This week’s Shop of the Week is Vintage Girl Home, owned by Lindsay.
What is the meaning behind your shop name?
My shop name actually stemmed from my original seller name which is Vintage Girl NY. Its pretty self-explanatory. I wanted to keep a connection to my original name when I split my shop. The original shop sells vintage clothing, shoes, bags etc.. which is what I originally started selling. This new shop was more about the home. Not only decorative things but functional vintage for the home. So I decided on Vintage Girl Home.
How did you get your start selling vintage?
I actually grew up around antiques my whole life. When I was a child for extra income my parents would sell at antique shows. They would pack the truck ,camper, and us three kids and go for the weekend. We would be free to run around the flea markets. Although I was the youngest, I do have great memories from that time. My mom has collected for years and also my grandmother had always been connected to selling antiques they had a shop in NJ and later on my grandmother had a small shop in her garage where she lived in NY. She is now 91 and still sells at a local flea market here in FL. Often,my mom would drag me to rummage sale- that was huge when I was young! So perhaps its in our DNA. I actually started selling on ebay after my daughter was born 15 years ago because I wanted to be able to stay home with her. Later, I discovered Etsy and a whole new world! I started with vintage clothing, shoes etc.. and basically learned from years of thrifting and research and then expanded into the home goods always buying things I loved.
What is your favorite item in your shop right now, and what makes it special to you?
Oh my gosh that’s so hard because honestly I only buy and sell stuff that I love! I would have to say the antique yo yo quilt is my favorite. Deep down I would be fine if it never sells because I absolutely love it. I love vintage fabrics. This piece is made of taffeta and I had never seen one made from this type of fabric. I spotted an Eiffel tower on one of the pieces and was in awe of the novelty print. But each piece is so shimmery and unique. It’s absolutely stunning in person. The photos do not do the fabrics justice. I am totally in love with it , can you tell?!
What is the most unusual or amazing item you have sold from your shop?
This shop is fairly new and I have sold some really cute vintage pieces that I loved- like the horse for serving hors oeuvres. It was just soo MCM cute and I loved everything about it! I have sold also some stunning vintage fashions and shoes from my other shops- items from the 40s that were one-of-a-kind or I will never-find-them -again pieces.
SOLD!
Do you sell your items at other venues outside of Etsy? If so, where can we find you?
I do have a small brick shop near my home, ” The Happy Hippo”, which is only open in the summer. My Dad bought this old Mason building in town about 12 years ago and a women had an antique shop there for several years so it was basically already set up, so I thought why not? I opened the little shop about 9 years ago and my mom and I sell there during the summer. We sell a variety of antiques, new and gently used name brand clothing, shoes, books, small furniture, and repurposed furniture. You can find us on facebook-
www.facebook.com/happyhipposhop
What social media platforms do you use? Share your links with us, so we can follow you!
Facebook – www.facebook.com/happyhipposhop
Twitter @VintageGirlNY1
Instagram – VintageGirlNY1
I don’t blame you on the quilt! That is a fabulous one!!
Thanks for sharing your story, Lindsay! I see a road trip to NY this summer. Continued success! xo
Loved getting to know you better, Lindsay! That’s amazing that your 91-year-old grandmother still sells at a local flea market! Maybe that will be you many years from now! Best wishes from one New Yorker to another!
Yes, respect to 91 years and still selling! Something to shoot for! 🙂
Best of Luck!!!