Meet Sara Achterhof of Mellow Space in Pasadena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Achterhof, owner of Mellow Space.

Sara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been a bit of a collector my entire life. Everything from turn of the century antiques to mid-century modern furniture and home decor. It runs in the family, we are several generations of antique collectors and dealers but when my passion for collecting began to overflow, I knew I wanted to start selling.

At one point I was selling on eBay, then that turned into an Etsy shop (many praises to Etsy for what they do for small businesses) but for me, it all felt very repetitive and unemotional and I wasn’t connecting with people in the way I wanted to just by selling online.

I needed to be able to create a deeper connection between the items I was selling and my clientele, so when I started Mellow Space at the end of 2016 and started selling at local flea markets, I realized that this is where I wanted to be regularly; talking with people face to face about what makes our spaces special. Market goers are able to handle the items, let themselves be drawn into them, hear their stories and feel themselves connect with the past, present and future spaces they will fill.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s no easy task to build a business from scratch. There are new challenges daily to being self-employed and funding your own business. I went back to college around age 30 to learn more about business and earned a degree, I still work another part-time job for income and finances constantly need managing and rebudgeting. There’s been broken products, bad investments, unusable photography, but with trial and error, I was finally able to find my voice and rhythm. A major challenge has just been allowing growth and change to happen and also accepting help from people around you. I have to give so much credit and love to everyone who has supported me helped me out the flea markets, who have encouraged me and been patient with me on my endeavor to create my business.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mellow Space – what should we know?
Mellow Space is more than just a few new vintage pieces in my online shop each week or flea market finds.

A mellow space is about your little place where you feel comfortable and at peace. It could be an entire home, a loft, office, studio or a garden. “Mellow” is the word I like to use to describe when I am most comfortable at home, so I’m bringing my version of mellow to my clients. Maybe everything I sell isn’t quite everyone’s home decorating taste but being able to talk to people about what makes their spaces mellow helps me source more unique pieces for each flea market.

Everything I source is from local Southern California estate sales and when I enter a home it’s like stepping into a time portal to someone else’s sacred space. I think of the people who lived there, the generations of unique individuals that came before us, who traveled, collected and displayed their love, who were handymen or crafty ladies, who created their spaces with little pieces of themselves and with lots of emotions. Emotions that shouldn’t be lost to time, but may be renewed through a new generation. When someone buys something from Mellow Space at the flea market, I want to be able to pass on to them those feelings and help them create their own unique space with the love from the past.

Each item is special, has a story to share and still has the ability to brighten up a space. In a world where we constantly talk about reusing and recycling, there is no need to go out and buy mass-produced home decor that doesn’t speak to you on an emotional level and creates more waste. There is still plenty of great uses, emotions, and beauty in the items from the past that will bring a whole new life to your space.

Mellow Space carries a variety of home decor, kitchenware, and giftware predating the 1980s. You can find us typically carrying an assortment of ceramic planters from the 1950s-1940s, glassware, barware, figurines, mugs, Japan collectibles, mid-century California pottery, giftware from the 60s and 70s, Bauer pottery and the quintessential 1950s-1970s Pyrex patterns. Lately, we are becoming more well known for our unique ashtray collection. At one flea market, we’ll typically bring 20+ ashtrays in all different shapes, styles, and materials. You don’t need to be a smoker to enjoy the unique beauty of a mid-century ashtray, they dress up any tabletop! Lately, you can catch us on weekends out at the Silver Lake Flea. (silverlakeshop.com @silverlakeflea)

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Honestly, I can’t say I’ve achieved any greater success than just knowing I’m doing something that I love. People will love what you do when they see that YOU love what you do! The best advice I can give is to keep a clear vision of what you want for yourself, but listen to those who want to help you be great, never stop learning and don’t be afraid of change. You can keep your vision all while change and growth is occurring. Surround yourself with a community in which you thrive and who lift you up and once you feel that you have succeeded, learn to give back because once you can do that, your success will be even that much sweeter.

Pricing:

• Ash Trays $5-$40
• Pyrex sets $20-$50
• Mid-Century Pottery $10-$50
• Books $5-$10
• other home decor $5-$75

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopmellowspace.com
• Email: mellowspaceLA@gmail.com
• Instagram: @mellow_space

Image Credit:
Patrick Morales

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.