Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Wayne.
Hi Kayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
About 14 years ago, I was living in a city and wanted to revamp the interior of my first home – a 1901 Farm House. I discovered that people resold old furniture, plus there was a lot nearby in the city! With the discovery of Craigslist, I became an avid “craigslister” to buy the pieces I wanted and make my little home just the way I wanted it. When I was done, I found more neat pieces I couldn’t pass up and just kept revamping pieces. It’s been my passion ever since.
After moving to a small town in Wisconsin, I discovered lots of little shops in nearby towns took Vendors. I started selling in several. My pieces did very well! During the covid shutdown, most of the items went into storage. As businesses began to reopen, I saw a ‘for rent’ sign in a small space with great visibility in town. They only wanted $400 a month! So for my first year, I was open only on weekends and sold through most items in that little space every month.
Near the end of the year, I knew I needed more space. Around Thanksgiving, I went for a walk downtown and saw a rent sign. The owners were overjoyed that a boutique could be in their space. They had several other inquiries but this is the type of business they preferred, as our downtown has very few. Perfect! It’s now been a year and a half at this historic downtown location.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, it has been smooth. One of the struggles includes a lower amount of foot traffic in the Downtown Menomonie area. The majority of our customers are from all over the country visiting the town.
Due to this, we are currently expanding our online store this summer. We feature our lovely hand-refinished furniture for sale only in-store, and offer a unique selection of Western & Vintage style purses and one-of-a-kind art, home decor, and much more!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I built 2 businesses as a single mom. In 2019, I was working for a non-profit that was an excellent place but did not financially meet the needs of my family. I applied for a grant available to women in Western Wisconsin called The Red Letter Grant and won!
I opened my cleaning business (A Clean Stage LLC) within a month and it’s grown ever since. I expanded in 2021 to open Patina Vintage Company, my vintage retail store and was open 2 days a week the first year. By 2022, I joined both businesses under one roof at 316 Main Street.
Just one office is great! The space is set up perfectly with a larger retail store, space for a workshop for refinishing furniture, and a 2nd entrance just for the in and out of the cleaning company.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Authenticity – just like the antique pieces that were made with intention and purpose! In our work, it’s the ability to know who you are, be proud of your work, yet be humble with people. The work is the artistic part but the people are what matter.
Hearing stories of where pieces came from or what people have done with pieces they have purchased is priceless. We’ve had graduation & wedding furniture gifts, first apartments, first homes, and pieces that have traveled hundreds of miles- it’s just so neat!
We look forward to many more stories as we move forward with determination and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.patinavintagecompany.com
- Instagram: @patinavintagecompany
- Facebook: @patinavintagecompany
