We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Qazi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

I discovered my love for vintage home decor as a college graduate looking to furnish my first apartment. Scouring flea markets, estate sales and vintage stores, I turned the tiny space located at 6th Street and Detroit Avenue in Los Angeles into home, all while developing a keen eye for spotting quality design and perfecting the art of mixing eras and decor styles into one that’s uniquely my own.

6th Street and Detroit Avenue is when the love affair began.

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

In April 2015, I decided to turn my passion into a business with the launch of the 6th And Detroit Etsy shop. Recognizing the power of social media, I showcased my styling and photography skills on Instagram, which quickly created a following that bolstered the success of the Etsy shop. One year later, I fulfilled my dream and opened 6th And Detroit in the East Village Arts District of Long Beach, California. In the shop, the 6th And Detroit aesthetic comes to life through visually appealing vignettes meant to inspire.

With the success of 6th And Detroit, I have expanded my services into interior design, rentals, styling consultations, and staging, Both of my homes in Long Beach are a reflection of the brand and have been featured on Dwell, Design Sponge, The Jungalow, Houzz and Apartment Therapy.

Brand and product partnerships continue to be a growing area for 6th And Detroit. In 2018, I helped Dunn Edwards launch their Color of the Year and ventured into my first 6th And Detroit branded items: a custom scented candle with Mr. B’s Necessities and Turkish towels featuring original designs with House No.23.

I am a mother of two, a self-taught interior designer, and a lover of the outdoors, food and music. Originally from Laguna Niguel, CA, I earned my undergraduate degree in Advertising from California State University, Fullerton.

6th And Detroit is at once both aspirational and accessible, providing visitors with design inspiration and character-filled pieces to make home their own.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media is no easy feat, but with perseverance it is possible. Here are some tips that helped our shop’s Instagram:

Collaborations with other brands.
Making your vision unique and entirely your own.
Being consistent with appealing imagery.
Adding a personal touch.
Treating the home page as your portfolio.
Letting the audience feel like there’s a person behind the brand, and getting to know them.

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

I believe finding the niche for unique 1960’s-70’s California style of vintage decor early on was a key moment for 6th And Detroit. There had not been many Etsy shops that provided wicker, rattan and peacock chairs in 2015. It was refreshing for customers to see something other than MId Century Modern. It was the beginning of the “bohemian” style of home.

This style was reflected in my own home and I was able to showcase it mixed with other eras for a modern twist. Mixing eras and decor styles continues to be uniquely my own and what you’ll find in the shop today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.6thanddetroit.com
• Instagram: @6thanddetroit
• Other: Tik Tok: @6thanddetroit

Image Credits
Casey Liu Christel Robleto