Before I get into it, I wanted to share that The Lucketts Store Blog is currently running a gift card giveaway through Saturday. If you aren’t close enough to shop at Lucketts (in Leesburg, VA), you can enter to win a “prize package” that will include one of my ornaments in addition to more shippable goodies from other vendors.
My life as an antiques dealer has been an interesting one. It’s all happened very organically…and a little by accident. I started my business as a “mural and decorative painting” business. It took me a while to realize that I wasn’t passionate about murals. I have dreamed about and talked about being an antique dealer for years, but I always assumed that was something I would do after my kids were grown or after I got some kind of official degree or after I was in the right house or after whatever… I tripped and fell into it and the more I got into it, the more I enjoyed it.
Now, I am a dealer in THE premium antique store in Northern Virginia (Dare I say… The region? The US? The world?) Painted furniture is still a large part of my inventory, but I’m hunting for, cleaning, tagging, moving and arranging more and more antiques…and I’m becoming more savvy in the business. I’m still a little wet behind the ears (I’m called “kiddo” at Lucketts), but I’m starting to get more aggressive in my purchases and more confident in my gut instincts.
So, what does the life of an antique dealer look like? Well, it’s not glamorous, I’ll tell you that. My space always looks better than I do! I’m always dirty or covered in paint. I dig through junk stores and frequent shady places to buy things from “interesting” people. I drive all over the map to find new shops or auctions or thrift stores. I know exactly how much furniture will fit in the back of a Toyota Sienna. Things are always coming and going from my house. It’s physical and tiring work.
So, why do it all? I really love it. I love having a room that’s just about the looks. I can stage and play and rearrange to my heart’s content. I can walk into a shop and buy what I like, not worrying about where I’ll put it. It’s also a really fun community of style mavens, strange birds and savvy experts. It’s ever changing and doesn’t get mundane. It challenges me and pushes me creatively.
I’m definitely not a “collectibles” or “fine antiques” dealer. I buy things for their decorative value, not because they’re in pristine condition or have the right mark on them. I just buy what I like. What I would want to use in my house if I had 100 rooms to fill…and it all sells, so I guess I’m doing something right…
…and I’m having a grand time doing it.
72 Responses
I'm so happy for you that you found your niche and are able to do it. I love it too and wish I had more time to devote to it but my "real" job gets in the way…or what I call my "real job" because that is where the majority of my income comes from. You have excellent taste and I love seeing all your projects and your room at Lucketts ~ I would love to visit there one day. Until then, I will just enjoy everything thru your blog!
great work! your shop is beautiful as always. i especially love the stamp holder!
Oh my gosh I LOVE that little bench you have next to the table in that first full-room picture. I will be refinishing our dining room table soon & need to find/make a bench for one side of it… I had figured I'd just have to build something myself, but now I'm hoping to find something like that! So cool that it has drawers, would be a great place to store table linens!
This is by far my favorite post you have done, mostly because I can relate to it so well. It makes my heart swell anytime I hear/read about someone doing what they love and succeeding at it. And it is especially exciting when it the same or similar passion as mine. Thank you for sharing this; it is my life to a "T" except a Dodge Ram instead!
Hi Marian, I can so relate to everything you just said. I am looking forward to seeing your new space and I hope to see you at Lucketts on Nov. 4th.
Take care,
Sherry
Very cool! I bet it's fun 🙂 I took a ride yesterday afternoon out to farm country in CT & walked all through an enormous barn that the owner was cleaning out & an antique dealer was there packing up his truck with such cool stuff! A family friend who lives next to the barn told me about it so I went for a ride 🙂 I know nothing about that stuff but was looking for some old lumber for a table we are making. I couldn't believe the stuff in this barn! Furniture stacked high…awesome old stuff that had been there for generations the owner said. I'm going back tomorrow to see if the dealer left anything! 🙂
I can so relate to you. I have been out of the business for a few years now, but thinking about jumping back in it…I just had sooooo much fun at it!!!
Blessings,
Linda
All of your pieces are sooo beautiful! So glad are able to do what you love! You have such talent!
Sounds like you are living the dream! Continue to trust your instincts. You have fantastic flair and a wonderful style. So great to see someone doing what they love and are clearly so passionate about.
I'm no where near where you are but I do have a small booth selling my finds. And having a blast! Yes, I'm dirty!
I am such a huge admirer of your space and your style. I love that you are willing to follow your gut and not worry about the right label or mark.
