12 Years and Counting

Twelve years ago I sat down at my kitchen table with my laptop and decided to open up an Etsy shop. And it was surprisingly easy. I landed on a name almost immediately (Lion and Lamb Vintage), entered all the necessary data and started listing. At the time I still had a part-time job and was using Etsy as a way to whittle down some of my collected stuff.

That first February I sold five things–which felt good considering it was a brand new store, with no ratings and only 20 items. My second sale was to Germany! I sent a vintage purse, it did a tour of Germany and started on its way back to me. It got within 50 miles of my town and then started back to Germany. A full six weeks passed before she finally got it, but she was kind enough to leave me a good rating.

The first 18 months I focused on selling my own stuff, but by mid 2013 I was visiting my neighborhood thrift store. As a thrift store newbie it was an eye-opening experience. There were a lot of new things, some junky and damaged items, but if you looked hard enough and went often, you’d find a few rare gems. This was one of my earlier good finds. (I paid $17.)

I also discovered estate sales, which I ADORE, but they can be a zoo! Typically crowded and cutthroat, but I have done alright with them. Years ago I was at a sale that amongst other goodies had a vast collection of vintage and designer clothing displayed in the master bedroom. The room was heaving with women. There was a staff member at the door watching everyone. Well, I decided not to spend much time in there and was about to leave when the staff member at the door stopped a customer in front of me. It appears the customer may have shoplifted something. As I was standing there waiting to get out, I started looking at the linens next to me and spotted an amazing, huge piece of antique woven paisley. Bingo. A steal at $40.

And a few years back I finally popped into a small monthly flea market just down the road. I don’t know why it took me so long to check it out. But it soon became one of my regular sourcing venues. Some months weren’t stellar, but I have hit a few home runs here. This lovely spoon was in a box of old silverplate spoons. Three for $1. So I got three and this one turned out to be a scarce 1800s Vanderslice “Comstock” soup spoon and it was coin silver. It sold for $90.

It’s fun telling you about all the really good finds, but it hasn’t been all kittens and rainbows. I’ve spent money on things that turned out to be damaged or duds. And some things just…don’t…sell. Fees have gone up and up. I’ve dealt with rude customers (not many thank goodness). I’ve struggled with storing all the inventory. And the list goes on.

Will I be doing this another 12 years down the road? I wouldn’t think so. But for now it suits me fine! And now to celebrate 12 years!