This week’s shop of the week is MoonstruckCottage, owned by Loretta.
What is the meaning behind your shop name?
The meaning behind my shop name is kind of silly. When I was younger (much younger), I was often told that I resembled Cher. When the movie Moonstruck was released in 1987, I heard this even more often. My big, curly hair was a perfect match for Cher’s post-makeover hairdo, I am of Italian descent and a New Yorker, and…this is the clincher…Cher’s name in the movie is Loretta. Also, I am a confirmed night owl, and I do love a full moon and the way it shines down on my “cottage.” So that’s how MoonstruckCottage came to be!
How did you get your start selling vintage?
I have always been drawn to things that are old and have a history. As all vintage lovers know, they have charm, character, and a beauty that only time can create. (And most things made years ago are of better quality than things made today.) When my husband and I bought our first home -a fixer-upper- we barely had enough money to buy a couple cans of paint. We needed furniture and other things for our home, so that’s when my serious “hunting” began…at garage sales, estate sales, flea markets, thrift shops, and in piles of “trash” at the side of the road. I could buy many of the things we needed and wanted at bargain prices. Some needed a little repair, elbow grease, and maybe some paint, but I was thrilled to find them. So my love and appreciation for vintage grew stronger. I got access to the internet at home in 1999 (dial-up!), and I had been hearing about this thing called eBay. I checked it out and decided to try selling a few things. I was working for a major corporation at the time, so I would do eBay at night and on weekends. I remember how difficult it was to load photos back then! You had to know some HTML. It took me days to get my first listing posted. But I found that I loved selling vintage online, so I was eventually able to quit my day job and do more selling on eBay (along with another home business). I did eBay for many years, but then I got discouraged with it for a number of reasons and decided to take a break. Not too long after, I heard about Etsy, and I decided to open a shop here in 2010. And I am very glad I did.
What is your favorite item in your shop right now, and what makes it special to you?
Oh, boy…that’s a tough one. But it’s probably this button collection and box. It makes me wonder about the woman who saved them so many years ago.
And this painting. It’s not in great condition but it has the charm and character that I love.
And this vase…just because it’s beautiful.
What is the most unusual or amazing item you have sold from your shop?
I guess this isn’t particularly unusual or amazing, but it was one of my favorite finds. And I’m kind of sorry I sold it. It’s a lovely portrait painting by listed artist Alicia (Wiencek) Fiene. Most interesting is that she was the assistant and second wife of well-known artist Ernest Fiene.
SOLD!
Do you sell your items at other venues outside of Etsy? If so, where can we find you?
No other online venue at this time, and no brick-and-mortar shop. Rents are way too high in my neck of the woods! But I have run a number of estate sales over the years and hope to do more of that.
What social media platforms do you use?
Well, I have definitely missed the boat when it comes to social media! Much of my time over the past 5 years has been spent caring for my elderly parents and managing their affairs. So I haven’t had the time or mindset for social media. But it’s one of my goals for 2016!
I love your story, Loretta! The shop name, the start in vintage. Wonderful.
I fell in love with vintage for the same reason. My husband and I were just starting out and had a heap of college debt. We lived in Charleston, SC and people who lived ‘South of Broad” were the well-to-dos. I started going to ‘yard sales’ south of Broad. They had NICE trash. It was a way to have cool things in a tiny apartment.
I bet you could teach me so much about online selling, since this is my first year. Looking forward to getting to know you better. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Terri! I love Charleston. It’s so pretty and rich in history. The next time I go there, I’ll have to schedule in some time for yard sales! You may be a relative newbie to online selling, but you are doing really great. And I love your bubbly and enthusiastic personality!
Thanks! I appreciate your kind thoughts and do tell Charleston ‘hello’ for me. I love that city. Living there for 4 years was a gift. Plus, Neal and I got married there, so it is extra special. xo
South of Broad, especially around the Battery, May and June. Always found treasures. 😀
Good luck!
Loved reading about how you got your shop name, and learning more about you! You have such a great, branded, shop with so many interesting pieces. That button box is really a treasure! Wishing you continued success, Loretta!
Thanks so much, JD! Coming from you — the woman who I call the Queen of Etsy — that really means a lot 🙂
Loretta, congratulations on your honorary title of “Shop of the Week.” I enjoyed getting to know more about you, Moonstruck Cottage, and your connection with vintage . . . inspiration galore! Your shop and photography are beautiful. Thank you, again, your sharing your story. Annie
Aww…thank you, Annie! You are a sweetie! I wish you all the best with your wonderful shop!
Loretta, the story behind your shop name is very cool, flaunt it! And I’m completely smitten with that little landscape painting, it’s a beauty. Loved getting to know a little bit about you, your shop and your very sweet shop assistant! Sleeping in your purse, sheesh, cats know how to live a good life!
Thanks a bunch, Gia! I am off to read your interview now! Gosh, I see that I have been missing out on a lot of cool stuff on this blog! Yes, Tucker is quite spoiled…he sleeps wherever he wants and in the strangest places sometimes. And he has four very comfy beds of his own! Like most cats, no doubt! 🙂
I love your Shop Loretta and getting to know the rest of the story is a delightful bonus! Wishing you continued success!
Thanks so much, Linda! I love your shop too…and your friendly, smiling face. 🙂
I’ve always loved the name of your shop and now the story behind it even more.
Wishing you much success in 2016!!
Tina
Thanks so much, TIna! I love your shop name too…it’s cute, easy to remember, and says it all!
Love the story – thanks so much for sharing. I have been a fan of your Shop of many years. All the best
Thanks a bunch, Deb! Your shop is wonderful too! And how you and others on our team manage to stock your shops with so many items is mind-blowing to me. I can only dream! 🙂