Meet the Vendor EP:1 Falling In Love Again Vintage
Meet Dianne from Falling In Love Again Vintage
Dianne has been a vendor at Minted Vintage Market since 2019. She has an eye for all things vintage. Not only does she find the coolest things, but she refinishes furniture and upcycles to create an eclectic style that is not only fun but also functional. In this video she demonstrates how to strip paint off a vintage desk while sharing tips and tricks she's discovered in the last 10+ years that she has been creating. She also brought small items to demonstrate what she looks for when she visits antique stores or auctions and how she uses/styles them in her home. For more from Dianne, find her on Facebook.
“Do what you want in your house, like absolutely, just if you like it (I mean) find a way to work it in.”
What inspired you to start your business? When I was young like probably even in high school I would just do weird little DIY projects and then just get really proud of myself even though it was terrible and I think the first thing I did was I took some pile and like smashed it and glued it to a table like for no reason but um in college I ref finished uh this little box and that I'd gotten into Gabe’s or something but I finished and I thought oh I can maybe I can do this. (We’re glad she did!)
How did you come up with your business name? My husband and I have been together since high school, and he is a big part of my business. He helps carry, load, and fix furniture pieces as well give up some of his garage space to store furniture until markets. The name is “Falling in Love Again Vintage” is inspired by an Eagle Eye Cherry song from when they were in high school. He played (he’s a musician) that song for her on their first date. How sweet!
If your business had a theme song, what would it be? Falling in Love Again by Eagle Eye Cherry because of her husband but also because of being able to “fall in love again” with household items by repurposing and reusing instead of sending things to the landfill.
What do you love about being a small business owner? Dianne has a full-time job in the medical field, so her business is a create outlet for her!
Name one challenge of running a small business. Time for sure! When the kids would nap or play when they were younger, she would have a little bit of time but now they've got sports, PTA and other activities that keep the whole family busy.
Name one achievement you are proud of in your small business journey. When I see someone grab something and they'll come back to me the next year and say I did this with it or like and they keep coming back is really my achievement. It's just fun for me.
Name a favorite (you or your customers favorite) product you make/offer. People always love mirrors and chalkboards. One of her favorite things she’s ever made were chachka candlesticks. Anthropology was selling something similar to the tune of $425 a candlestick.
Name your favorite thing about Minted Vintage markets. The people for sure! She likes the way the market is styled, the photographers and the food!
What do you do to prepare for events like ours? Refinishing furniture takes up the most time and space, so she starts with that and then finds the smaller items along the way. She doesn’t want to miss out on summers with her kids she saves the bulk of her work for her days off work when the kids are back in school.
When you get the chance to shop, what do you like to buy at markets? Unique items that you don’t see often and anything with tiny drawers!
Where else can we find you? (other events, store fronts, website, etc) She has Instagram and Facebook, but is more active on Facebook where she shares home styling photos, projects she is working on, market previews, and even an occasional sale.
*because of the length of the commentary some of the answers above have been paraphrased.