Meet Meg Smith, a vintage seller from Minneapolis, MN.
What attracted you to vintage? Buying it? Wearing it?
I loved the fun of thrift shopping back in the 80's and wearing vintage sweaters, pins, dangly earrings, etc. all thanks to that era's influence of Madonna and Cyndi Lauper; I loved the resurgence of the mid-century glamour, as nothing was too sparkly or over the top.
What inspired you to open your own vintage shop?
I had gathered a collection of beauties and treasures over the years and decided to start making my own line of jewelry out of these vintage supplies and making things I loved.
Tell us a little about your collection? Is it decade specific? Size specific? Themed in any way?
My line is centered around making new jewelry out of discontinued deadstock glass, Swarovski crystals, and brass stampings. I choose findings that spark my interest; I especially love the unusual finishes or crystal cuts that are no longer available and now rare to find. Most of my materials I work with are from the mid-century. I create pieces that I enjoy, are fun and easy to wear everyday, and add a bit of sparkle.
If you could dress any celebrity or public figure (past or present) who would it be?
I wouldn't want to dress anyone actually; it's just too subjective. I find beauty in each individual's outward expression of their own internal dialog.
What is the hardest thing about being a vintage shop owner or collector?
Getting the word out that my line is not "vintage inspired", but actually is created with genuine vintage or antique findings, thereby creating sustainability.
Why did you decide to join Thrilling?
I loved the premise that Thrilling is a vintage platform only. And although my jewelry line is doing quite well in the Midwest, I wanted to reach other vintage lovers elsewhere.
Is there anything interesting, special we should know about your shop or collection?
Being a survivor of domestic violence it has been a wish and goal of mine to donate my time and percentage of profits to aid in this arena. I'm excited that I have just recently partnered with Women's Advocates, the first domestic violence shelter in the country, and located in St. Paul, MN.
Follow Cosette Designs on Facebook.