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

Rachel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I had always pursued art in some form or another (including my education), but my first real career was as a flight attendant…and I thought that would be it for me. When COVID hit and it turned the flying industry upside down, I left what was once my dream job and was floundering for awhile. I started selling vintage on the side, which then snowballed into a full time gig…but something was still missing. When I picked up a needle and thread and started creating new pieces from vintage fabric, I knew I had found my calling. Combining a creative outlet with vintage was the best of both worlds for me, and it felt like I had found my niche.

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

I’m an avid collector of all things vintage, but I have a particular love for the 60s and 70s. I’m obsessed with the fashion and home decor of those eras, and my home (and closet) reflects that. Once I left my career as a flight attendant, I had a few different jobs, but it wasn’t until I started selling vintage that things started to fall in place. I became a part of a cool community that shared my love of past eras, but also sustainability. I discovered a growing trend of upcycling old pieces, and I especially loved the idea of vintage textiles getting new life. Pieces like handkerchiefs or old towels that don’t function as well in modern life but can be turned into something that does.

Currently by best selling items are shower hair turbans and toiletry bags, especially when they are flower power designs. Customers love the nostalgic prints they can match to their bathroom decor.

I’ve also ventured into making clothing and it’s been a fun but also sometimes tricky process. I’ve been trying out different silhouettes that can fit a variety of sizes, and it’s been a lot of trial and error. Many artists in the upcycling community are making clothing pieces though, so I will continue to make household goods as well since there seems to be interest in them, and I really enjoy making them. Next up will be some more kitchen items!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My main mission with creating these new pieces is to always use second hand or vintage textiles. With landfills piling up with cheap modern clothing and home goods, I don’t want to contribute to that problem. Plus, vintage textiles have such cool designs and are generally crafted better!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

That just because I have a bad show day and my stuff doesn’t sell well, doesn’t mean I don’t have a good product. You just have to persevere and find your people. They are out there!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/decadesnky
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decades.nky

Image Credits

All photos taken myself