I invite you to join the Vintage Tablecloth Lovers Club at https://vintagetableclothloversclub.com/
From an Interview at The Pro-Found Market:
Tell us about your business. How did it come to be? What do you hope it will become?
I started selling my parents’ and grandparents’ discards occasionally at the local flea market when I was in college. In the 90s, when my own collections grew out of control I opened a store in an online “Mall”. But I missed the face-to-face interactions. When my kids were older I began renting a space every Sunday at Todd Farm until monthly and seasonal vintage markets became more popular locally.
Now I’ve gone back to selling online, on Etsy. I still love the live markets, but Etsy gives me more flexibility and a wider customer base. I started my shop with the glassware and pottery that I didn’t like carting to the live shows, and now I’m increasingly focusing on the linens that I have always loved. I appreciate the time and workmanship that went into making even a small doily. In the near future I plan on including more unusual items, and more “luxury” items in my shop.
What keeps you going?
I don’t want to just sit around, I need to be busy at something I enjoy and having something to look forward to doing every day. It’s great to be my own boss!
What sets your products/business apart?
Among local vintage dealers I’m in my own category! In the near future I’m planning on adding more luxury linens to my shop, including more Madeira tablecloths, and vintage embroidered linen bedding.
What is one thing essential to your success?
I’m happy with what I’m doing, and I don’t set goals for myself because that to me that would be stressful, like being back in the corporate world. My time is my own, and my schedule is of my own making!
What is one thing you cannot live without (personally or professionally)?
That’s easy! The support of my family! After being dragged to flea markets and antique shows since they were babies, my kids are all collectors too! And…coffee & chocolate & Mark.
What were you like growing up? Interests, personality, etc?
I don’t think there was ever a time when I wasn’t collecting something. I always loved to read, and to do research on the things I collected. (I still do! Never stop learning!) Since I was never much of a social butterfly, this vintage business suits me. My dream was always to open an antique store, back in the days before internet, but now I’m quite happy with my Etsy shop.
What advice do you have for aspiring creative entrepreneurs?
Simple…do what you love, sell what you love. Don’t let naysayers get in your way. Until the day she died, my mother couldn’t understand that “people actually buy that stuff???” Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a mentor.
What else should we know about you and your business? Any other anecdotes you’d like to share?
Hearing people’s stories of why they buy what they buy is the most rewarding thing to me! I have a toy clothesline that I hang handkerchiefs on. One day at a show, a woman saw it and burst into tears because it reminded her of her grandmother.
