Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christina Torres. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Christina, appreciate you joining us today. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers?

Many people are warned about shopping in antiques for fear of purchasing something possessed or has an attachment with the previous owners from beyond the grave. I have had an abundance of odd happenings and unexplainable scenarios over the years. From old dolls moving from one place to another, music boxes going off for no reason at all, and extremely old books literally flying off of shelves. Some items are displayed in my shop, but not for sale since I am pretty certain that someone other than the item would be going home with them as well. However, one time in particular stands out above the rest.

I was sweeping up the concrete floors of my small shop pretty early before opening my doors to customers. I’ve swept the whole shop and hallways with the door still closed, and locked, to keep the cold air in from the window unit. I turn around to put the broom away and notice a small pile of black dirt in the center of the shop that was not there seconds before. I called a spiritual friend of mine who is familiar with this type of situation and was told to sweep the pile of dirt out the door then bless my shop by burning sage, and NOT talking about it to anyone while I was still there. I burned the sage and put the charred bundle on a cigar ashtray. When I opened my shop, two ladies came in and I immediately told them what had happened. The exact thing my friend told me NOT to do. While speaking to the ladies, one was actively listening and the other was extremely skeptical. The skeptic turned to me and said ” I don’t believe in that stuff” using other words, and at that exact moment the ashtray that was holding the sage, no longer hot or burning, exploded into several pieces! Both women scared and confused quickly left my store. I was a little taken back by the whole thing myself. When sweeping up the broken pieces of the ashtray I noticed the clay was super hot and practically burned my fingers. I couldn’t explain it, so I just accepted it. Every time I passed by the remains of the sage I felt uneasy, so I ended up burying it in the back of the shop. I hope it stays there, undisturbed.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I feel like antiques is a family business. My grandfather sold antiques, my aunt before she passed sold and collected antiques. My mother still sells antiques. I love old books, art glass, jewelry, clothing, accessories, and artwork. I am passionate about items that have a story and is a part of someone’s history, even if I don’t now what it is.

However, my business is definitely not your grandmas antique store. I specialize in oddities from the past and unique items. I have hand picked everything for sale and on display in my store. Some items are chosen based off of age and feeling. Does it have a special connection with someone, can I feel it’s energy? We have vintage books about ancient civilizations, psychic abilities and astrology. I show people how they can re-purpose an item to make it more modern. You like that 80’s sequined jacket? Pair it with a vintage band t-shirt and some ripped jeans. Not a fan of old dishware? Turn it into a money or salt bowl. Use an old votive holder to burn incense cones. You have a few old spice jars and alcohol decanters? Use them to store your moon water, and handmade blessing oils. Soooo many ways to make vintage “modern”.

Although, I enjoy the hunt for the items, I especially love how the items I find connect with people. How the smell of an old soap brings back memories of grandmas tight hugs. Or how an old ashtray is exactly the same one that your great uncle owned who used to sing and play his guitar on the front porch. Sometimes people will come in and become emotional thinking of loved ones who have passed on, or excited thinking about things that they had forgotten about many many years ago. The way that those memories bring people back in time, and how they come back time and time again just to chat with me about those memories is my favorite part!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Although I have collected and sold antiques for sometime, I did not own a brick and motor store. I took that leap and rented a small part of a building in November of 2019. Yes, that’s right, just before the pandemic closed practically the entire world. And to make things worse, I had just gotten laid off of my very stable job of the last 10 years, I had to quickly adjust. I focused on online sales, and started taking private appointments so that people can come in and feel safe being in the store by themselves. Although it was rough, we made it! We are thriving now, We were able to build a regular customer base and when the city finally opened up again, almost a year later, the flood gates opened. We have been able to expand now into a much larger space that has the capability to provide even more unique items for my shoppers.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building relationships! I have found that no matter what you sell, people are buying the experience that they have with you! They like people to engage with them, listen to their memories and laugh or cry with them. We are all secretly looking for our tribe and when someone finds anyone that they can honestly connect with, they continue to come back. I don’t just have customers, I have made many friends along the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicmoonexpressions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagicMoonExpressions