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

Shelly, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My family has lived in Palm Springs since the 1930s. My grandmother’s style, local architecture, and the unique experience of being raised in a resort town greatly influenced me. I began collecting vintage clothing in the 1990s and soon realized that the cut and fit of the 1960s were the best match for my body type. The ability to create one-of-a-kind looks also drew me to vintage fashion. Twenty years later, I had amassed an extensive collection. People constantly asked me where I found my pieces, and I realized maybe this was my niche. So, in 2010, I inquired about a space to sell pieces from my collection in a small local antique mall, and my business has continued to grow ever since.

Shelly, 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 entire life, I have been obsessed with fashion and shopping. I cut up Seventeen Magazines and Architectural Digests from an early age to create collages. Yes, this was how we did it before Pinterest. I spent almost every weekend in the mall or a shop in downtown Palm Springs, touching and ogling the latest styles. I would often leave inspired and go home to try and sew or recreate these looks. Dressing is a way to express myself and an art. Finding a look to appropriately capture my state of mind or the feel of an event is like a sport. Dressing has been an impactful teacher for this job!

People flock to Palm Springs twice yearly to experience the Midcentury Modern lifestyle. Since my childhood was directly impacted by all things Palm Springs, I have a qualified perspective to help my customers recreate that era.

Beyond midcentury shoppers, I enjoy connecting with seasoned or novice vintage buyers. There is a commonality of thought and perspective that I enjoy tapping into while they shop. My favorite moment is when a unique piece finds a happy buyer. The added benefit is being a part of a mission to create a more sustainable world, which is the cherry on top!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

As a business owner, the best way to attract new clients is to participate in vintage clothing shows. Social media is critical, and you can also make an impact there, but I find that the relationships you create in person help my business. It starts by creating a vibe in your booth space that attracts your buyer. I spend many hours presetting my tables and racks to make them represent my brand. Then, you can express yourself with how you dress and your attitude when they enter your space. I like my space to feel whimsical and light but to have depth. The interaction with buyers makes a difference in their leaving and looking you up on social media, returning to your space, or sending a friend. You won’t always see the results immediately at that show. Still, it is playing the long game of making connections, putting out positive energy, and hopefully creating a long-term client.

Have you ever had to pivot?

There have been many pivots in my life and career. Where to begin? I was a second-grade teacher—that’s a pretty big pivot! Then, I became a full-time mom. As my children grew and required less one-on-one time, I longed to do something I was passionate about. The obvious answer was fashion and all things related to style. So, I embarked on this journey and have been blessed to meet many more seasoned dealers who have taken me under their wings. Through the fourteen years of doing this job, I have had to pivot many times due to stores closing unexpectedly and what the market insists. Three years ago, I added menswear to my repertoire. So many gentlemen were walking in my space, and I had little to offer. It has been a great addition to my business. Recently, I have noticed that finding actual vintage clothing has become more complex. In response, I have dove into my vast collection of vintage fabrics and started making one-of-a-kind pieces for clients. In business, you have to be willing to be flexible and constantly learning!

Contact Info:

• Website: www://vintagepsgal.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/vintagepsgal
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/vintagepsgal
• Yelp: Vintage PS Gal
• Other: Tik Tok – @vintagepsgal