This week’s Shop of the Week is CreekLifeTreasures, owned by Mimi.
What is the meaning behind your shop name?
I live on a coastal tidal creek, just off the ICW on the mainland. This is where the “Creek Life” came from. My first shop on Etsy was a photography shop, “Creek Life Photography”. I opened that shop to sell my original prints, and later added vintage and antique photos. When I opened my vintage and antique shop a few months later, it was an easy decision to name it Creek Life Treasures.
How did you get your start selling vintage?
I’ve always been a collector. In the early days of our marriage, we would attend auctions on Friday nights at a nearby auction house. We were hooked, and still are! Anywhere and everywhere that we travel, we always make time to scout out the nearest antique and thrift stores. My daughter-in-law introduced me to Etsy in 2012, and encouraged me to open my own shop and the rest, as they say, is history!
What is your favorite item in your shop right now, and what makes it special to you?
It changes with every pick, but currently my favorites are the three Chinese Tourist Stockinette Dolls, from the 1950’s. I found these little dolls at an Estate Sale of a retired Military couple that had lived all over the world. The daughter of the couple was in her 70’s and her room looked just like I’m sure it did 60 years ago. These dolls were sitting on a bookcase and I had never seen any dolls like them. I knew right away that they were special. After months of research and finally finding a doll appraiser, I learned they were Chinese Stockinette Cloth Dolls made for the tourist trade in the 1920’s to 1950’s. I’m not a doll collector, so I hope one day the right collector finds them in my shop.
What is the most unusual or amazing item you have sold from your shop?
Oddly enough, my best sellers are my beach stones! (How fitting for “Creek Life”). Two years ago, while planning my daughter’s wedding, she asked if I would gather smooth beach stones for her guest to sign as an alternative of a traditional guest book. The guest loved them! After the wedding, we had some stones left over. My husband laughed when I told him I was going to list them on Etsy, but those rocks sold within an hour. I’ve truly enjoyed seeing the different “ways” that the stones have been used. Most of the buyers are brides, but others have told me they were going to be used at Celebrations of Life, Retreats for Veterans, Couple Retreats, Bible Schools and end of School parties. In fact Coastal Living Magazine purchased some for a photo shoot. Now, I always have a bucket in my hand when I am walking on the beach, and so does my husband!
Do You sell your items at other venues outside of Etsy? Is so, where can we find you?
Yes, I have recently opened a booth at A Beautiful Past Antiques and Collections in Holly Ridge, North Carolina.
What Social Medial platforms do you use? Share your links with us, so we can follow you!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Creek-Life-Treasures-1043566602322438/?ref=hl
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/mimicreeklife/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/creeklifetreasures/
Twitter: twitter.com/CreekLifeTreas
It is just fascinating to me, learning that so many of our teammates have such similar passion for antiques and vintage treasures. We come from all over the Country (World really) yet we are connected by our love for vintage. Mimi, now I understand why your photos are so beautiful. I truly love your beach stones. I may have found my future life calling, should you ever need help searching for rocks on the beach, I am your girl! Wishing you all your heart desires.
Mimi….I loved reading your story! Great shop…congrats on the feature and best wishes! 🙂
Thank you for your kind words Linda. And yes, we really are all connected. I always keep a few spare buckets available for friends that what to help me collect the rocks : ) Hurry down.
Thank You Karen.
I really enjoyed learning more about you Mimi! The beach stones are awesome (we’re a rock collecting family). The hats in your shop make me smile – you’ve photographed them perfectly in such a fun way. I think we should all start wearing hats again like the men and women of the 40s – I love that look! You have lots of great vintage in your shop, and I wish you continued success!
Thank You JD. I’m sure I was born in the wrong era. Hats are fun. I’m always tickled when I can find these nice vintage hats.
I have always admired Mimi’s photography skills but am amazed at how beautifully she photographs her vintage items. So many times one of her new finds pops up in my feed and memories of my childhood flood back.
Thank you Beverly. I love the feedback I receive when a buyer finds something and has to have it because their Grandparents or Parents had one just “like it”.
I have always admired your shop and yes, your photos! They show your fun personality. Good luck with your newly opened mall booth.
Thank You Tina for your kind words!
Wonderful behind the scenes shop story, Mimi! All your treasures are wonderful, but those Chinese Tourist Stockinette Dolls with the rich, luxurious colors, wow! But my favorite favorite favorites are those beach stones. For some reason, smooth stones make my heart sing and yours look so very fine!
Thank You Gia, the beach stones give me a reason to hit the beach often. Wonderful exercise, step…bend…step : ) I love it at this time of the year, when I can walk for miles without seeing another soul.
Wonderful interview, Mimi! And while I love your beach stones, I especially love the rustic crates and other rustic antique items that you always offer in your shop. Best wishes for continued success. 🙂
Thank you, Deb. The crates are my favorites, also. It was so hard picking just a few items. I love it all! I was able to purchase a large lot of the crates, so I’ll be keeping a few of those for myself.