512 Interiors
Meet Michelle Fowler, the curator with a sharp eye and soul . She’s been a consummate thrifter all her life who started this venture as a hobby and to decompress while working full-time back in the day. I enjoy watching her ‘thrift with me’ reels on IG where she takes us along on the journey!
In this Q&A, Michelle shares how she got started with her best friend, some of the ins and outs of thrifting, and how the landscape has changed over the years.
Q: What first got you into thrifting and reselling vintage?
"I have always had a love for the hunt. My best friend and I used to thrift clothing back in the ‘80’s. I also loved going to garage sales when those were a thing. When I was working full time, I wanted a hobby & a way to decompress. I had always wanted to have a booth at an antique mall. So, I ended up with 1000 sq ft at the Round Rock Antique Mall. "
~ I had always wanted a booth at an antique mall. So, I ended up with 1000 sq ft at the Round Rock Antique Mall. ~
Q: What kinds of items are you always on the lookout for when you go to Goodwill?
"Vintage & antique furniture are my main focus. I dabble in art & home decor on occasion when something catches my eye."
Q: Do you have a strategy when you thrift, or do you go with your gut?
"I go with my gut - of course, having done this for some time, you naturally learn what to look for but it’s definitely a gut feel for what someone will see & want."
Q: What’s been your best-ever thrift find?
"I’ve found so many amazing things it’s hard to narrow it down to one. But if I’m hard pressed, I would say an antique 1803-1815 British military officer’s Camphorwood campaign chest that was used during the Napoleonic wars. I was able to determine this by the locks on the chest."
~ I always buy items that I know people have poured their time and love into. Any type of needlepoint, old aprons with the “stitched by” label.~
Q: Is there something you always buy even if you don't need it?
"I always buy (although I have gotten better) items that I know people have poured their time and love into. Any type of needlepoint, old aprons with the “stitched by” label. I keep a lot of these items but also gift them to people I know will love them."
Q: Any thoughts on how thrifting has changed in recent years?
"Thrift stores have definitely increased their prices and there are a lot more people thrifting for themselves as well as reselling. But I’ll say the same thing I tell anyone when they complain about too many people thrifting and/or reselling, there is enough to go around."
~ ...there is enough to go around. ~
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