Today we’d like to introduce you to Rian Mitchell.
Hi Rian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Finding pre-loved items has always been a part of my story – I grew up going to yard sales with my mom and in middle school my best friends and I would thrift argyle socks, polyester grandpa pants, and vintage Lacoste sweaters. I would always stop to examine free items left on the curb and may have done some dumpster diving to go treasure hunting. The thrill of giving second hand items another life has continued into my adult hood as I clothe my family and decorate my 50’s rambler home.
A year ago in May ’24 I made the decision to turn this super power passion into something more and thus ‘Rhinestone Finds’ was created. I have spent the past year building my brand, my business, and finding my particular niche as a reseller.
When I first started I would buy any items that I knew were a quality brand or anything that was older and considered vintage. I discovered a love for learning the history or story of an item that has already lived a long life and have honed in on vintage clothing, home goods, and accessories. With a background and career ‘day job’ as an interior designer I gravitate to unusual or unique pieces, the quirkier the better in my book yet also love to consider both trending and timeless pieces.
I’d say my style is a bit your quirky old cat lady, a bit southwestern wanna-be-cowgirl, with a lacy, silky feminine touch. It’s eclectic, but it works.
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?
I am really good at shopping, but the business aspects have been more of a learning curve. Learning what it takes to set up a business, track inventory, and do the less glamorous/heads down aspects have been necessary and admittedly not my favorite part.
Early on I signed up for a couple vintage markets only to find out a couple days prior to the market dates that I had been scammed by people who had stolen marketing content from the real market and were pretending to be them. That was a big disappointment, but I am glad if it had to happen that it occurred early in the beginning so I could conduct business going forward with a bit more vetting of people or potential business interactions. I have also been very open about this and shared my experience to hopefully protect other resellers going forward so that they don’t find themselves in a similar situation.
Overall I have found the sentiment to be accurate, if you love what you do it doesn’t feel like work. I really am passionate about what I am doing here so while there have been struggles I would do it all over again if it means that I can continue with this work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rhinestone Finds ?
Rhinestone Finds is a vintage reseller – I love vintage era clothing and home goods items from 1950s-1970s but incorporate 80s-Y2K pieces as well. I have an online etsy shop and am a vendor at pop-up style markets around the Twin-Cities throughout the year.
With a background in interior design and studio art, I recognize and appreciate trends, quality in material, and well-made timeless items. But what really brings me delight is in anything one-of-a-kind: think a rare 1980s denim trench coat with an overall seagull pattern or a vibrant green sweater with large embroidered fish. Anything is a possible, but if its home made even better including needlework art pieces, handmade sewing, tooled leather.
Rhinestone Find’s brand and aesthetic is a perfect fit for the person who understands what is popular, but wants their own flare and personality to shine within their fashion wardrobe or home decor.
The best way to stay up-to-date with my vintage market events or sneak peeks at new inventory is to follow me on social media – Instagram @rhinestonefinds.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
That’s a loaded question.
Simply put, success is finding joy in what you do and making that joy contagious to those who are around you.
Fortunately the vintage community is full of delightful humans and I have made some wonderful new friends this past year and simply adore the clientele – that 90s vest with the hand painted cat faces….they understand and appreciate it and make me feel extremely validated in what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rhinestonefindsshop.etsy.com
- Instagram: @rhinestonefinds
