Life & Work with Rena Starr

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rena Starr.

Rena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a third-generation female antique/vintage business owner. It all started with my grandma, Betty, who owned Golden Eagle Antiques in Shreve, Ohio. She gave the love of all things antique to my mom Caren, who owns Starlight Antiques in Millersburg, Ohio.

My mom quite literally went into labor with me at a flea market, so you could say it’s in my blood! I can remember running around antique markets that my parents and grandparents were setting up at as a kid. I worked behind the desk at my mom’s store from the time I could see over the counter.

I currently have a small Vintage Store, Starbright Vintage (@StarbrightVint) that operates mostly online. With Starbright, I also set up events and have items in my mom’s store. In 2023 I will start hosting Vintage Markets as well under my new business Rust and Retro Vintage Market LLC. I plan on hosting events in Southeastern Michigan and Northern Ohio. My first event is scheduled for Spring 2023 in Davisburg, MI.

I love the idea of helping other small businesses grow and connecting people with small businesses. It is wonderful to see people living out their dreams and to get to be a part of that.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with anything, there are ups and downs. I have always worked full time along with operating my business as a “side hustle,” with varying degrees of success. My full-time job for the last 6 years has been in the mortgage industry.

Over the last year, I have been laid off twice.

With the most recent lay off my husband and I decided it was time for me to really try and make something of my business. I have always had the idea that I would like to host events and have a physical store someday, but kind of put it on the back burner while we started our family. We decided not to put it off any longer and to make the dream a reality.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I own an online Vintage Store and host Vintage Markets.

My focus is a mix of Rustic and Retro – which is what gave me the name for my markets – Rust and Retro Vintage Market. My online Vintage business is called Starbright Vintage which is a play-off of the name of my mom’s store Starlight Antiques. My mom’s style is more cozy and rustic whereas mine is a little more eclectic, funky, and retro.

What does success mean to you?
Excellent question! I would love to be able to build my business in a place where I can support my family and a few employees with a comfortable living wage.

I hope to create a network of like-minded small business owners where we can support each other. I would love to help the small business community grow and help support new entrepreneurs. I don’t need to make a million dollars – but I would love to feel that I made a difference to other small businesses and get to build my business while spending more time with my husband and daughter.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.starbrightvint.com
• Instagram: @starbrightvint
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarbrightVint/
• Other: www.rustandretrovintagemarket.com