Vintage Vendor Spotlight on Pink Squirrel Shop
RetroReclaimations.com is happy to introduce our vintage loving friend, Michelle, from Pink Squirrel Shop. Michelle offers an eclectic mix of upcycled and repurposed furniture that she commits to "make old new again". Michelle's passion for vintage shines thru in the detailed pieces she has painstakingly taken the time to breathe new life into. Her items range in size from small houst hold decor to large, essential home furniture. From fun-loving and quirky to beautiful and meaningful Pink Squirrel Shop has what you are looking for!
You can find Pink Squirrel Shop at:
- Seaglass Salvage Market the 3rd weekend each month
- Flea Body's Antique Mall 7 days a week beginning July 1, 2016
BUSINESS NAME: Pink Squirrel Shop
OWNER: Michelle Ayer
WHAT TYPE OF VINTAGE ITEMS DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN? Vintage fabrics and furniture as well as everything in between.
HOW LONG HAS PINK SQUIRREL SHOP BEEN OPEN? 6 months
WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME PINK SQUIRREL SHOP? As a child growing up in the 1970's, I thought the names of the cocktails, The Grasshopper, The Dirty Martini, and The Pink Squirrel, sounded so grown up and fun. My mom, grandmother, & aunts would make frozen Pink Squirrel cocktails during Christmas parties. I can still envision them sipping their cocktails and laughing while standing around the 1970's avocado green counter in my grandma's kitchen. Pink Squirrel has stuck with me as a reminder of times when things were simpler, trendier, and just plain fun! I love working with vintage fabrics to recreate new home fashion, upcycling furniture, and seeking out all sorts of fun vintage finds. At Pink Squirrel Shop you never know what you might find that you never knew you "had to have". Cheers!
WHEN DID YOUR INTEREST IN VINTAGE/ANTIQUE BEGIN? WERE YOU INFLUENCED BY SOMEONE? IF SO, WHOM? I think it runs in my family. My grandmother owned a craft & antique store in the early 90's and I have an uncle that continues to antique. I have collected various things since childhood and I love to browse for anything "old" and eye catching. I love to repurpose old items like this dovetailed green patina silverware sorter (*see photos) into a hanging wall display for my mini pitcher collection.
EXPAND ON WHY AND WHEN YOU STARTED TO SELL VINTAGE/ANTIQUE ITEMS: For years, I've had a horde of vintage fabrics and recently found a passion for furniture and household item chalk paint upcycling. I was in need of a creative outlet and always dreamed of starting my own business. All at once things started falling into place. I met a neighbor that LOVES "junking" and salvaging old items just as much as I do and here I am 6 months into owning my own business.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? All of the fun people I meet especially when someone loves a piece as much as I do. It is then that I am confident that my "loves" have found a good new home.
WHAT IS YOUR "HOLY GRAIL" VINTAGE ITEM? 1970's convertible Volkswagen Beetle
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF BEING A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER? Learning to not second guess myself
ANY ADVICE FOR OTHERS THINKING ABOUT TAKING THE LEAP INTO SMALL VINTAGE BUSINESS OWNERSHIP? Buy what you love and your joy for the pieces will shine through to your customers.
You can find Pink Squirrel Shop via Facebook or Instagram
Samples of work:
Coupon Valid @ Pink Squirrel Shop Booth ONLY In Flea Body’s Antique Mall from July 1-Aug 31, 2016
