Hidden Gems: Meet Vita White of Main Street Vintage Mall. Llc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vita White

Hi Vita, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2007. I moved back to the Los Angeles area from Washington state. My background is an advertising, I was no longer interested in the business and was looking for some thing that would bring me and others joy. With my love of Antiques and Art, it was a no-brainer for me to go into this business. I started slowly, by selling at flea markets, followed by getting a booth in antique mall and eventually opening my own store, Retro Relics Etc. I enjoy the business so much. I wanted to help others who may be interested in the same field and to let them start their own businesses, so I opened Main St vintage mall, which is literally two doors down from my little store. Retro Relics etc. is a little antique store but Main St vintage is large and is all about mid-century modern. I very carefully selected the best vendors along with those new to the business who were very enthusiastic . I truly love watching them grow and succeed. I welcome all their input and often act on it. Fresh ideas bring new successes. For example, we just started a Monthly event which is called retail therapy Fridays. We stay open two hours later and we serve wine, enjoy music, snacks and offer discounts to our customers, it’s actually just a fantastic party where my vendors interact with Customers And form wonderful relationships. We are really like a family here

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Far from a smooth road, quite scary really. Opening a business from scratch is not an easy thing to do. Other than the initial investment that you don’t know if you’re going to get back, fear of failure, And just overall uncertainty of the future, things were very stressful. It took us almost a year to fill the mall. There were all kinds of problems with the building, Fortunately, I have an amazing landlord who would take care of things promptly. But generally, it was just a matter of growing pains, learning as we went along. Now my Store is beautiful. My vendors are amazing and we are also happy to be here.

As you know, we’re big fans of Main Street Vintage Mall. Llc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are the only vintage mall in West Valley. We’re located in the historic downtown Canoga Park on Sherman Way which used to be called antique Road. There are several stores within feet of each other, so it’s a destination for people who like Vintage and Antiques.

Our focus is on mid century items; furniture, jewelry, glass, clothes, pottery, and art The mall is open and airy, easy to navigate, yet, we’re full of treasures. those that have already found us spend a minimum of an hour in the mall, enjoying 60s music, air conditioning and fun conversation. And, yes, we always have treats to enjoy. We do everything in our power to make every customers experience as wonderful and fun as it could possibly be.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, The merchandise will slightly shift, due to the fact that in 10 years items from 2015 will be considered vintage. Hard to believe but time keeps on moving and we must move with it. Most of our customers are young. The range is Teens to mid 40s. So yes, the younger generation is interested in vintage items, And we hope to keep these customers for a very, very long time

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Mainstreetvintagecanogapark
• Facebook: Main street vintage mall