The Birth of Paper and Plush

Finding what makes you happy can take a lifetime. For me, decades upon decades. I always admired people who knew what they wanted to do from a young age. Admired may be an understatement; more like envied. I couldn't seem to find that 'thing' that made me want to jump out the bed in the morning. I often asked myself, "What's wrong with me?"

I remember my mother taking me to thrift stores with her when I was a child. I was so embarrassed and scared that someone I knew would see me. Meanwhile, my mother was in her own world going through all of the racks and getting excited when she found a good deal. I did not understand her joy of being in a thrift store combing through used stuff. Turns out I AM MY MOTHER'S CHILD.

Today, you can't keep me out of a thrift store, yard sale, or estate sale. I love it! Everything about it. From the excitement of waking up knowing I'm going thrifting, the giddiness of pulling up to my first stop, to the thrill of scoring a great find. It's my dopamine.

Eye-level view of a vintage shop

Later in life I realized that I was looking in all the wrong places for what I thought I should do with my life. Thinking that I was only successful if I had a big time corporate job or touting some fancy title, I didn't realize that I was already doing something I loved and something I was quite good at. Not to toot my own horn but I come across some of the most unique treasures and coolest finds. Perhaps the treasures find me. Either way, I love it and it seems to love me back!

I started out selling at a local flea market which I enjoyed but I was limited with how much I could take. Quite honestly I made as many purchases as sales at the flea market. Lots of other sellers with great stuff at a good price. I just couldn't help myself. Next I started selling on one of the large e-commerce platforms; eventually expanding to multiple platforms. This is what I consider my on-the-job experience and continued education.

Reselling on multiple platforms afforded me the opportunity to hone in on what I wanted to specialize in; my niche so to say. I'd buy a stack of old greeting cards and end up finding a rare vintage photo like the one I found of Bunratty Castle in Ireland buried between the cards. I bought a vintage Betty Crocker cookbook and stuck between the pages was a 1950's ticket to a pro basketball game! I'd buy what I thought was just a cute stuffed dog and turns out it's a rare find. Moments like this keep happening. And I love it!

My epiphany: I want to open my own vintage shop! I'm going to specialize in vintage ephemera and stuffed animals. Then the sound of belly laughter coming from my bank account snapped me back to reality. A brick and mortar may not be in my reach today but we all have the internet. Opening my online treasure shop was in my reach and there was no talking myself out of it. Many times I've had 'genius' ideas just to sell myself on all the reasons it wouldn't work. Not this time! No doubts, no fears.

What should I name it? What name would encompass this narrow niche I've carved out for myself. I have rare books, vintage ephemera, old photos and postcards. On top of that I have a vintage stuffed animal and toy collection that could transport anyone to childhood. Keep it simple was my main focus for the name of my new shop. What name will summarize my shop and keep it simple?

I got it!

Paper & Plush