Fresh Face in the Industry

[Erin - Sand Hill East]

My love of antiques started at a young age. I grew up in a home filled with them, and with a family who incorporated frequent trips to antique shows and markets into our routine. Now, at 26, I have entered the antique realm professionally and find it a great fit for me. Not everyone my age is interested in antiques, but I think they can work for everyone, especially the younger generations.

With high storefront overhead where I live in New York City, I started my own on-line antiques store where I sell furniture and accessories. I see the trend moving to Internet sales and that it is a platform many younger buyers are very familiar with. We have mastered the use of search engines and can pretty much find anything we’re looking for. Well, antiques are no different. I find it fascinating to connect with people all over the world. I have done shipping quotes to places such as England, Germany, and as far away as Brazil. I think it is the younger generation reaching out—we are comfortable buying on the Internet.

Many people I meet, who are around my age, are surprised when I tell them my profession. They find it unlikely. Maybe others haven’t been exposed to antiques as much as I have growing up, but they are warming up to them. Up and coming professionals, aka: my peers, are out on their own, renting or buying for the first time, and have a strong sense of independence. From my experience, they are looking to find their identity and often start with how they dress and how they decorate their homes. A lot of hip items in stores today are replicas of well-known designer’s antique pieces. People my age are being exposed to antiques and may learn that it would be even more special to have an “original” item and see the value in that.

Of course, younger people often may be on a limited budget. My advice for this is simple: start with accessories that can mix into what you have. Local antique and flea markets have great finds for any bargain hunter. Bigger furniture items are an investment. From my restoration work, I see the quality in the way older furniture was made. My projects have ranged from stripping a stool, refinishing and reupholstering an arm chair to a whole dining room set. I pick pieces I want to work with, and I visualize their transformation. I sell mostly American furniture that ranges in style from industrial to traditional to Art Deco. A lot of styles are sturdy, well-crafted and made to last. Even younger buyers should be able to appreciate this and pick items that have been tried and tested, and are still in style. There is something for everyone out there.

One thing that attracts me to antiques is the hunt. I bring a fresh perspective and a new vision to the forgotten treasures of yesterday. I have a lot of fun with this. I can picture how they’ll fit into today’s world and work to restore them to functionality. And some things don’t need any work, so I leave them alone. There is charm in the bumps and scrapes, and I want my peers to see this too and learn to appreciate things from the past. I see them as an important part of today’s design scene and want to encourage more young people to explore the diverse world of antiques.

Collections are another great way for people to start incorporating antiques into their lives. My parents have always had ongoing collections that change with time—entire cabinets in their home are dedicated to them. My own collections include Wonder Woman memorabilia and old cameras. I am always looking for something to catch my eye. A tip I share with new collectors is to pick something that makes them smile or evokes a pleasant memory and start from there.

Antiques are a special part of my heritage and I see them as having an important role in the future. My goal is to work directly with people, of any age, to show them how they can incorporate antiques into their style. I think there is a place in every space for antiques and more young people are gaining interest and discovering the wonder of antiques.

For more information you may go to: www.sandhilleast.com.

[Big T]

Welcome to the website!

[linda]

hi erin -
read you interesting post - welcome to the group! i see you are from new york city - my home town as well! we had bricks and mortar shops, participated in too many shows to count (such hard work!!) and have been online for a number of years now - we used to deal in furniture when we had our bricks and mortar shops. now we specialize in bakelite and related items of the era and just love it! i see you collect old cameras - that would be my husband's passion.

it is a joy to deal in what one loves and has a passion for.

linda
http://www.evelynnesoldiesbutgoodies.com

[Erin - Sand Hill East]

Hi Linda,

Wonderful to hear from you. I have a few Bakelite items too! Hope all goes well and we continue to be in touch.

Erin

www.sandhilleast.com

[linda]

hi erin -
thanks for the note - always nice to "meet" a fellow new yorker. took a loook at your site - some very interesting goodies! stop by our shop anytime - good luck with your shop.
linda
http://www.evelynnesoldiesbutgoodies.com

[Erin - Sand Hill East]

Linda, I checked out all of your inventory, great stuff! Love the scotty dog items and the bakelite clocks. If I have a client looking for anything simialr, I'll send them your way. Always good to have resources for diverse items. Talk to you soon!
Erin

[linda]

hi erin -
thanks for visiting our shop and for the kudos for what we have! glad you like the scottie things and bakelite clocks! appreciate you sending any clients our way if someone is looking for something we might have - will do the same for you of course.

linda
http://www.evelynnesoldiesbutgoodies.com