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| Sheer White Edwardian Dress |
There are a lot of vintage Etsy shops out there and as an Etsy shop owner, it can get kind of discouraging. It's hard to know (as a buyer) what shop to look at first. For me, certain shops have a "look" that I tend to be drawn to... Vintage Urban Renewal has that look...and lucky for me, they are filled with awesome vintage finds. Clean photos of beautifully curated items fill every page of this shop, and there is something for everyone: Boho dresses, chic jackets, and unique accessories. I had the pleasure of asking the owner and founder of Vintage Urban Renewal a few questions...
What made you start selling on Etsy?
I own a brick and mortar clothing store, in a small valley in southern Oregon, where the thrift pickins' are great, but the appreciation for buying vintage, is less than stellar. So when I started buying more than I could sell in my store I started looking for another outlet for my collecting addiction. Which led me to etsy.
How would you describe your stores' aesthetic?
We blend "boho tough" with "chic sweet". It took me a little while to label my style and chose this description because I like to blend and mix eclectic styles together. Wearing a leather motorcycle jacket with a long, bohemian maxi dress, for instance.
What have been your most exciting vintage finds?
It's not about name brands for me, it's all about how a piece makes me feel. I get very excited about finding distressed leather, oversized fluffy mohair sweaters and natural gauze dresses.
We have started specializing in "boho wedding dresses". I wore my moms wedding dress from the 60s at my outdoor wedding and have loved that style ever since.It is one of the most overlooked wedding dress styles, perfect for casual , outdoor, garden or woodland weddings. They are usually very affordable and you can make them one of a kind just by removing sleeves, shortening them or wearing them with a sash.
What style or era influences you the most?
That is the easiest question... 70s bohemian style is my absolute favorite era and style. I do sell other eras, but they all evoke a feeling of "boho chic", which ties them together along with photo taking in our shop.
What advice do you have for other Etsy shop owners?
We have been selling for 3 years on etsy and have learned a few things in the process-
Sell what you love (keep just enough for yourself). If you don't love what you sell, your shop won't survive. Selling on etsy is work and if you don't enjoy what you sell you won't enjoy your work.
Find a niche market that you can find plenty of items for and that there is a need for, if there is no need then create a need for it. Think outside the box ie: Taking a sheer edwardian petticoat and tying a sash around the waist and selling it as a "flower girl" dress.
Photos are everything, they are your best marketing tool. Lighting, styling, color etc. is what defines your shop.
Customer service, answer all questions promptly and professionally, get to know your customers. There is no need to have bad feedback.
Have fun!
I own a brick and mortar clothing store, in a small valley in southern Oregon, where the thrift pickins' are great, but the appreciation for buying vintage, is less than stellar. So when I started buying more than I could sell in my store I started looking for another outlet for my collecting addiction. Which led me to etsy.
How would you describe your stores' aesthetic?
We blend "boho tough" with "chic sweet". It took me a little while to label my style and chose this description because I like to blend and mix eclectic styles together. Wearing a leather motorcycle jacket with a long, bohemian maxi dress, for instance.
What have been your most exciting vintage finds?
It's not about name brands for me, it's all about how a piece makes me feel. I get very excited about finding distressed leather, oversized fluffy mohair sweaters and natural gauze dresses.
We have started specializing in "boho wedding dresses". I wore my moms wedding dress from the 60s at my outdoor wedding and have loved that style ever since.It is one of the most overlooked wedding dress styles, perfect for casual , outdoor, garden or woodland weddings. They are usually very affordable and you can make them one of a kind just by removing sleeves, shortening them or wearing them with a sash.
What style or era influences you the most?
That is the easiest question... 70s bohemian style is my absolute favorite era and style. I do sell other eras, but they all evoke a feeling of "boho chic", which ties them together along with photo taking in our shop.
What advice do you have for other Etsy shop owners?
We have been selling for 3 years on etsy and have learned a few things in the process-
Sell what you love (keep just enough for yourself). If you don't love what you sell, your shop won't survive. Selling on etsy is work and if you don't enjoy what you sell you won't enjoy your work.
Find a niche market that you can find plenty of items for and that there is a need for, if there is no need then create a need for it. Think outside the box ie: Taking a sheer edwardian petticoat and tying a sash around the waist and selling it as a "flower girl" dress.
Photos are everything, they are your best marketing tool. Lighting, styling, color etc. is what defines your shop.
Customer service, answer all questions promptly and professionally, get to know your customers. There is no need to have bad feedback.
Have fun!
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Thanks Michelle! Here are a few wonderful pieces from her shop...
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| 70's Wedge Sandals |
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| Cotton Lace Wedding Dress |
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| Navajo Jacket |
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| Leather Hippie Bag |
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| Embroidered Jacket |
Check out these items and more at Vintage Urban Renewal
