I don't just sell antiques, they are a huge part of my life. I just recently started selling on Etsy; in December 2013, when I listed only 10 items. I had no idea what I was doing. I have wanted to start an antique shop for 25 years, and the cost has always been to much, especially since I have been living in big cities. It was also difficult since I am a Biologist by training and have had a 26 year career as a scientist. Almost a year ago, I decided that I was done with that career, for many reasons, and I started focusing on my Etsy shop.

My first full day date, with my now husband, was a road trip from Houston to Austin to go to an antique show. I was supposed to go by myself, but he kindly offered to drive. I didn't know it was a date! The rest is history, and now he knows almost as much about antiques as I do. I move very slowly at antique fairs looking closely at everything, while he runs ahead of me looking for anything I have requested. He is a huge help. The big problem...do I keep it or sell it?

I am surround by my beautiful antique every day, and I like to rotate them, so I may keep something for a while until something new strikes my fancy then I may be willing to sell something else. I only buy what I love enough to keep for myself.

One of the things I love most about antiques is that each piece is like a piece of art. They are from a time when things were made by hand instead of being mass-produced. Some items have such wear that the item reveals to you how they were used each day. The wear is a huge part of the charm for me and I am always so happy that an antique stayed around long enough for me to love it.

I still have a unit full of antiques from downsizing when I moved that I want to sell, but I haven't figured out how to sell large items yet. This is the reason my shop is currently full of smalls. I will get it figured out eventually!

As you can see from this, it really is all about the quest...finding something special that you never thought your would find, traveling to antique fairs, and the wonderful people I meet along the way.

FEEDBACK:

There are quite a few people that are not on Etsy all the time and don't leave feedback through the system but send me emails about their items. I have included some of these below in addition to my 'official' positive reviews quoted exactly as written:

ANTIQUE GOBERG CANDLESTICK:
'I'm extremely pleased with the handsome "Goberg" iron candlestick holder, German/Austrian arts and crafts, circa 1910. I ordered it on a Wednesday night and recieved it Saturday afternoon..extremely well packed. I thank you, Jenna, for this well described 'treasure'' - Julie

ANTIQUE ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE VICTORIAN IRON FENCE FRAGMENTS:
'The package came promptly. My items were well wrapped. I was very excited to have received them. I can't wait to hang them on my wall. They are great accent pieces.' - Carla

ANTIQUE FRENCH BASKET:
'Jenna, I am delighted with the basket. It looks exactly like its picture, and the dimensions you provided were right on! I also appreciate the great service you provided. The basket was packaged well and arrived in a timely manner. Thanks too for contacting me for feedback--great customer service. You have some lovely antiques, so I check your site often.' - Mildred