Once upon a time, there was a girl knew at a very early age that she loved all things vintage.
In elementary school, when her friends were practicing bubble letters and drawing rainbows, she was trying to draw vintage gowns and sew dresses for her dolls. Or make furniture out of recycled items. She read Agatha Christie novels and dreamed about living in England.
She enjoyed going to antique stores and peeking into the lives of people from a long time ago, through dishes and photographs and linens.
She dabbled in embroidery.
She adopted old banged up furniture and made it pretty again.
The real world had a way of convincing her that these talents and hobbies were just that. Something to do in her spare time. What she needed was a Real Job. And Real Skills.
So she went to college. And excelled. But she kept working away at the machine and picked up new skills like reupholstery and furniture refininshing. There was no end to what she would rescue or modify.
And then one day she turned 40.
There had been jobs and homes and many life experiences. Children and school and housework and, honestly, a wonderful life. And she filled a home with projects until it really didn't need any more.
For years, she had walked by forlorn looking pieces in thrift stores and yard sales and thought, if I had a shop, I'd buy that and fix her up. But I don't, and I certainly don't need her, so I'll let someone else come by. Goodbye, sweet little lamp/stool/chair/desk, I hope you find a lovely home.
And one day she opened her eyes.
She didn't need her own shop.
An opportunity was right in her backyard. Over a year ago, a little area just west of downtown Kansas City had started to develop into an artsy-vintage resale district. On the first weekend of each month, for three days, the doors of long-forgotten time-worn warehouse buildings open up for business. The buildings house thousands of square footage occupied by vendors selling everything from upcycled art to mid-century goods and apparel... refinished furniture and repurposed materials.
The West Bottoms First Weekend experience quickly became a monthly destination for her and her girlfriends.
The idea of a vendor booth was dreamy, but spaces were limited. The district was growing so popular that waiting lists were extremely long.
She shrugged it off as a 'maybe some day' kind of idea, but didn't look into it.
But God/providence/the universe is funny.
A chance connection through a friend of a friend, and all of a sudden she knew of a new building going in. One that needed vendors.
And she still dragged her feet a bit, following up. Mr. Doubt took over. Stinker.
In the end, she made the call and got her own booth.
It terrified her, stepping out of her regular comfort zone. Her routine.
But if she was being really, truly honest with herself, this new adventure was the one she has been on since she was a little girl. She was just jumping in and allowing herself to live it.
As if the universe was pleased with her gumption, she went out in search of items for her booth and was blown away by everything she found. It was as every step and every new thrift find was not only validation, but a physical high-five.
She hasn't looked back.
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My garage is filling up with treasures. My sewing studio, unused for over a year, is a buzz of activity. My brain keeps me up at night, alive with ideas.
The brand name web domain I wanted? available. The facebook page? available. The booth space? amazing! I can't believe my good luck. It can't all be good luck.
And the new store won't be open until the first weekend of June. Perfect. It gives me plenty of time to take care of all my details and get ready.
I'm not sure what it means when you make a choice that leads to smooth sailing. I feel like the hardest part was convinving myself that I could do it. Or that I *should* do it. Everything else is taking care of itself.
My booth will be located in the Brocante Bliss building of Kansas City's West Bottoms starting the first weekend of June 2012. I am beyond thrilled and blessed to have this oppportunity!
Life really is good.
xoxo
Chris
ps: Kansas City friends... there are still some vendor spaces available. Contact Kelly via the FB page for more details. :)
