Donna Harding's Third Life
After high school I joined the military in 1979 and retired in 2002. I also attended undergraduate, graduate and law school while in the military so I am used to working hard and staying focused. I started my own law firm in 2004 and have continued my practice. In 2009 I bought a "cabin" retirement home and that's when it started.
While I have always loved antiques and have owned some pieces for 30 years, I was not a collector until I found auctions in north Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina. I began collecting in a serious way and subconsciously I suppose I was preparing for this day. After the auctions people would ask me where my shop was. I didn't realize I did have one, just not open to the public. My daughter told me about Etsy years ago and I opened an account in 2012 but it was not until April 2014 because I decided to open my shop.
Everything I bought over the last several years are things that I love and could see in my home. Each piece spoke to me. I didn't research, I just followed my heart. Now my inventory is huge. Between my business being slow and the massive inventory I have I decided to start selling. I research each piece I list to find out and provide as much information as I can. I love the history of the items..
My shop is about the continuity of vintage items. I have items that are rustic, mid century, and regular vintage décor. I don't collect lavish items, I want to be able to imagine the item in the eventual place it will live and be comfortable. I will continue to collect things like McCoy, vintage kitchen items, etc., but I'm learning about my collection of items and sending them off to a new home.
I can only I hope that each item brings as much joy to the buyer as it did to me when I bought it.
My cabin has become my shop. I have antiques placed in every crook and cranny and is a great inspiration. It also provides great back settings for the things I sell. I've had to learn about photography and how to get that perfect picture when it's reduced to a 2" by 2" picture and I am still learning but I wake up every day with something to look forward to and isn't that what life should be about. I hope you appreciate the items I have and if you are looking for a specific item in the context of my products, message me, I probably have it or can find it in my travels.
