This week’s Shop of the Week is Carpebellus , owned by Carissa.
What is the meaning behind your shop name?
Carpebellus is my take on the Latin saying carpe diem, but instead of “seize the day,” I invite shoppers to “seize the beauty.” This was my username when I first joined Etsy at age 16!
How did you get your start selling vintage?
One chilly afternoon in January, I was born…and I’ve been hooked on vintage ever since. My parents delivered me into a life surrounded by antiques and there was no going back. My Mom and I frequently hunted the local flea market troves and came to realize that we could make a business with our eye for vintage beauties. We opened our virtual doors on Etsy in 2009 with the purpose of funding my college education and it’s been a great help.
What is your favorite item in your shop right now, and what makes it special to you?
I almost kept this Red Wing serving dish for myself. I have unsuccessfully been trying to teach myself the mandolin in the hopes that I will one day be able to join a bluegrass band. At the moment, I will be keeping the unpleasant melodies for my ears only. Nonetheless, I think the string instruments on this dish are beautiful and would be a wonderful complement to my (or another shopper’s) midcentury modern décor.
What is the most unusual or amazing item you have sold from your shop?
To this day, I have no clue what drew me to this little devil or why anyone else decided to buy her, but she certainly is a sight! Rita the Imp, with her sideways glance and unfortunate hairdo, forever will be one of the strangest items I’ve sold.
SOLD!
What social media platforms do you use? Share your links with us, so we can follow you!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/carpebellus
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/carissad27/carpebellus-vintage/
Hi, Carissa – Thanks for letting me take a peek behind the scenes of your wonderful shop. You have a great “eye” and knowledge for vintage. I love the history you weave into your item descriptions and artful photography. Congrats on your honorary post as Shop of the Week!
Annie, you’re too sweet! Thanks so much for the kind words. That history really is the best part of selling vintage! 😉
YAY Carissa on being shop of the week!! You already know I so admire what you are doing with going to school and having a successful Etsy shop. Kudos to you kiddo!!
Awww, thanks so much for the constant love!
Carissa – I just know you’ll master that mandolin one of these days! Just like you’ve mastered having a fun and colorful vintage shop! It’s always enjoyable to read your item descriptions and see all the cool things you’ve added to your shop. Wishing you continued success!
…. And when you play that mandolin, you’ll have to share a video!
Hahaha, thanks for the support, JD (both mando-wise and Etsy-wise)!
I like that little red devil too!
She was quite a character! 😉
It is exciting to me to find another generation with a passion and appreciation for vintage/antiques. Great name and shop Carissa, wishing you continued success in all you do!
Linda, that means a lot!! Thanks so much. I work as a museum educator, so old stuff is my life! 🙂
Sweet shop, Carissa! Congrats on your success{and at such a young age – you inspire me;} Heartbombed your shop, hope you have a week full of sales!
Wowza Holly, thanks SO much!!
Great interview! Wonderful shop!!
Happy sales, Carissa…
Thanks so much, Suz!!
I love that you came out of the womb already hooked! 🙂
Hahaha, definitely! 😊