We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Del Bosque. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.

Lauren , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

My maiden name is Cardinal, and I grew up in a family of treasure hunters. My grandfather had a shed in the backyard full of mystery books he sold, my aunt has always sold on ebay, co-ops and at flea markets, and I helped everyone organize, price and sell. We grew up searching for toys at flea markets and yard sales, and I continue to do so, and love hearing how happy customers are with my items, some from childhood, others from recent treasure hunting. Redbird Retro is the name of my booth at Crescent Moon in San Antonio and my instagram handle.

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.

I have always been drawn to the past, playing with Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears and My Little Pony instead of the current toys on the shelf. I grew up helping my aunt who has made selling ephemera, antiques and vintage toys her career, and learned a lot from her. I come from a family of collectors, and decided I am at a point in my life where I want to share my collection with others, so Redbird Retro was started. I have a booth at Crescent Moon Music and Collectibles that is filled with vintage toys and more, some from my childhood and others found items. I have an account on instagram I hope to grow to expand my reach to others.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I have been posting on Facebook, instagram and had a booth in a local market. My location shares photos of my booth time to time which is a very helpful way to share my items. I have made business cards with my information in order to grow my clientele. This is a work in progress!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I have reached the time where my savings bonds, gifted to me by my grandparents yearly since birth, have met their maturity. I have put the money into a separate account, and have used this to pay my rent and purchase supplies and inventory. I now deposit my monthly profit to this account as well. This is a great way to keep track of ins and outs closely to ensure I keep a positive balance.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: redbirdretrosa