Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Rife
Hi Vanessa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been collecting, restoring and selling vintage and antiques since 2019. However the love for it runs deep in my heart. I have gone antiquing with my grandmother and mom for as long as I can remember. It’s always been something that I have found so fascinating. Being able to appreciate something that generations before me loved. Finding uniqueness in a piece that’s no longer in production. I’ve realized that our generations really aren’t that different. One quick step into a modern store and I see replication after replication of something made in the mid century. Of course, I prefer the original! The great stuff always comes back around. Perhaps one day, I’ll have a brick and mortar store but for right now I am throughly enjoying selling vintage through amazing platforms such as Etsy and Instagram. You can also find me at Eclectiques Antique Mall in Clintonville Ohio! My goal is that everyone can find an appreciation in vintage and hopefully fall in love! It feels great saving a treasure from the wastelands.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. There is so much more to reselling vintage and antiques than meets the eye. There is a lot of cleaning, restoration and knowledge that needs to be had in order to properly and fairly price items. However, I have learned a lot throughout the years. For example, with vintage or antique lamps, I have been able to successfully restore them to their former glory, both visually and electrically.
Learning the history of a piece is more than just doing a google search. You really have to dive deep if you want to learn exactly what the history of the treasure you have found is.
Shipping vintage and antiques is also not for the lighthearted. There are a lot of supplies that need to be purchased as well as proper packaging to ensure everything arrives safely. Picture quality is also something extremely important in order to fully highlight not only the beauty but the real expectations of what a potential buyer is purchasing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While I would love to resell vintage and antiques full-time, at this moment in my life I am still reaching for that goal. Thankfully, though I have been fortunate enough to work in the veterinary field as a veterinary technician. I have always been an avid animal lover and being able to do that has been extremely rewarding.
While working in the Veterinary field, I started reselling vintage as a hobby in my free time and realized how quickly I was falling in love with the idea of being my own boss.
While it may not be my time yet to call myself boss, I am extremely proud of what I have been able to accomplish. There have been several obstacles in life that have tried to stall my efforts. I have been able to overcome these obstacles and still continue on.
I still have a lot I want to learn, such as furniture restoration, but I have faith that I will be able to meet my own expectations and hopefully the expectations of current and future clients.
There is nothing more rewarding than bringing a smile to one’s face at a vintage event or receiving a glowing review with how happy someone is with their purchase.
As far as what sets me apart? That is definitely a tough question! There are so many talented people in the vintage and antique world. I simply strive to do my best and look for quality pieces. While my selections may not be for everyone, I know that there is someone out there that will find joy in a piece that I have.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes! So many. During the pandemic, I realized how important person to person connection is! I have always been a bit introverted, but during quarantine I realized how much I truly missed interacting with others. It’s in our human nature to be able to bond with one another.
Through selling vintage, I have since been able to participate in several vendor events which allow me to meet people from all over the place. Before the pandemic, I never would have seen myself wanting to participate in such events. But now I genuinely look forward to them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vroseyvintage.etsy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vroseyvintage
- Other: https://pangobooks.com/bookstore/vroseyvintage
