Meet Celia Chomiak, a vintage jewelry seller in New York City.
What attracted you to vintage? Buying it? Wearing it?
I love the treasure hunt and the idea of bringing something back to life. You never know what you are going to find, or what that piece might mean to someone. I love wearing the treasures too and being able to add flair to any outfit with something that has a quality that is unmatched.
What inspired you to open your vintage shop?
I started Copper Cactus Vintage as a creative outlet because I was really bored with my full-time job. I got so excited finding pieces and then sending them off to their new homes. Also, seeing how people would react to certain pieces and being able to envision the person who would love a piece. It became an exciting buying experience and still thrills me to this day.
Tell us a little about your collection? Is it decade specific? Size specific? Themed in any way?
It definitely varies. When I do markets in NYC, I tend to focus on classic gold-toned pieces that can fit many styles. On Thrilling, I sell pieces from the 1920s to 1980s and have a great mixture of funky, classy and unique vintage. There really is something for everyone!
If you could dress any celebrity or public figure (past or present) who would it be?
Sarah Jessica Parker. She is my style icon and you can tell how much she appreciates the detail and beauty in fashion. It would be a dream!
What is the hardest thing about being a vintage shop owner or collector?
The storage part has gotten a bit tricky. Living in NYC, storage in my apartment is slim, but I have gotten very creative with how and where I store my collection. Jewelry is much easier, but clothing takes up so much space. This year I hope to be able to rent a studio space so I can have everything in the open and easy to see.
Why did you decide to join Thrilling?
I joined Thrilling because I was excited to be on a platform where people can go that truly love and appreciate vintage. They understand the value and what makes it so special, and I was so excited to be a part of the Thrilling family.
Is there anything interesting, special we should know about your shop or collection?
There is so much thought and heart that goes into what I list online and bring to markets. I lay everything out one by one before a market and if I don't feel personally connected, that piece doesn't come with me. Same goes for online items.. If I can't envision the person who would gush for that piece, or I can't connect with it, I hold off on listing. There is so much love that goes into the curating of the collections, and I hope people can feel that when they visit me at a market or shop online.