Small Business Spotlight: What the Vintage
I wanted to furnish my home with a few unique, retro pieces. Mid-century style has always appealed to me. During my hunt for affordable one-of-a-kind décor and furniture items, I came across What the Vintage.
I wanted to furnish my home with a few unique, retro pieces. Mid-century style has always appealed to me. During my hunt for affordable one-of-a-kind décor and furniture items, I came across What the Vintage.
What the Vintage is a family-owned business that curates, restores and sells quirky, cool and downright stunning antique mid-century vintage and retro furniture and decor. We sat down with John Baltazar, owner of What the Vintage, to chat about how he grew his business, what inspires him, and yes, fish-shaped brush handles.
PayPal: You started What the Vintage three years ago. How has your business evolved from day one?
John Baltazar: It started off as a hobby, in my garage. Then, it snowballed into a very good business, mainly online. I have a small studio for items that are not online, and for customers who want to touch and feel a piece prior to purchasing it.
PP: There are not many vintage shops, like yours, online. What are the benefits of having an online store?
JB: Opening an online store allowed me to grow my business. A website made What the Vintage accessible to a larger network of shoppers. PayPal helped me get paid. Almost instantly, I had a thriving business.
PP: Why did you choose to sell with PayPal?
JB: There’s no fear of the unknown with PayPal. It was easy for me to add a PayPal Checkout button. Buyers know PayPal, and they trust the brand when it comes to shopping online.
We have a 1,200 square foot studio. For items that are not on our website, we use PayPal invoicing. If a customer wants a table, they send me an email and I send them photographs. If they like a particular item, I just send them a PayPal invoice. It’s easy for the customer, I get paid quickly, and it allows me to get back to my business.
PP: What advice would you give to new business owners?
JB: Take your time, work hard, know your market. Always be ready to embrace an opportunity.
PP: Was there a single piece that inspired you to start What the Vintage?
JB: Every time I would go looking, there was always a piece that made the trip worthwhile. I was once clearing out an estate, opened up a drawer in a buffet and found a table broom with a brush handle shaped like a fish. The bristles were the tail. I still have it! It was those unique pieces that inspired me.
Watch the video below to hear more about What the Vintage from owner, John Baltazar.