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

Alright, Sara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss? What did you learn from them? Maybe you can share a story that illustrates the kind of boss they were or maybe you can share your thoughts on what you think made them an awesome person to work for?

I’ve worked for several amazing female business owners over the years. Terri Bracken, owner of Earth Explorers Toys was my first boss. She taught me so much about organization and customer care. Jill Shaffer, owner of Cactus Flower Clothing taught me the value of delegation – finding the right people and trusting them to help grow your business. Amanda Newman of Amanda’s Exchange is my ultimate mentor and the best boss I ever had. From her I learned how to be kind but reserved, intentional with boundaries, and so much more. She taught me how to identify and value designer bags & clothing. Everything I learned from her allowed me to later start my own business, and she fully supported me when I did. I still work for her, helping to organize her Amanda’s Markets. I also work for my mom, Cindy Baldwin, who owns a marketing firm. She is intelligent, kind and driven. Both of my parents are small business owners, and both are extremely hard workers. I look up to them so much, and am grateful for the way I was raised.

Sara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My love for vintage was born in high school. My friends and I would have our parents drop us off at thrift store for hours. Later when we could drive, we spent all our free time at the Value Village shops in Fountain Square and Broad Ripple. In college, I began working at an amazing vintage shop called Cactus Flower. It was there that I learned about various eras, styles and brands. I started selling thrifted vintage in the early days of Etsy as well. My first job post-college was working for the Newman family (Amanda’s Exchange, Newman & Co.) helping open a buy/sell/trade shop called District Exchange. After taking some time off to start a family, I eventually came back to the vintage world.

Lux & Ivy first launched in 2011 as an online vintage clothing store and evolved into a brick and mortar showcasing locally made goods, ethical and sustainable wholesale clothing and secondhand clothing and accessories. The brand has become known for hosting community events, collaborating with local artists and working to promote sustainability in the fashion industry.

After organizing and participating in several successful outdoor vintage markets in Indianapolis, I rejoined the Amanda’s Exchange team in 2019 to help make Amanda’s dream of a large outdoor market a reality. The very first Amanda’s Market in June of 2019 had 35 vendors and more than 2,000 attendees. We’ve now grown to 3 markets a year with 80 vendors!

Another side job and passion of mine is styling. I’ve worked with clients such as PATTERN Magazine, Delta Faucet, The Children’s Museum, Indiana Repertory Theatre and more to bring their creative visions alive through clothing.

In collaboration with PATTERN, StitchWorks and Style Riot, I’ve also helped grow awareness and interest in sustainable fashion, through various events and panel discussions.

To me, secondhand and sustainable clothing is more than just a job. It’s a lifelong passion and huge part of my life!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Our social media has grown completely organically. We recently hit 10K followers on Instagram. This was achieved through genuine community and industry connections, as well as creating content true to our brand and customer base.

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

Our reputation has been built on honesty, kindness and genuine connection! I believe Lux & Ivy has a reputation for being inclusive instead of exclusive. We aren’t the coolest or most high-end vintage shop in the city, but we do have great prices and regularly rotating inventory – a collection unlike anyone else. We love our customers and have so many regulars visit us to chat, hang out and see what’s new.

Contact Info:

• Website: luxandivy.com
• Instagram: @luxandivyshop
• Facebook: facebook.com/luxandivy