Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriana.
Adriana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
A.vintageco began in August 2020, but the roots run deeper. During my teenage years I started thrifting with my dad—a quirky hobby that brought us joy and adventure. My mom would always say, “Why do you buy used smelly clothing when you can just purchase something new.” My dad and I would just laugh, knowing the thrill of finding hidden gems among the piles.
Years passed, and life became more about responsibilities than treasure hunts. I graduated from college, got married, and became a stay-at-home mom with toddlers to care for. I loved being there for my kids, but I also craved something that was mine—something that brought me joy and allowed me to express my creativity.
I researched nonstop, learning the ropes of reselling and setting up an official business to buy wholesale. I started selling thrifted pieces on Instagram and did that successfully for three years. But by 2024, I was spending way too much time on my phone, and I needed a change.
So, I took on a new challenge: building my own website. Despite not being tech-savvy, I dedicated three to four days to YouTube tutorials, taking notes and experimenting until I figured out how to use Shopify. In February 2024, A.vintageco officially launched online.
Now, I primarily sell through my website, but I still love engaging with my followers through Instagram story sales. A.vintageco is more than a business to me. It’s proof that passion and perseverance can turn a childhood joy into something real and meaningful. And it’s a reminder of those fun-filled thrifting days with my dad—always searching for gold among the rags.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting A.vintageco in August 2020 was exciting, but the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest struggles has been gaining followers and visibility beyond Instagram. It’s a crowded space, and I’ve learned the hard way that even when you do gain followers, it doesn’t always mean you gain clients. That realization was crucial—understanding the difference between followers and true customers.
I’ve come to appreciate the loyal, returning customers who genuinely love what I do. Their support is what keeps my business alive, and their appreciation for my carefully curated pieces is what drives me to keep going. It’s not about numbers or going viral; it’s about building real connections.
Another challenge has been finding my niche and understanding who really wants what I offer. I’m picky about my inventory, which is why my store has always been small. Quality matters more to me than quantity, but I also feel a desire to grow and offer more while staying true to my style.
The journey is still ongoing, and I’m learning every day. Balancing my passion for vintage and second-hand fashion with the realities of running a business hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. And despite the struggles, I’m grateful for every single person who’s been a part of this journey with me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Building A.vintageco has been an incredible journey, but calling it easy would be a lie. It’s a small business, sure, but it’s also a huge part of my life. I’m not just a business owner—I’m a wife, a mother, a chef, and so much more outside of work. Balancing all of that while growing my shop has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced.
Running A.vintageco means doing everything myself. I handpick every single item, making sure it’s something I’d wear or truly love. Brands like Harley Davidson and Carhartt have a special place in my heart. I may not ride motorcycles, but my husband and brother do, and there’s something undeniably cool about finding those pieces. Carhartt, too—it’s practical and tough, just like my husband, who owns his own contracting business focused on glasswork.
Sports are another passion of mine, so when I find vintage crewnecks and T-shirts from the ’80s, ’90s, or early 2000s that are still in amazing condition, it’s thrilling. Each piece tells a story. Where has it been? Who wore it before? That history is part of what makes thrifting so exciting.
But there’s so much more behind the scenes. I model the clothes, photograph them, edit the pictures, manage my website, post on social media, and handle all the pricing. And pricing is tricky because people don’t always understand the work that goes into each item. It’s not just the piece itself—it’s my time, effort, and dedication reflected in those numbers.
Despite the challenges, I love what I do. I’ve learned so much—how to manage social media, improve my photography, and balance everything on my own. It’s been hard work, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. And at the end of the day, A.vintageco is a reflection of my passion and persistence. It’s my way of sharing the joy I’ve always found in hunting for treasures and giving them new life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’ve always known that life is a blessing. But with every blessing comes challenges and hardships, and I’ve lived through many of them. That’s why building A.vintageco has been so special to me—it’s been a blessing and a dream come true.
From the beginning, my prayer was simple: Lord, if I have a family, I want to be present for them. I wanted the freedom to be there for school drop-offs, pick-ups, after-school activities, and sports. I wanted to be involved, truly present, and not miss the little moments that mean the most.
God answered that prayer, blessing my husband with the ability to build his own business and provide for our family. And while I wish I could contribute more financially, I know my value as a mother is just as important. I’ve seen it reflected in my children’s happiness and appreciation for the time we share.
Running A.vintageco is my way of pursuing something I love while being the mother I’ve always wanted to be. During school hours, I’m working—picking items, photographing them, editing, managing the website, and cooking and cleaning in between. But when it’s time to pick up my kids, everything else pauses. That flexibility is a blessing I’ll never take for granted.
Of course, I dream of my business growing. But I also love these small, precious moments I still get to share with my kids. Money comes and goes, but my children’s childhood won’t last forever. And that’s why, no matter what, I’ll keep moving forward with gratitude and faith.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://avintageco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.vintageco?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
