Today we’d like to introduce you to Dianne Vavra.

Hi Dianne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

After nearly 20 years, I left my corporate job as Senior VP of Press and Celebrity Relations for Dior Beauty. It was an exciting time to be a publicist and I was able to travel the world. My passion has always been collecting vintage jewelry and handbags, so after nearly 3 decades of globe trotting and treasure hunting, (I was at Estée Lauder prior to Dior) you can only imagine my collection.

Right after I left Dior, I founded Spotlight Beauty PR where I worked with unknown female founded beauty brands to help them become known. All the while still collecting vintage.

When I gave up my apartment/office in Manhattan following covid, I was looking for an office space near where I live on Long Islands North Shore. I was on the car with my son and he looked out the window noticing a man putting a for rent sign on the space of a barbershop. he said “Mom, why don’t you just rent the barbershop shop, make it your PR office and sell your old junk while you’re there.”

The rest is history! VAVRA New York opened 2 years ago. The shop carries both my vintage collection and my favorite beauty brands! The instagram SHOP has become extremely successful with those who can’t make it in to the retail store.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Never being a shop owner and diving into that space was extremely scary ~ but like they say, if you don’t take the risk, you’ll never know.

I dove in, learned everything I could and am so happy I did! I’m still running Spotlight Beauty PR as well, but have limited my clients.

I’m enjoying this chapter so much and am so excited to wake up each day. Meeting new people, hearing their stories, sharing my joy and passion with them is so fulfilling.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Since Opening in March 2022, VAVRA New York has been featured in Forbes, NY Post, Newsday, People.com, Hampton’s, Purist, WWD and more!

Contact Info:

• Website: www..vavranewyork.com
• Instagram: vavra.newyork
• Facebook: vavranewyork

Image Credits

Courtesy of VAVRA New York