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. :)
You are like the Little Engine that Could! I know you can, I know you can, I know you can! So happy that you found a new space and are inspired once again. I love you.
Posted by: Jade | 04/30/2012 at 01:33 PM
I'm glad you are so excited by this. The booth will be so good -- so right for your talents and interests!
Posted by: amy h | 04/30/2012 at 01:45 PM
damn girl! you go!
i am so very happy for you, and it makes me happy to read something like this! xo
Posted by: sarah | 04/30/2012 at 01:49 PM
Congratulations and best of luck!
Posted by: Liza | 04/30/2012 at 02:08 PM
i'm so thrilled for you and super proud of you for taking the jump! yay!
Posted by: erin | 04/30/2012 at 02:14 PM
This will be PERFECT for you, girl. I am so thrilled for you!
Posted by: Alicia A. | 04/30/2012 at 02:16 PM
Beautiful post! So proud and excited for you, sweets!! You will rock it!! xoxo
Posted by: Katie | 04/30/2012 at 02:25 PM
I love your sneaky little secret. Too bad I moved away -because I've also treasured this little possibility for myself too! Best wishes - & it's gonna be so awesome. {P.S. That owl. LOVE. Wish I could be your first customer!!!}
Posted by: stacy | 04/30/2012 at 02:45 PM
you know that I'm super thrilled for you!! love you!!!
Posted by: beki | 04/30/2012 at 03:10 PM
I am so excited for you. It will be on my list of places to see when in KS.
Posted by: Heather | 04/30/2012 at 04:02 PM
I am so happy for you, proud of you, and excited with you!
Posted by: Jenn | 04/30/2012 at 04:03 PM
So excited for you and your new venture!! I just wish I was closer so I could come peruse your stall! xx
Posted by: Jessie | 04/30/2012 at 04:04 PM
Chris, I am so excited for you! How perfect!
Posted by: Kim | 04/30/2012 at 04:08 PM
Yay for you! I have a similar background and just opened a booth of my own last summer and so far so good. Wish Kansas was closer, I'd come and take a look at your place! Good Luck and have fun.
Posted by: mary | 04/30/2012 at 04:38 PM
Oh my gosh, how exciting! Good luck! Can't wait to hear all about it. You have the most excellent taste and I'm sure it will go great!
Posted by: kriste | 04/30/2012 at 04:55 PM
This is so exciting for you. Too bad I'm so far away because I would come shop your booth in May. Enjoy the creative flow! Looking forward to hearing more.
Posted by: Amy L | 05/01/2012 at 08:59 AM
Congratulations... how exciting!
Posted by: julie | 05/02/2012 at 01:33 PM
So very fun! I'm thrilled about your new adventure. I wish I could get there in real life to meet you and enjoy your new space. It will be fabulous!
Posted by: Erin | 05/02/2012 at 08:07 PM
Chris, I am so excited for you! I will definitely visit Pemberlie the first weekend you are open! Best Wishes, xo Stephanie
Posted by: S Campbell76 | 05/02/2012 at 10:57 PM
Lots and lots of Luck, I am very excited for you!!!
Posted by: Pat | 05/05/2012 at 05:00 PM
I have been following you for about a year now and am so happy for you. This is the universe talking to you and saying "it's time something wonderful happened for this woman". I wish I still lived in KC so I could come see it all. Best of luck with your opening.
Posted by: charlotte | 05/06/2012 at 07:07 AM