Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Witte.
Hi Jessie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up garage saling with my Grammie Audrey as a kid and I think that’s where my obsession with “little pretties” started. In my teens, thrifting was a way to stretch a buck & make sure I wasn’t wearing what everyone else was wearing. Fast forward to 2009 when I started AudreyRose Vintage with a friend. It began as an occasional Etsy listing. Add on pop-ups, taking over the business as a solo endeavor, more pop-ups, becoming a legit LLC, selling on Instagram, getting a studio, creating events, parties and pop-ups of my own. Once the pandemic hit, I knew it would be long lasting so I cleared out my studio and sold on Instagram from my home exclusively for 1.5 years. Now, you can find me in my very own storefront in S. Mpls. Open 3-5 days a week depending on the season.
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?
When it was a hobby (the first 9 years/ 2009-2018) and I was selling mostly on Etsy, the biggest hurdle was storage for everything because it lived with me. I could take it as seriously as I wanted with little to no pressure. Once I made the switch to it being my full-time gig and main source of income, things get more complicated. Having a small business is so hard in so many ways. If it isn’t challenging and soul crushing at times, I don’t know if you’re doing it right.
Besides the pandemic which honestly taught me the most when it comes to my business, the biggest hurdle that almost took me out of selling vintage were MOTHS.
In the summer of 2018, I realized I had a moth infestation. At this point, most of my vintage stock lived with me in the duplex I rented. I had to throw out 1/3 of what I owned including some of my own items. There were so many tears and self-doubt. I take my responsibility as a vintage caretaker and heirloom preservationist very seriously and I felt like I failed. With a lot of help and research, I was able to bag everything up and freeze it for 2 weeks to ensure all moths and their eggs were killed. Then I moved out of that duplex.
As painful as that experience was, because of it, my whole operation has changed for the better. AudreyRose Vintage has its own chest freezer so I can freeze everything that comes into my possession for 2 weeks prior to cleaning and mending.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about AudreyRose Vintage?
AudreyRose Vintage sells curated vintage goods: clothing, jewelry, accessories, home goods, house wares, furniture and everything in between. I consider myself an heirloom preservationist. I’m here to be the keeper of history and memories until they are ready for their new life. This preservation goes so deep that every clothing/fabric item is frozen for two weeks before proceeding to mending and cleaning. It’s a slower process but so worth it for the longevity of a piece.
At the shop, I love to create community and inclusivity. I love having other companies pop-up & create events to bring in the neighborhood. I haven’t been able to fully realize these events yet, since well, global pandemic.
What matters most to you?
This is a tough one…I think what matters the most to me is forging connections and communities through vintage, vintage is my medium. The history of a piece matters to me. Caring for vintage matters to me. Finding a piece a new home is magical! Helping others curate their living space or wardrobe is an honor.
Pricing:
- My goods range from $5-$1550
- Most goods are under $100
Contact Info:
- Email: audreyrosempls@gmail.com
- Website: www.audreyrosevintage.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/audreyrosevintage
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/audreyrosempls