I can identify with the beginning of your story… a dream, but one that hasn't started yet b/c it's something I'll do "later" in life. Granted, I'm only 26, so I have some time (Lord willing!), but I'd like to get started soon. Do you have any tips for starting out? I know it's a process that takes time, but how did you start getting leads to find interesting pieces? If you'd be willing to share any tips on getting started, that would be amazing. I frequent yard sales and thrift stores, but beyond that, I'm at a loss.
Your blog continues to be a huge inspiration to me, and I sincerely thank you for taking the time to consistently provide amazing content and wonderful eye candy.
YOU ROCK, AND YOUR SHOP AND PICTURES… are ALL DROOL WORTHY. Keep the confidence going, KICK BUTT! winks-jen
What more amazing than doing what you love everyday?!!! Kudos to you.
btw. I noticed that the room doesn't look pink today! 😉
That is just SO awesome! Love that you are doing what YOU love, you have an amazing eye! Love all of the pics too! Keep up the good work MMS!!
You have a great eye, and artistic ability. That's why you sell. I've been a dealer for many years, and yes, it's a lot of work. At one time I did an antique show every weekend, sometimes two. In between, I was on the hunt. It's not glamorous, but it's so rewarding. I'm glad you're enjoying it. You are a natural.
I couldn't have said it any better. It is a hard job. I heard people either decorate well or dress well but not both. That's me. Who has time. Hauling and dealing with all this stuff takes time and gets u dirty. I don't even mind the mouse gifts now so much, LOL. Keep up the good work. We all can relate.
I have been so inspired by your story, I have started my own little business in a local peddlers mall. I am still developing my eye. But I come to your blog every single day for inspiration. Thank you.
YOU GO GURL!! I heart you.
I loved this post! I adore your blog and eagerly await each new post from you. Keep following your dream!
You are so inspirational to me.. I really look up to you & I'm so passionate about the same things so I can relate to all your posts. You are one amazing woman!
liz marie
That is so wonderful that you enjoy what you do so much! I dream and hope that everything will fall into place someday, so that I can leave my day job and have a career similar to yours!
What a great post! You are doing what life is about– having a good time, enjoying the wild ride that God has planned for you. You are an inspiration.
Well said. Especially the part about it not being glamorous, lol!! I'm so happy for you and your business. Mine is also growing. I'm having a hard time balancing being a mommy and dealer. Is your space and hour from your home? Do you have any suggestions on how to deal with the distance? I'm curious how you budget your time. I'd love it if you did an article on being a mommy and a dealer… for us business ladies. You rock!
Yes, I will say the hottest store in the U.S!!! That dresser will sell the moment you bring it to the store.
Very fun. Love that you are giving an "inside look" at what it is like to be MMS! Love all of it, the strange birds, the dirt, and yes, knowing exactly how much furniture fits into the back of a van. I have Dodge Grand "Crapavan", the seats fold into the floor. My kids are quite used to the fact that on any given day there may be a strange seating arrangement. Your boys will never know the difference!
I love how you put it. It is all so true. I started out doing design work and realized in the process that I truly loved making the items Designers use not being the Designer. Does that make sense? I LOVE your work and think you have one of the greatest blogs out here. I am new to the blogging world and still have a loooooooong way to go. But you are truly my inspiration. Thank you!
Sounds like a fabulous life to me!
It's wonderful to hear someone so happy with what they're doing. So many people hate their jobs. I love that I meet lots of people online that are turning their passions into careers.
I had my best week ever on Etsy this week (wooohooooo!) and am gearing up to try to beat it soon.
You inspire me daily! I cant wait each day for a new post.
This is going to sound snarky and I do NOT mean it to, but the air conditioner in your space always bothers me. Can you cover it with some shutters, or a lace curtain and some hankies, or hang a radiator cover in front of it or something? I bet it needs to be functional, and can't be blocked, but it seems so out of place to me. And maybe I am the only one who thinks that, and if so, I will sit down and be quiet. Love, love, love everything else, really I do.
Look at you! Because of you, I'm finding my way with ASCP, I just got my first Canon SLR and I'm sure you planted a seed in this heart, to open my own space at a lovely antique cottage in our area! grand opening is right after Thanksgiving. Your post on going to strange places to meet unusual people all over the place, hit home! And my husband has been a doll, helping whenever I ask! So far, so good! Yes, building trust in my instincts will take time and so will finding out what sells, but I love to learn new things and am so energized by it all! Continued blessings, Barbara
As the newest visitor to Lucketts, I agree with your assessment. Thanks for stopping by my blog today, and especially thanks for what you do. It inspires many, even though I know it must exhaust and try a few!
