- Supporting a small business. My Etsy shop is a part-time gig. I have a very full-time job that I love but I was born into vintage. My grandparents loved antiques and my parents were collectors. Their passion led to owning a fabulous shop in Upton, Mass, in a big red barn, called Boulder Farm Antiques. People came from all over to shop there. I have two Etsy shops, one is NansHaven.com, named after my mom, and the other is PattyCake Vintage Jewelry – still working on populating it with more glamorous bobbles.
- Saving the planet – Think about it. An item can get resold and / or regifted over and over! This will keep it out of landfills and reduce energy making more stuff.
- Saving money – I see so many luxurious items curated at designer websites selling for hundreds of dollars, photographed with fancy cameras; you can buy many lovely gifts in my Etsy shop for under $50. Vintage is an excellent affordable option.
- Vintage is beautiful and has history – “This belonged to my great grandmother, it was a gift from a local craftsman in the 1900s…” Things that are 80% off and from a big box store, don’t have a legacy. Not everything does, but when I learned about antiques in the 60s and 70s it was stories about how amazing things passed on from family to family, it is when I fell in love with Art Deco, and now I love Midcentury pieces. Collecting was a great hobby when I was a kid and teen. And I am still collecting. I am inspired to start new collections all the time!
- Makes a great gift – I love thoughtful gifts. My nephew loves sports, so I have searched for authentic vintage sports memorabilia from his favorite teams. I have also bought beautiful crystal and Murano for wedding gifts at a fraction of the retail costs. Being creative with vintage gifts is fun and appreciated. Start a gift closet and buy things you see, and you will always have a hostess gift when needed.
I think about this all the time. I write in my descriptions why I think people should buy a piece. These reasons are “no brainers” but great food for thought. Especially in an ever-evolving economy and a world where retail is a powerful economic machine! Plus… people love to shop.
Nans Haven Antiques & Collectibles 
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