Member Spotlight: Im So Vintage

In the Etsy shop Im So Vintage, fabulous pillows and pincushions hand made with vintage fabric and lace appear side by side with fantastic vintage and antiques finds—everything from office and industrial décor, to books and ephemera, to wonderful china and glassware. We recently talked with the owner, Laura, about her vintage obsession.

Vintage silverplate tray

Q. When did you develop your love for antiques?

I have loved antiques for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, I loved visiting my grandparents because their early 1900s home was filled with fabulous antiques. I would spend hours touching the wood pieces, admiring (but not touching) the delicate glass and china, and reading the old books (okay, I know it sounds a wee bit nerdy). As soon as I was on my own, I began to fill my own home with antiques and collectibles, including some fabulous pieces from my grandmother. Although I of course keep all of the family things, I continually filter other finds in and out of my home. Many of them eventually find their way into my shops.

Q. Describe your favorite day shopping for vintage items—where you go, with whom, what you buy

Thursday is my favorite day of the week because it is auction day. Every Thursday I head out in my trusty van to spend a wonderful afternoon bidding on all things antique and vintage. It is where I get many of the fabulous finds for my two shops and lots of goodies for my home. I also get to spend time with my fellow auction buddies. It’s an afternoon of laughing, swapping stories, and learning new stuff about antiques. Believe me, it’s a never ending learning experience (and I’m not just talking about antiques).

Vintage blonder tongue UHF television converter

Q. Tell us what you do in your day job, and how you balance that with your Etsy shop.

My Etsy business is my day job now. In the past I have been a talent manager, Hollywood mom, mental health counselor, and real estate broker. WHEW!! Of all the jobs I have had, I love this one the best. I guess it took me quite a while to find my calling. Moral of the story: think about what you loved as a child and kept on loving and turn it into a career. Oh, and I have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They are the absolute loves of my life and guess what? The antiquing bug is being passed on down.

Feedsack and crochet pillow