We recently connected with Annie & Anna Ma and have shared our conversation below.
Annie & Anna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
When we founded Retrofete, our primary goal was to promote sustainable shopping in both clothing and home goods, particularly in response to the rapid rise of fast fashion brands like Shein and Temu. The fast fashion industry has contributed significantly to environmental degradation, with clothing waste reaching unprecedented levels. Consumers are often encouraged to buy cheaply made garments that not only wear out quickly but are frequently produced under poor labor conditions. We believe it’s essential to be part of the solution by providing responsible alternatives that prioritize quality, ethics, and longevity.
Many of the styles currently trending can actually be found in the secondhand market whether through thrift stores, consignment shops, or reseller platforms like ours. By embracing secondhand shopping, consumers can reduce demand for new production and help extend the lifecycle of clothing, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
At Retrofete, we carefully curate our collection of vintage and secondhand clothing with a focus on high-quality fibers such as wool, mohair, cashmere, leather, and other durable materials. Beyond just the fabric, we pay close attention to design elements like cut, silhouette, and craftsmanship to ensure each piece is timeless, stylish, and built to last. We want our customers to feel confident that they’re investing in pieces that not only look great but also support a more sustainable fashion future.
Ultimately, we see Retrofete as more than just a brand; it’s a movement toward mindful consumption and conscious living. Our mission is to empower shoppers to make thoughtful choices that reflect their values, reduce waste, and celebrate the unique stories embedded in vintage and secondhand fashion.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
We’re Annie and Anna – twin sisters and the creative duo behind @retrofete.vtg, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. From a young age, we’ve been captivated by beautiful design, timeless fashion, and the magic of storytelling through style and spaces. Our shared passion for quality materials like silk, cashmere, wool, and linen, combined with a deep appreciation for soulful, secondhand treasures, eventually blossomed into a dream.
Just before turning 30, we decided to take a leap of faith and channel our creative energy into building something that truly inspired us. That’s how @retrofete.vtg came to life. We carefully curate not only vintage clothing but also nostalgic home goods — pieces that feel intentional, one-of-a-kind, and rich with character.
@retrofete.vtg is our love letter to anyone who celebrates individuality, honors the past, and finds joy in giving old treasures a new story.
We recognized that our approach was unique compared to other clothing curators in our city. Our social media presence features outfit grids, styling tutorials, and trend highlights, designed to empower our audience with confidence and inspiration to style their pieces in fresh, creative ways. While we operate primarily online, we regularly host Pop-Up events and collaborate with other local businesses and markets, fostering a vibrant community connection.
When we host our Pop-Up events, we take great care to create a visually appealing and unique setup by incorporating vintage furniture, rugs, and other distinctive elements. We believe that presenting ourselves and our clothing with attention to detail is essential. This thoughtful approach not only reflects our values but also helps us stand out and create a memorable experience for our customers.
Although we don’t have a traditional website, we’ve found great success with Instagram story sales. In these sales, we style pieces on a mannequin, showcase each item, and invite followers to claim their favorites by replying directly. These sales have become something our audience looks forward to, offering both inspiration and a seamless shopping experience.
Community means everything to us. It’s been a driving force behind our rapid success since launching in February 2025. To give back, we’ve committed to donating to charity after every Pop-Up event, weaving generosity and purpose into the heart of our business.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
At @retrofete.vtg, building and maintaining strong relationships with our clients is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that excellent customer service is foundational not only in delivering quality products but also in truly listening to our customers. We welcome both positive feedback and constructive criticism because it helps us grow and better meet their needs. By actively engaging with what our clients are saying, we show that their voices matter and that we value their input in shaping our brand.
Being genuine and kind in all our interactions is a core principle for us. We want every customer to feel seen, appreciated, and supported not just as buyers but as part of our community. Whether through quick, thoughtful responses on social media, personalized styling advice, or simply checking in after a purchase, we strive to create a warm and welcoming experience.
We also keep in touch through consistent, meaningful communication. This includes sharing styling tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and new arrivals via Instagram stories and direct messages, which helps keep our audience engaged and excited about what’s coming next. Our interactive story sales are a great way to foster connection, as they invite customers to participate in a dynamic and personal shopping experience.
Additionally, we host regular Pop-Up events where we can meet clients face-to-face, deepen relationships, and create memorable moments together. These events not only allow us to connect on a personal level but also strengthen our local community ties, which is incredibly important to us.
Finally, we are committed to transparency and authenticity. We openly share our values around sustainability and quality, which resonates with customers who are looking for more than just a transaction they want to support a brand that aligns with their principles. By cultivating trust and delivering consistent value, we encourage long-term loyalty and build a community of passionate supporters who return time and time again.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for us has definitely been a combination of word of mouth and social media engagement. When our customers share their purchases by tagging us or reposting our content, it creates an authentic and trusted form of recommendation that resonates deeply with their own networks. These personal endorsements feel more genuine than traditional advertising and often lead to new clients who are already excited and confident about shopping with us.
Word of mouth has been incredibly powerful because it reflects the positive experiences our customers have with our brand from the quality of the pieces we curate to the personalized service we provide. Many new clients come to us through friends or family members who’ve had meaningful interactions with Retrofete and want to share that with others.
Social media, particularly Instagram, has also played a huge role in expanding our reach. By creating engaging content like styling tutorials, outfit grids, and behind-the-scenes looks we build a community that feels connected and inspired. When our audience reposts or tags us, it amplifies our message organically and introduces us to new people who align with our values around sustainable and mindful fashion.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @retrofete.vtg
- Other: tiktok @retrofete.vtg
Image Credits
@randireyphoto