We enjoying talking to people who collect vintage treasures. In this interview, we find out more about Susan, the owner of the vintage shop SimplySuzula on Etsy.
Why and when did you start collecting?
I married young, 18, and the only thing I collected for the first few years was kids. I was a stay-at-home mom with four pre-schoolers and collecting was the last thing on my mind. Moving ahead to 1982 when the last one left for college and we moved from the Jersey Shore to our old farmhouse here in middle rural Tennessee. Collecting became my primary method of filling my home. I loved the country life. I loved old tin “kitchen stuff”, country quilts, local pottery, primitive furniture, and especially anything perfectly rusted. I prowled local auctions and back road tag sales and filled my walls and shelves.
Who or what was your influence for collection?
One of my main influences came in the form of a gift subscription to Country Living Magazine. Growing up in a seashore resort, I had never been exposed to country life. Even my parents never raised a garden, home canned food, had chickens, or made a quilt. It was all so new and exciting to me!
What is one of your favorite pieces and why?
Over the years there have been many favorites, but I think the large crock that my oldest daughter bought me on one of her early visits to Tennessee has remained one of the most loved. It was made right here in this area many, many years ago.
What tips can you give us about collecting?
Collect what you love!! It doesn’t matter what is trending at the time or whether others think it’s worth collecting. Just follow your heart.
What would be your holy grail piece and why?
At this time in my life, I don’t really think I have one. “Things” have lost a lot of their importance since I reached 75 and I am thankful for good health, family, and long-time friends. It is this frame of mind that first started my “adventures” as an Etsy seller. When I look back at my first sales in Nov. 2007, every item listed came from my own walls and shelves. I had already begun the process of culling.
Where do you look for new items to add to your shop/collection?
I no longer consciously look for new items to collect, but I prowl local estate sales and thrift shops looking to fill my shop and often find something that brings back the collecting bug. I found the sugar bowl and creamer in my photo at two different sales, not realizing they were a set. I looked them up, found they were California pottery by Metlox called Lotus, and fell in love. So far I’ve acquired a set of mugs, a large fruit bowl and six small matching bowls, and four salad plates… and I’m still shopping.
How has collecting changed or affected your life?
I think that collecting vintage has given me a glimpse into the past that I might not have had otherwise. Gathering items from other times and other places is almost like time travel. It enriches the present with a glimpse of the past. Even though I no longer collect as I once did, I feel like many of the items I offer in my shop may awaken the urge to collection in others. At least I hope so…
Where can we find you?
Sorry to say that SimplySuzula on Etsy is my only hangout. I have recently ventured into Pinterest with the help of my granddaughter, but really don’t know what I am doing there. I know; PIN, PIN, PIN!!
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySuzula
Great interview! And I adore the cat in the crock picture. Love the cat and love the crock. 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed your interview Susan and the glimpse into your home. I agree that kitty stole the show! And those lotus dishes are gorgeous! I’ll have to keep my eye open for them.
Loved this interview! Thanks for sharing.
Such a fun glimpse into your life, Susan. Your treasures are beautifully displayed with the contents of your Tennessee crock being at the top of the list. 🙂 I hope you pinned that photo.
Linda
Hi, Susan, it has been great reading your story. I am in love with your Lotus, California pottery by Metlox!
What a wonderful glimpse into an interesting life-so happy you shared your story and lovely collections!…now to look up Metlox Lotus…:)
Feeling honored to be featured here. Thanks.
Susan, wonderful collection and story. I love it all. Best of Luck to you!
Loved reading your story (and seeing the kitten in the crock) – I totally agree about collecting what you love, rather than only what’s trending.
I feel like I know a celebrity.! I can honestly say ‘I knew her when…” Suzula has always had the decorating flair. And, I’ve always admired and envied that. To have taken it this far is wonderful. She is one of the few that can say she loves her job. good on you, Suzula. Your collections are beautiful!
I found your shop a few weeks ago, Susan, and I loved that all the different seasons are reflected in the background of your shop photos. I especially got a big kick out of the ones in the snow, they look great! Nice to read your background story here!! (Oh, and definitely the cat in the crock takes the cake!)
Loved this interview, Susan! Your collections are so pretty. I love the crock…and the kitty hiding in it too. What you said about collecting vintage being almost like time travel is very true! 🙂
The Cat in the Crock, just cannot beat that! Adorable!!!!