Today we’d like to introduce you to Tor Smith

Tor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

My journey’s quite an interesting one, starting with a battle against self-doubt. It all stemmed from a deep-seated desire to open a shop—a place where I could express my passion for vintage, original art, and the creation of culture through my unique perspective. Yet, at the outset, I was plagued by questions: Could I really do this? Who was I to think I could? Would anyone even want to buy from me? It almost felt comical, like some kind of joke. Overcoming this mental hurdle was my first major leap—reinvesting in myself and reaffirming that I had what it takes. I had to silence those doubts and remind myself, “You’ve got this. You were meant for this.”
Once I conquered my self-doubt, it was all about hustling. I immersed myself in every pop-up shop and vendor event I could find, determined to make my presence known. Whether it was confidently introducing myself to shop owners or tirelessly applying for events, I was focused on visibility and making an impact.
The turning point came during the challenges of the COVID era. That’s when my shop truly began to thrive, thanks to an innovative idea: repurposing deadstock vintage fabric into unique products. Crafting scarves and masks from the most remarkable vintage fabrics sparked excitement and momentum. It was a revelation—I realized I could sell not just upcycled items, but also original artwork, t-shirts, totes, and vintage pieces. This hybrid approach allowed me to showcase the versatility I always knew I possessed, and it was an opportunity to share that versatility with the world.
So, my story is a testament to the journey from doubt to determination, ultimately shaping me into who I am today—driven by my essence and a passion for creating something truly special.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The journey hasn’t been without its bumps. As a small business owner, gaining visibility is tough, especially in the vintage sector. Vintage trends fluctuate, with periods of intense interest followed by lulls. It’s during these peaks that everyone clamors for attention, flooding the market. Standing out amidst the crowd becomes paramount.
For me, the key has been my blend of vintage and original creations. Yet, it’s been a challenge. There have been times when coveted shows didn’t accept my applications or events I prepared for yielded minimal foot traffic. There have also been instances where I’ve unveiled fantastic original pieces, only to find them out of sync with the market.
Navigating these ups and downs has been a learning process. Discovering my brand’s niche and audience has been crucial, but maintaining momentum is equally demanding. It’s easy to lose sight of your goals in this dynamic landscape. Yet, staying true to my vision has been my guiding light throughout.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

The Old Resurrected is a curated shop, based in SF, CA that offers vintage garments, upcycled goods & original souvenirs. I love the rare and forgotten. I. specialize in finding one-of-a-kind goods that have inspired today’s styles—and giving them new life. Why? Because I firmly believe that nothing beats the authenticity of the originals. Accompanied by original art and music, our collections on T.O.R. offer a truly immersive experience. What distinguishes me from others? It’s my meticulous attention to detail and my relentless pursuit of individuality.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?

I believe my most defining trait is my unwavering consistency coupled with my innate desire to always stand out. When people encounter me, they don’t expect a black guy who’s deeply immersed in metal music, horror films, and various creative pursuits like making original soundtracks. I thrive in multiple lanes, constantly exploring different avenues and perspectives.
I’m always on the move, perpetually brainstorming and diving into new projects. Whether it’s refreshing my approach, pivoting to new ventures, or simply trying something unconventional, I’m driven by a relentless pursuit of improvement and innovation. My ability to continuously push boundaries and seek out novel experiences defines me, as I’m constantly striving to evolve and discover fresh ways to express myself creatively.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theoldresurrected.com
• Instagram: @theoldresurrected
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/grDyMYTUmFy9asia8

Image Credits
Jose Ortez Jr.