Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Arakawa

Hi Ali, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Most of my career has been as a freelancer in NYC. I freelanced for retail brands doing creative direction, interior decorating, event production, store display, and experiential pop ups. I’ve also done set design and propping for plays, movies and commercials. The freedom and flexibility of freelancing allowed me to have a side project, a small vintage re-sale business called Fare Well Trading. I already had a background in sourcing and propping vintage items, so doing that for my own business was something that came naturally to me. I slowly found myself shifting more and more of my time into selling vintage, until one day I realized that it had become a fully realized profitable business. It was no longer just a side project. Fare Well Trading has become something that I now do full time. I retired from my freelancing career in October 2021 after my mom, Felice, passed away. At first I planned to take a hiatus to process the grief, and it just hasn’t felt right to return to it yet, and I don’t know if it ever will.

I think I’m still growing and haven’t reached the potential of my business or myself yet. It is something I’ve really been feeling recently, and I think a much needed change coming soon. I miss getting to be creative in the sense of painting, building and making display pieces. So I would love to get into more hands on crafts like pottery, embroidery or carving. not necessarily to sell but more as a personal creative outlet. I like the idea of having the freedom of making something without the pressure of it being for the consumer. Something that would just be for me for fun. I’ve been living in rural Vermont for the past 4 years… I’m talking dirt road – in the mountains – rural Vermont. It’s a major change from my native Queens, NY but It’s given me the opportunity to slow down and reflect. I’ve become a calmer person since being here. I always say “I’m on Vermont Time” now.

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?

Being a small business owner has mostly been a smooth road for me. The main thing business wise has been learning, adjusting, and figuring things out along the way. This always feels like a struggle to me at the time, but looking back it’s just an essential learning process. There’s been a lot of risk taking, trial and error, and finding out what works for me.

Some things I continue to struggle with are imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and putting myself out there, which I think stem from low self esteem. Being more vulnerable is something I’ve been working on, and have been taking baby steps towards. I’m aware that i’m too self conscious and over critical. I would say that part of me has been the biggest struggle of being business owner.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Fare Well Trading?

I sell a curated collection of vintage decor, collectibles, housewares, and jewelry. I’ve been selling vintage since 2012, full time since 2021. I mainly sell online at www.farewelltrading.com, but I’ll do pop-ups and sell at local vintage markets from time to time. I mostly work from home and by myself, so it’s a nice change when I do get to sell in-person. One of my favorite things to do is travel and source for inventory. It’s the best part about being a reseller, the exploring and treasure hunting. Plus deep down I really love shopping and buying things. I just appreciate vintage and antiques so much, and certain items are so special to me.

I have a favorite quote about selling and collecting vintage – “To select well among old things is almost equal to inventing new ones”. I like showcasing the fun and quirky side of vintage, being stuffy or taking things too seriously is definitely not the vibe at Fare Well Trading. I love selling things that are functional and useful, but I also love things that are just objects, their only purpose is to be aesthetically pleasing. Though my most favorite pieces tend to be both of these things, functional and beautiful. There’s something about vintage and antiques that give people a great sense of joy. Connecting with something that they remember a parent having, or bringing an object into their personal space that makes it feel unique and like home to them. I think certain items can bring people a strong sense of comfort. I like being the medium or middle woman for that. My hope is that people will buy vintage and second hand over newly made – mass produced when possible. Go explore a local flea market or an estate sale, keep items out of landfills. Buy pieces that will become heirlooms.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?

The most important lessons I’ve learned on my small business journey are to stay true to myself/my aesthetic, always trust my gut, and do what feels right for me and my business. I’ve always felt off and uneasy anytime I’ve ever gone against these things. I only buy and sell what I like, and I think that has given me a loyal customer base that appreciates my unique aesthetic. My taste is never going to appeal to everyone, and it’s impossible to make everyone happy. It’s important to do what makes me happy and works for my business first and foremost. Everything has always fallen into place for me when I adhere to these mottos.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.farewelltrading.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farewelltrading/