Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiki Stash.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kiki. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Basically, I’ve been a “finder of old things” my whole life.
Growing up, I helped my parents sell clothing at flea markets. We sold new clothing, not vintage, my mom thinks old things are totally gross… but I had different ideas.
Some of my first memories are of walking around the markets looking at all of the things people were selling. In middle school, I started wearing and collecting vintage, mostly psychedelic 60’s. That was in the late 80’s.
In college, I was a vintage-wearing art major working as a seamstress at a home goods store. I sewed pillows for hours a day and made my own clothing on the side. After that, I started designing one-of-a-kind collections and working as stylist, finding more and more vintage along the way.
Today, my studio is packed with thousands of vintage pieces, some of which I’ve had since middle school! People always ask where I find my stuff and the truth is 95% of it is from thrift stores and garage sales. Each piece is handpicked by me and my collection includes everything from Edwardian lingerie to Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. Thrifting is definitely my superpower! I also still make bespoke clothing and work as a costumer/stylist.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve always followed the wind.
I never worried about where the wind would take me and I had no idea that my pre-teen love of vintage would lead me to a career in fashion/styling/and vintage gathering.
So the road has been winding with a long rest stop while I worked full time at being mom, but I love where I’ve ended up.
That being said, every day is a struggle to find more hangers as my little studio gets filled with more and more dresses..
I love to sell vintage, but I love to find vintage just a little bit more.
Stash on York – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Stash on York is open by appointment and caters specifically to costumers, stylists, and private clients. The studio hosts pop-ups and events and anyone can make an appointment to come shop.
I am currently working on a shoppable website (stashonyork.com) which is quite a looong process (1000’s of pieces to photograph!!).
Stash on York is a little shop of treasures. Every piece was saved from a landfill & given new life and purchasing these treasures does not support sweatshop conditions or “throw-away” culture. Each piece is donated locally and bought locally and is a little sliver of history.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I have control over how I spend my time, I suppose that is my definition of success. I have the freedom to do what I love and still have time to help with the school play and make Halloween costumes for my kids.
I am always looking to grow my client base and connect with more costumers and stylists. Cataloging my collection online is a big step in that direction.
But real true success for me would be finding a 1940’s Lili Ann fur trimmed skirt suit at the thrift store! Maybe tomorrow.
Contact Info:
- Address: Stash on York
6000 York Blvd., LA, CA 90042 - Website: Stashonyork.com
- Phone: 323-447-4421
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/stashonyork
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stashonyork
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/stashonyork
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.