Wow, this post got me all choked up! I am so happy for you! The space at Lucketts is so beautiful and I plan to make the trip from NC to see it sometime next year.
I know that your husband is a youth pastor, but you really are a pastor as well. You are so kind and willing to share your knowledge with others. You give us all encouragement to chase our own dreams and become the women that God wants us to be.
How you manage to do all these things while running your own business is beyond anything I can comprehend, but I want you to know how much so many of us appreciate it! Your blog has become my greatest reference material. I read your posts to gain inspiration and I watch your tutorials before I venture out and try new things. All of it has been so beneficial to me. I may not try everything, but I have tried things I would have never have had the nerve to try a year ago. Still have not sewn a slipcover yet, but I know eventually I will get over myself and do it (it's that ruffle and cushion cover that frighten me!).
Gratefully,
Jenny
I can totally relate to buying what you like and not worrying about where you're going to put it! Thanks for keeping it real for us and sharing the "behind the scenes"!
God bless!
I do the same thing here in Winston-Salem…hoping to rent more space up along Interstae 81 and or 95 as we frequently go to PA to visit my husband's parents near Harrisburg and my daughter in Philly. (Unlike you, though, I waited until my kids were in college.) Love your stuff!
'Tis good to find what works for you! And you are flowing in it! I think having a space to add too and to change around sounds heavenly. And I love your space!
Hugs
SueAnn
I think you have a great eye! If you ever want an assistant in Georgia let me know!!1
It sounds wonderful that you are doing what you do well and enjoy so much. Much joy to you.
I am close enough to shop at Lucketts and I can't tell you how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!. I saw your room for the first time this Fall…..(I'm close (4hrs) but have issues with getting there much!)and it was pretty empty when I got there BUT I am working hard on trying to make the Christmas Open House. Probably not til Sunday so your room may be empty again but I still can't wait! Plus, the only place close enough to buy ASCP is just down the road at Out On A Whim…with the polka dot silo (if you haven't been…go). I can't wait to see all the goodies you have found and see all your handmade items…I LOVE GLITTER!
Exactly how much furniture DOES fit into the back of a Sienna? I just got one and can't wait to find some great deals 🙂 Based upon the pictures that you share here, I would say you are definitely doing something right by just purchasing the things you like. Your taste is incredible and it's no wonder your items sell. I don't think it will be long before your nickname 'kiddo' gets changed to something else.
Ohhhh I love this post! It is all
so very true and totally made me smile ~
You are a talented lady for sure and it is
not surprising at all that you are rockin'!!
xoxo
Lori
Just curious if you started your business with a small loan or just cash you saved?? Do you keep separate accts for things you buy or does it come out of your personal acct? Thanks for taking the time to answer! I admire your work and the fact that you follow your heart! Trying to get started!
Ditto. This is so much fun but it can turn into a full time job. The best part is you can do what you want when you want. Do as much as you want or just a little. You make your own schedule. Phyllis
From some of the comments above I say ditto! I also am a dealer and have paint on my fingernails that won't come off! I love your blog and your gorgeous painted furniture as well. Isn't it great to be passionate about what you do? It sure makes a 10 hour day go by fast! BTW… I know exactly how much stuff I can pack into a Chevy Tahoe! Great post! ~Laurie
We have similar stories! I was a textile designer out of college until I married and moved away. Once my kids were in school I started a mural and faux finishing business. That was fun at the height of the mural fad…I love doing kids rooms. But, if one more person calls me to glaze cabinets, I may scream!!! My dream for years has been to be a picker. Recently an opportunity came up to move into an antique store and I'm loving it. Funny how things work out!
Doing what you love and loving what you do plus making money doing it. What could be better than that?
AND, you're a great writer! Truly, it takes a very special person to pull off the tasks that you do on a daily basis. You are are great combo of two very different groups of talents; Creative, artistic, hand's on talent AND organized, disciplined and productive. Bravo!
You and your blog have been such an inspiration to me! You have a talent for keeping it real and balanced and it is wonderful. I am trying to merge all of my life interests too and it is a great challenge! I have a new blog and I would love your feedback.
It does sound like a lot of work, but a lot of fun.
You do have an eye for what will sell. A very important thing to have.
Keep up the good work.
Your blog really inspires me. How you started small and becamse succesful. I'm a single mom, and it's hard ti find my (succesful) road to creativity. But thanks to you, I'm starting to believe 🙂 I'm far away, in Belgium, but I read your blog every day. What a small world! And thanks for sharing your experience.
