Today we’d like to introduce you to Naama Sarid.
Hi Naama, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always loved to go to vintage shops. The dusty shelves, the jumbled containers, and the scent of aged leather or wood. It’s not just about shopping; it’s about the thrill of discovery. Every corner hides the potential for something extraordinary, and within the chaos of old books, worn furniture, and forgotten knick-knacks, there’s a promise of an unexpected treasure.
It’s a unique kind of adventure: sifting through what seems like an endless collection of random items, and yet, the challenge lies in being able to spot something of value or personal significance amongst it all. There’s something satisfying about recognizing the worth of something that has been overlooked by others.
For me, opening my own vintage shop was like continuing that experience on a larger scale. My shop became a place to relive that adventure of discovery every single day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The real challenge with vintage items lies in understanding their history—their origin, the era they belong to, and, of course, their worth. As a seller, I need to understand what makes an item truly special.
When I look back on my journey, I realize I’ve probably sold numerous items for less than they were worth. At the time I didn’t have all the knowledge needed to identify their true value. But that’s all part of the learning process.
In the end, the process itself is just as valuable as the result, and every item taught me something that shaped my understanding of the craft.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m balancing several important aspects of the business—everything from finding and researching items, taking professional photos, to managing social media and customer service.
It is important for me to integrate my personal life into my business. By offering glimpses into my life through my social media, I show the face behind the brand and take the opportunity the expose the customers to the amazing and intense city of New York. Being able to share that vibe with my audience through my posts can make them feel like they’re not just buying vintage items but also a piece of the city’s culture and excitement.
My proud moments are when I sell items for production companies, theaters and fashion designers around the world. I also received heartfelt letters from customers who told me about the personal significance the item they purchased had for them.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the most important thing is to do something you love and enjoy. That will help your learning curve to go up always. For me, collecting vintage and antique items was something that I did all my life, so it felt like the natural thing to open my own online shop. It is important to bring your personal style and interests to your business. Learn who you are. I sell only items that I really love! Recently I have been focusing more on collecting special items from my homeland, Israel.
Be curious – I explore many sources to buy my items, whether it’s in NYC or in any place I travel to. I purchase vintage items on stoop sales, online auctions and shops. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/boboCOLLECTED
- Instagram: @bobocollected
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobocollected/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/boboCOLLECTED
- Other: https://www.bobocollected.com/
Image Credits
Naama Sarid, Conrado Maleta’