Center Stage: Cabin Windows 4

 
Name: Patti
Age: 56 on paper, 28 in my mind

Shop Names:
Cabinwindows is my vintage shop, but I also have the shops Northernlodge and UrbanMarkt. Northernlodge reflects my love of Nature and Canada, my homeland. UrbanMarkt is a collaboration with my son to reach a younger, hipper market.

Tell Us A Fun Fact About Yourself:
I’m a Crossfit athlete!

How long have you been selling on Etsy?
I started my Northernlodge shop December 2008, Cabinwindows in June 2009, and UrbanMarkt in October 2011.

Why is Etsy special to you?
Etsy allows me to develop relationships with people I would never have met otherwise. I met my very best friend Anita from RollingHillsVintage here on Etsy back in the days when you had to “wait” for a spot to create a treasury. Now, 3 years later, I can’t imagine my life without her and we are still creating treasuries which always include one another. Anita has been a fabulous mentor to me. At least once a year Anita, Gerry (her husband), and I get together in California to shop until we drop in every thrift store we can find.

Why did you choose Etsy as your selling venue?
I wanted to sell on a global market, from the comfort of my little cabin.

How did you choose your shop name?
For Cabinwindows, I tend to sell items that I would have in my own home, which is a cabin in the woods. I figured if you peeked into my “cabin windows” you would similar items. Northernlodge incorporates the Northern influence which has always influenced my creativity, and tribally, a lodge is your home. UrbanMarkt, once it is completed as a shop, will have a more eclectic feel of an urban market.

How or why did you become involved with vintage?
Oddly enough I got my start selling vintage during the time I was running my own landscaping company. My customers would ask me to haul away things like old windows, doors, and other treasures stored in their sheds and garages. I kept the things I loved and sold the rest.

What sort of items are you drawn to as you stock your shop?
Generally I am attracted to things I would use to decorate my own home. I’ve lived in cabins since I was an infant and the “cabin sweet cabin” look talks to my inner core. I like items that are unique and have a story.

What will I find when I visit you?
A warm fire blazing in my woodstove, a handful of spoiled dogs, a few too many unfinished projects, and a batch of jam cooking on the stove. In a few more months, you’ll find me spoiling my twin grandchildren who are due to arrive in December!

What does customer service mean to you?
Showing my customers that they are important to me. I am honoured that they have chosen to shop in my stores when they have so many other options on Etsy.

What has been your best/favorite experience so far in selling on Etsy?
When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, I asked that my Vesties teammates send her cards to rally her spirits. My mom just couldn’t believe that complete strangers were so kind. After she passed away, I had the difficult task of sorting thru her possessions. I found that she had saved all the cards, and as I read through them I was touched by the kindness of my teammates.

What has been your most fantastic find- either one you have sold or one you have kept for yourself?
My most treasured material possession is my log armoire…it came from Maine and it has personality galore!

Thank you so much for sharing, Patti!   I loved reading your interview and am fully convinced the Vesties are the BEST, most supportive team in the world!  🙂

Thank you for visiting!
Until next time-
Adrienne of OldVintageGoodies