It almost seems premature to entertain the idea of "getting ready for the holidays". From the perspective of shop owner though, 'tis the season, NOW. Preparing the shop for this time of year, we look to be ready and organized with unique vintage delights.
As I peruse the various categories on Etsy, I find myself salivating over red and of course, vintage. So, this post is dedicated to those fine treasures. So without further ado... enjoy. XO Lucia
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Where Do You Get All Your "Stuff"?
At least once a week jahnelle or I get this question posed to us. Hence, at least once a week I smile and say "around". This is such an awkward moment for me. Do we really want to tell them where we find our special treasures, our beloved baubles, our cool shit? Will I sound like a snotty vintage dealer if the smile comes out more like a snarl?
I began to contemplate the dilemma I created in my own head. It really would not serve me to deny people the answer to their question. So, here goes. I go out and search everywhere. I call my mom and make her snoop in my nonna's basement, I go to Gold Country and raid the Christian ladies' store, I go to garage sales, estate sale and even find things on the side of the road. This is where I get all my stuff. jahnelle acquires her goods the same way. We often go shopping together. We know the days the thrift stores have 50% off day like our own child's name.
So what is the difference between what jahnelle and I do and what you do? We made what we LOVE to do into a business. We have the eye to find the really cool stuff, take the time to clean and alter it and then let go of it. That last little tidbit is important. You have to be able to part with that special treasure. If j and I kept everything we found we would be despised by our families for having tons of "crap" and we would have no business.
Yea, we love our vintage. I am sure jahnelle would agree, one of our favorite thing to do is to sit on her living room floor drinking coffee while the other person holds up their scores for the day. Generally, we leave our favorites for last.
I began to contemplate the dilemma I created in my own head. It really would not serve me to deny people the answer to their question. So, here goes. I go out and search everywhere. I call my mom and make her snoop in my nonna's basement, I go to Gold Country and raid the Christian ladies' store, I go to garage sales, estate sale and even find things on the side of the road. This is where I get all my stuff. jahnelle acquires her goods the same way. We often go shopping together. We know the days the thrift stores have 50% off day like our own child's name.
So what is the difference between what jahnelle and I do and what you do? We made what we LOVE to do into a business. We have the eye to find the really cool stuff, take the time to clean and alter it and then let go of it. That last little tidbit is important. You have to be able to part with that special treasure. If j and I kept everything we found we would be despised by our families for having tons of "crap" and we would have no business.
Yea, we love our vintage. I am sure jahnelle would agree, one of our favorite thing to do is to sit on her living room floor drinking coffee while the other person holds up their scores for the day. Generally, we leave our favorites for last.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Spring HEAT!
Looking at the date of our last blog, it is fair to say something has been going on. Yes. You don't want to hear about that stuff.
Moving on, Jahnelle and I have found our rhythm. Sales rhythm that is. We have been noticing what our customers are buying and others on Etsy as well. Spring purchasing is still strong, but Summer is booming. Hats, sexy light nighties, and sundresses are a few of the popular picks right now. Remember, it's Spring the world in in heat! Everybody is feeling the love someway or another.
I feel proud that we are expanding sales, taking better photos for our shop, and most of all, I love reading our positive feedback. Having happy customers feels good. Jahnelle and I talk constantly about how we can make our business better. This month we are having a sale on all our prom and wedding items. Both of us love fashion history and researching our items. J is on a mission to learn more about Josephine Bastone. We have one of her dresses waiting to jump onto our shop but... it has to wait until we can come up with the right pricing photos and accurate dating. We pride our selves of this.
New and other projects.... Well. Jahnelle has become quite the sewing lady. Her ideas are now coming to life. You should of seen her leather neck choker with glittery rhinestones, FUN! And myself, I'm a costumer for a local children's theater as well. The older kids are doing a spoof on Project Run. Water bottle, grapes, watermelon, and my favorite carrot bride are a few of the costumes I had to create in the past 3 days. Two weeks ago it was cod pieces and fake breast is bodice for the local AFE homeschool plays. Balancing all this and having a business is intense. Oh yeah, did I tell you the US Census hired me! That's another fun story.
As ReCultivation expands, I look forward to sharing our experiences with you. Remember to catch the wave this Spring... we're enjoying the ride!
Moving on, Jahnelle and I have found our rhythm. Sales rhythm that is. We have been noticing what our customers are buying and others on Etsy as well. Spring purchasing is still strong, but Summer is booming. Hats, sexy light nighties, and sundresses are a few of the popular picks right now. Remember, it's Spring the world in in heat! Everybody is feeling the love someway or another.
I feel proud that we are expanding sales, taking better photos for our shop, and most of all, I love reading our positive feedback. Having happy customers feels good. Jahnelle and I talk constantly about how we can make our business better. This month we are having a sale on all our prom and wedding items. Both of us love fashion history and researching our items. J is on a mission to learn more about Josephine Bastone. We have one of her dresses waiting to jump onto our shop but... it has to wait until we can come up with the right pricing photos and accurate dating. We pride our selves of this.
New and other projects.... Well. Jahnelle has become quite the sewing lady. Her ideas are now coming to life. You should of seen her leather neck choker with glittery rhinestones, FUN! And myself, I'm a costumer for a local children's theater as well. The older kids are doing a spoof on Project Run. Water bottle, grapes, watermelon, and my favorite carrot bride are a few of the costumes I had to create in the past 3 days. Two weeks ago it was cod pieces and fake breast is bodice for the local AFE homeschool plays. Balancing all this and having a business is intense. Oh yeah, did I tell you the US Census hired me! That's another fun story.
As ReCultivation expands, I look forward to sharing our experiences with you. Remember to catch the wave this Spring... we're enjoying the ride!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Less Than 2 Weeks
Our first truck show is coming up. The goal this week and next: make stock. jahnelle has been over everyday. Her face lit up when she got her new labels. Now I want new labels, lol.
I'm nervous and excited to present my original pieces on the 7th. It has been a blast working with J. Her sewing is improving.
I'm nervous and excited to present my original pieces on the 7th. It has been a blast working with J. Her sewing is improving.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
2 Ladies
I can't actually remember our first meeting. She says I was at the drinking fountain telling a Polish joke and she wanted to kick my ass. It was somewhere in the late 80's. However it began, we are here, starting a business together. ReCultivation.etsy.com Our shop!
I started this blog today in hopes to document the next fun thing. This is the story of us,
jahnelleblue and Lucia. 2 Ladies who met in Rochester, New York moved out to Santa Cruz, California and are now not only best friends, coffee drinkers, and moms, but are running a business together.
We are doing it. Hope you follow us on our adventures.
-L
I started this blog today in hopes to document the next fun thing. This is the story of us,
jahnelleblue and Lucia. 2 Ladies who met in Rochester, New York moved out to Santa Cruz, California and are now not only best friends, coffee drinkers, and moms, but are running a business together.
We are doing it. Hope you follow us on our adventures.
-L
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)