Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gloria L. Parent. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Gloria L., thanks for joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
Absolutely—I’m much happier as a business owner than I ever was in any corporate role. Throughout my career, I worked in several industries, and I consistently found it challenging to be truly seen as a leader or to feel empowered, despite my dedication and hard work. There were always systemic barriers, conflicting opinions, and layers of corporate structure that often limited advancement, especially for someone like me—a senior, minority woman. Over time, that environment became more discouraging, and I realized it wasn’t aligned with my long-term goals or values.
That realization is what inspired me to create *Uptown Retro*, an upscale vintage store. Owning this business has been incredibly fulfilling. Every day, I look forward to helping our customers find pieces that make their homes feel beautiful and personal. I also take pride in building a workplace where our team feels valued, encouraged, and truly seen.
In just ten months, we were honored to be voted “Best of the Best” in Northwest Arkansas for 2024, which was an amazing affirmation of our impact. Beyond selling vintage items, we give back through donations and community drives, staying active members of our Chamber of Commerce and other local initiatives.
Starting this business came with a steep learning curve. I reached out to other store owners, attended webinars, and continue to learn something new almost every day. Building brand awareness is still an ongoing effort—we’ve launched a commercial, stay active on social media, and prioritize community involvement to connect meaningfully with our audience.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to live out my dream while uplifting others in the process. I’m surrounded by a supportive team, and I’m energized by what the future holds.
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.
Growing up on the west side of San Antonio, Texas, I learned the value of hard work and education early on. My father, who worked in construction, was unwavering in his commitment to making sure we pursued our education. That foundation led me to earn a degree in Business Management and begin my career with Southwestern Bell, where I spent a decade before stepping away to raise my daughter.
As a mother, I quickly realized my daughter Jaclyn had a special gift—she was a talented singer who needed a stage. What started as a way to support her passion turned into something much bigger. I launched a performance group that gave children a platform to share their talents with the community. From local events to the stages of Branson, Missouri, what began with just my daughter grew into a thriving group of over 150 young performers. Watching them gain confidence and hearing how those experiences shaped their lives was one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. To this day, many still reach out to share how much it meant to them. That early support helped Jaclyn pursue her dreams, eventually becoming a professional performer in the U.S. and Europe. Today, she’s a vocal coach working with elite talent in Los Angeles.
At 50, I re-entered the workforce with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. I held leadership roles in the hospitality industry as a Director of Sales and briefly ventured into real estate and property management. But I was craving something more creative—something I could build.
Initially, I was just looking for a small booth to rent as a hobby. But after discovering that every space was full, a conversation turned into a bigger idea. Within two months, Uptown Retro was born. We poured everything into getting the store off the ground—building booths, sourcing inventory, and connecting with vendors. Our vision was clear: become the go-to destination in Northwest Arkansas for authentic, upscale Mid-Century Modern furniture and accessories. Today, we’re proud to be the only store of our kind in the region, attracting customers from states as far as Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Wisconsin.
What sets Uptown Retro apart is our commitment to quality and service. Every piece in our store is carefully sourced—many from overseas—and curated with a designer’s eye. We pride ourselves on helping clients find the perfect piece for their space, whether they’re remodeling, downsizing, or starting fresh in a new home. Customers often tell us how much they appreciate the professional, boutique feel of the store, and that’s something we take to heart. One of our proudest moments came when we were voted one of the “Best of the Best” in Northwest Arkansas—after being open for just 10 months. That recognition means the world to us because it reflects the support and love from our community.
At the heart of it all, we’re here to serve—to help our customers find something special, to make them feel welcome, and to build genuine relationships. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect vintage piece or simply looking for a friendly face, Uptown Retro is a place where you’re always welcome.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Reclaiming Strength: A New Chapter of Independence and Purpose
After 25 years of marriage, my life took an unexpected and heartbreaking turn. My husband chose a different path, and we divorced. It was devastating—emotionally and spiritually—and for a time, I felt completely lost. But I also knew that I had a choice: to remain in that place of pain or to begin the work of healing. I leaned into my faith, sought counseling, and committed to a 12-step recovery program called *Celebrate Recovery*. That journey, along with consistent prayer and reflection, helped me piece my life back together. It wasn’t easy, but it was transformative.
As I rebuilt, I also rediscovered myself. I re-entered the workforce with a renewed sense of purpose, regaining the confidence I had once lost. I began receiving recognition for my work, earning accolades that reminded me of my value and capabilities. For the first time in a long time, I saw myself not just as someone’s wife or someone’s mother—but as an individual with her own dreams and potential. That mindset shift opened new doors. I bought my own home, purchased my own vehicle, and traveled abroad—something I had always longed to do. Each of these steps marked a return to self-worth, independence, and fulfillment.
Today, I stand in a place of strength and peace. Life looks very different than I once imagined, but it’s full of purpose, freedom, and possibility. I’ve learned that even through loss, it’s possible to rebuild—stronger, wiser, and more authentically myself.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building our social media presence has been a learning experience—one filled with trial, error, and a few hard lessons along the way. When we first opened the store, I had little knowledge of social media strategy. I initially leaned on one of our vendors to help manage it, but quickly realized she wasn’t as experienced as I had hoped. Her approach—“we’ll just keep hitting buttons until we figure it out”—wasn’t exactly confidence-inspiring.
Next, I brought on someone with a background in marketing who assured me she could handle the task. While she had the credentials, she wasn’t consistently posting or engaging with the audience. Instead, she shifted her focus to other areas of the business, which unfortunately led to challenges that impacted the store more than helped it. That was a tough lesson in trust and vetting.
Later, we brought in a university student who was enthusiastic and posted regularly. However, the content lacked engagement, and we didn’t see much growth in our reach or following.
Today, I’m happy to say we’ve found the right fit. We now work with a skilled media specialist who truly understands our brand and audience. She posts consistently on Instagram and Facebook, utilizes stories, and—most importantly—engages with our followers. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re seeing steady growth and meaningful interaction online.
In hindsight, I’ve learned how important it is to be diligent when hiring for roles like this—especially in areas outside of my own expertise. Taking time to research, ask the right questions, and understand what true digital engagement looks like makes all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uptownretronwa.com
- Instagram: uptownretrovintage
- Facebook: uptownretrovintage
Image Credits
Gloria L. Parent