An Interview with Witchy Vintage
I’m sure that any of us that have a love for antique items have contemplated a career in selling antique items at least once! In today’s interview, I talk with Paula Bates from Witchy Vintage, an antique store selling mostly Victorian to 1940s items on Etsy and Instagram. Paula has an innate talent for finding incredible items and great insight on starting your own antique business.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
“My name is Paula Bates, and I'm the owner of Witchy Vintage. In my spare time I like to write fiction, read, travel, and be outdoors. And of course, I love antiques and treasure hunting. My husband and I have been married 8 years, and we live in Houston with our dog Baxter.”
A collection of antique clothing. Witchy Vintage.
When did you first start having an interest in antiques and vintage items? Has this interested since you were young or is this is a newer venture?
“Both my grandmother and great grandmother collected and sold antiques and had their own shops, so I think it's just in my blood. I've been finding old stuff for as long as I can remember. Growing up I dressed in vintage clothing and shopped at thrift stores, yard sales, antique shops, and estate sales. It's always been about what speaks to me. Certain things seem to tell a story, and that's what I look for.”
What was your first antique acquisition in your personal collection?
“That's super tough, because I have been collecting since I was very young, but something I've had for several years now that is really special to me is a box of things that belonged to my great grandmother, including some dolls, letters, and little notes and scraps of paper with drawings. It's a small collection of items that was obviously very special to her, and it's a wonderful peek into her world.”
Collection of jewellery. Witchy Vintage.
When did you create Witchy Vintage and why?
“I started selling vintage on Etsy in 2011, but it was a whim, and I thought of it as something to do for fun. In January of 2019, I was working as a freelance writer and transcriptionist and wanted to do something else to supplement my income. I didn't realize it would take off like it did, but I was really passionate about it, and it was extremely fun for me, and eventually I stopped doing other work. Now Witchy Vintage is my full time job.”
What are the pros and cons of having your own online antique store?
“I enjoy most aspects of my day. I get to search for treasures and be around antiques all day. I am constantly learning as I read and research things. I love creating a magical experience with the packages I send out and writing notes to my customers, many of whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know. If I had to choose a con, I would say it's the need for space for my growing inventory. I really do not have many complaints! I love what I do.”
Victorian bodice. Witchy Vintage.
I’ve always wondered this, how on earth can you bring yourself to part with so many things? I’d just want to keep everything for my personal collections!
“Most people are surprised to learn that I do not have a large personal collection. One of my favourite things about having an antique shop is that I get to live with all of these amazing pieces for a time before letting them go to their new homes. It's enough to find it in the wild, bring it back with me, and then send it back out there to bring some magic to someone else. Sometimes I only have an item for a few hours before it leaves, but other times things stay a little longer for me to enjoy. It's often bittersweet, but it makes me so happy to hear from people and see photos of people with their new (old) special pieces.”
What is the most impressive or rare item you’ve had in your collections?
“Oh, hmm I can't just choose one. A few recent favorites are...
A 1910s black silk two piece dress set featuring a stand up collar with total vampire vibes. An 1890s silk waist with the most incredible lapels. I called it the bat wing bodice. The last piece is a phenomenal Georgian sepia memorial ring depicting an urn, a willow tree, and twin sacred hearts. Both the bodice and the dress have found wonderful homes. The ring is still available.”
Georgian mourning ring. Witchy Vintage.
What advice would you give someone who would like to pursue a career in antique selling?
“Selling antiques full time is not a traditional career. It requires a strong sense of direction, ample patience, and a willingness to enjoy the journey. I do this because it is incredibly fun for me every day. Yes, there are some parts of it that are challenging, but I would not want to be doing anything else. If it's your passion, then go for it. Start part time if it's not a viable option to go all in at once. It's always difficult starting your own business. You will have really long days and you will work really hard, but you are working for yourself doing something you love, so it's absolutely worth it!”
Collection of antique shoes. Witchy Vintage.
And finally, what is a dream item you would love to have in your collection?
“I'm not in search of one ultimate item for my collection. Rather, I appreciate the collective story. My real interest lies in understanding the people behind the antiques that I collect and sell. Each item tells a story about the period in which it existed, and the more stories I collect, the more I can appreciate and connect with them.”
If you would like to explore Witchy Vintage more you can find Paula here:
