I started my first shop, Vintage Jersey Girl (https://www.etsy.com/shop/vintageNJgirl) in late 2012 while I was in my last semester as an undergraduate, studying law. I was commuting 100 miles each way to go to school just outside of NYC. I was sleeping on my friend's couches and working part-time just looking to make barely enough money to finish my degree. I loved the TV show American Pickers, and I grew up going to antique stores, so I wanted to give it a try. Etsy started as just a way to make more money, but I ended up falling completely in love with it.

Etsy has such an amazing community of both crafters and vintage lovers. I have always been a lover of the arts, and I was really happy to see how many people out there are interested in hand-made things, and how many people are looking to buy supplies. I have made clothes and costumes myself. I used to be an avid cosplayer in middle school and High School, and I still get involved in the convention community. I also made friends with some fashion majors throughout my life, and I understand how important it is to find the perfect pattern to go with your garment.

Once I graduated, I devoted a lot more time to improving my store. I realized how many people loved vintage sewing patterns, and my inventory grew to the point where I had more patterns than anything else. I began getting the most excited over these patterns. I've swooned over gorgeous illustrations from years gone by. I became a collector, and I realized I could sell to other collectors. In 2013, I opened Jersey Girl Patterns.

I strive to find patterns that are unique that you can't necessarily find in their local fabric stores. Patterns are my favorite thing to sell, and I want to devote more time and energy to making this store great.