My Bucket-List Store
The year I turned 50 I decided it was time to start living my bucket list. There was nothing huge on it, why was I not checking off the list! So I had an adult beverage at a tiki bar in the ocean, got a tattoo (yes, Mom, I knew it was going to be permanent) and I opened Vintage Green.
I’ve always loved vintage, yard sales, estate sales, markets….junkin. And I’ve always loved the color green. So it seemed perfect to name my store Vintage Green. Another thing is I only buy for the store what I would buy for my home. Which means every piece is handpicked, and it is authentic vintage. You won’t find any “vintage inspired or catalog vintage” at the store. I absolutely love how every item has a story…..handmade for a certain reason, reused materials, food prepared in it….all previously loved treasures.
When I started looking for a store location I was directed to an area of Grand Haven called Centertown. And I am so thankful for finding my location in this neighborhood. My store neighbors are a blessing. We meet monthly to support, share and encourage each other. My store has outgrown my current location (which is only 742 sq ft), but I wouldn’t consider leaving my neighborhood….so I wait for a larger building to become available.
A huge perk of being a sole-business owner….I get to bring my dog to work with me everyday. His name is McCoy, and he is a 9-year-old springer/beagle/rescue sweetie. He is named after McCoy pottery (which is the only pottery I carry in the store). If you want to learn more about McCoy pottery please google Neslon McCoy or McCoy pottery. The library also has reference books. McCoy pottery is also the only pottery I have at my home.
A share about the business side of the store: The first two years were tough. One month I had $14 in my checking account after I paid every bill. The store wasn’t full because I couldn’t afford to buy that much inventory. There were so many things I said no to because of the cost. Every penny really was counted and pinched. Year three was better. The cash flow was picking up so I was able to purchase more inventory and say yes to boosting posts or advertising. In today’s world social media is huge. I worked hard to have followers on my social-media platforms. In the first years of the store I kept doing shows. I handed out so many business cards, invited people to my store and asked them to follow me. Shows are hard work. All the packing and unpacking, and you never know how a show will turn out, and thinking about what to bring and the set up. They are a LOT of hard work, but they were beneficial for me to get my store name out.
Thankfully my store has caught traction and years four and five have been much easier! Less financial worry and I have the ability to make different decision and choices that are in the best interest of my store and neighborhood; not just my checkbook.
In closing….I hope you will follow along, stop by, share my store with your friends….and share some love on Vintage Green.
(And maybe follow along just to hear about other items on my bucket list ;0 )
Blessings My Friends, Joyce