Don't you love that you've found what you're inspired to do. Each morning I get up and I'm glad a new day has begun. What will unfold? Who might I meet? What will show up in the comments box or my inbox? What inspiration will I find?
I love reading your posts and I'm glad to be part of the "I love my job" club!
Keep doing what you're doing!
I think it's awesome that you've found something you love to do. And yes, I'm sure it is very physical work, but I'd look at that as a bonus, you're having more fun than working out at the gym and not having to pay membership fees 🙂 I hope you keep having fun rearranging your pretty room for a long time to come!
Great post and amazing pictures! You are such an inspiration:-)
I so wish I was close enough to visit Luckett's! Someday!! It sounds like a dream. 🙂
Here it come again…..I love your blog! I do! =) A few months ago I had a dream that I got to go into Lucketts! Only in my dreams for now though. Thank you so much for sharing your passion, life, and knowledge!
Trisha
i love the sign…move mountains in your homes.
i will never forget that one!
blessings,
rebecca
I really liked this blog. You told us something personal about you and why you do what you do. You are a very talented woman. I just wish your Lucketts was in the west coast. lol Blessings
you have my dream job;) I love how amazing you are at it and hope someday I can be as awesome as you! So inspiring.
Hey, I bought that vintage stamp holder in the first picture. My SIL picked it up for me at Luckett's – she lives in Herndon. Can't wait to visit myself.
Such an inspiration to read your success. It has been with great motivation & guts to do what you have done to follow your dream! Your my daily inspiration!!
Follow your Bliss!
and enjoy,
Jess
What a wonderful post! I still do not know how you do it all!
Oh…how i relate…but on a smaller scale. I just started renting a space in my town's newest antique shop. I just happen upon it and the manager asked me if I was interested in renting. I had never, ever thought about that before. So, I asked him a few questions and decided to rent "half" a space. Well… it's been two months now, and I really want a full space. I feel energized { and tired } and I feel more creative { and tired } and I feel excited { and tired }…and it's all good! I met one of your dealer neighbor's… Karen of The Graphic's Fairy… at The Creative Connection this past September. If I'm ever, ever in your area… I'll be sure to check out your store. I've never been to that neck of the woods… what a fun trip it would be! Cheers ! and Here's to a healthy happy start to the fun and exciting holiday season ahead!! Thanks for all your tips and insights… 🙂
Sue
Your work is so inspiring. I see the way you are 'redeeming' the ugly and unworthy and I am reminded of a Story!
I agree with Jenny D and I am MMS's Mom. I have always described her as creative with a Type A personality. Yep – that's my girl. Jenny D has it exactly right. I'm not very creative – but have 2 very creative kids MMS is one of them. However I am very Type A personality – so when MMS and I get together we get stuff done! I'll be there in 3 weeks- hang on!
Momma Mustardseed
I am so happy for all your success, especially this last year. You are like the favorite neighbor on the block……busy, creative, going in every direction, but always willing to give up the secret to making your garden grow. Your willingness to share what you've learned along the way is no doubt why your dreams are coming true.
I envy your life, Marian! 🙂 I would adore to be in your position, doing what you do, and just being blessed in being surrounded by all of the vintage goodness! Way to go, girl! 🙂
xoxo laurie
You go girl! Live your dream and when it's done there will be no regrets…. lol x
That is so cool! My latest and greatest blog post(LOL – with my woppin 40 views) is entitled "Carpediem" – seize the day! That phrase could have been written to describe exactly what your doing. You are living out your dream – how many people can say that? You should take some time to savor that and "pat yourself on the back." Ok, you may have to wait until New Years Day, because your probably too busy to remember your name half the time, but you should be so proud of yourself.
Many of us let fear of failure take over until some real roadblock appears (back issues in my case). Now you never have to look back on your life and say "If only I'd gone for that space at Lucketts."
Speaking of Lucketts, your store looks so amazingly awesome – You have such an artistic eye. I love it! Your parents and husband and friends and family must be so proud of you. Congratulations Miss Marian.
I hope that I can take your inspiration to the next level some day soon. My husband keeps trying to talk me into starting my own little shop. I need to find the drive and it’s actually improving, so maybe sooner than later it will happen for me too. Just keep doing what you’re doing to inspire the rest of us to strive for what you have achieved. Thank you so much!
Wow, what a giveaway! You really put together a beautiful room!
Love Pine Cone Hill style!