgrown kids’ jacket can become someone else’s next adventure. Consignment makes good gear more affordable, keeps useful products in circulation longer, and gives our consignors a way to turn their unused gear into cash or store credit for their next adventure.
We’re especially proud of the brand we’re building around that idea. Outsider isn’t just about buying and selling things — it’s about exchanging gear, stories, experiences, and a love for being outside. We want the shop to feel welcoming whether you’re an experienced backpacker, a family getting outside together for the first time, a JMU student looking for an affordable jacket, or someone who simply loves spending time outdoors.
Ultimately, we want Outsider to be a place where people feel like they belong. We believe adventures should be fun, affordable, and easier on the places we love — and that great gear deserves more than one adventure.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think courage has been one of the most important qualities behind our success. In a way, opening Outsider has been its own adventure. We spend our days helping people gear up to try something new, explore somewhere unfamiliar, or take on an adventure of their own — and starting a business required us to do exactly the same thing.
There’s a certain amount of risk in any adventure. You don’t always know exactly how things will turn out, and you certainly can’t control everything along the way. Starting a business with two young kids made that risk feel even bigger, but we believed strongly enough in the idea to take the leap anyway.
I think that willingness to take a calculated risk, embrace the unknown, and keep moving forward when things don’t go exactly as planned has been essential. And maybe that’s fitting for Outsider: **we’re in the business of helping people get ready for adventure, while learning to embrace our own.**
Contact Info:
- Website: https://outsidergearexchange.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outsidergearexchange/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Outsider-Gear-Exchange-61583883066204/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/outsider-gear-exchange-harrisonburg
