We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sheryl Coughlan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sheryl, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Taking risks has been a recurring theme in my life, but the greatest one by far was opening a business with every last dime in my bank account. In 2015, after years of recovering from a major health scare, I decided to follow my passion for buying and selling antiques and vintage treasures. I poured my heart and soul into this venture, pushing myself into uncharted territory. That leap of faith led to the creation of Antiques on Magnolia, my small storefront in Burbank, California.

What started as a modest beginning grew beyond my wildest dreams. The business has blossomed into the thriving company it is today—proof that taking a chance on your passion can truly be worth the reward..

Sheryl, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may not know me, my journey into the world of antiques began about 23 years ago under extraordinary circumstances. After surviving a severe accident that changed my life forever, I found myself in a challenging position—needing to earn a living just to keep a roof over my head. I began seeing potential and value in items others had discarded, whether left on the side of the road, in alleyways, or even in dumpsters. What others saw as trash, I saw as treasures waiting to be revived.

I started taking these neglected pieces home, hand-refinishing them, and then filling my car to the brim with my finds. I sold these restored items to antique and vintage stores from Palmdale to Beverly Hills, and that’s when my passion for antiquing truly took root. It wasn’t just about making ends meet—it became a craft and a calling.

Fast forward to 2015, after recovering from a major health scare, I decided to take a leap of faith and turn my passion into a business. I opened Antiques on Magnolia, in Burbank, California, with every last dime I had. What started as a simple shop has grown into a full-service company specializing in Estate Sales, Auctions, Appraisals, Pack & Moves, Clean Outs, and Consignments.

At its core, my business is about helping people during major life transitions. Whether it’s downsizing, liquidating an estate, or simply finding new homes for cherished possessions, I work closely with my clients to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible. What sets Antiques on Magnolia apart is my commitment to honesty, care, and an unwavering focus on my clients’ needs. I approach every project with the same passion and dedication that drove me to start this business in the first place.

I’m incredibly proud of what my team and I have built. This business isn’t just about selling antiques—it’s about preserving history, connecting with people, and helping them through pivotal moments in their lives. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Antiques on Magnolia is more than a business; it’s a labor of love. Each service we provide is rooted in the belief that the stories behind these items are as valuable as the items themselves.

If you’re looking for a partner to navigate the transitions in your life with care and expertise—or if you simply share a love for vintage treasures—I’d love for you to connect with us.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing the clientele of Antiques on Magnolia has been a combination of personalized client engagement, community connection, and word-of-mouth. Antiques on Magnolia thrives on its ability to connect deeply with clients during pivotal moments in their lives. I make sure that every client feels heard, supported, and cared for. This level of personal attention builds trust, which naturally leads to client loyalty and referrals. Our clients trust that their items will be handled with respect and that they’ll receive fair evaluations and clear communication throughout the process. Satisfied clients have become the best advocates for Antiques on Magnolia. The combination of exceptional service and genuine care naturally inspires word-of-mouth referrals, which remain one of the most powerful drivers of growth. I pride myself on this level of attention and detail.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My greatest business partner in life has been my son, Jason Coughlan. He stood by me during a time when I needed support the most. When I first shared my passion for the antique world with him, he was initially taken aback. However, after many heartfelt discussions and careful business planning, he came on board, and together, we took a leap of faith to start the business.

Jason has always had my back in life, and I think he saw the unwavering passion I had for this venture. I truly don’t believe I would be where I am today without his support every step of the way. He’s not only my partner in business but also my rock, grounding me and helping me navigate the ever-evolving world of social media and modern marketing.

Our bond extends beyond business; it’s a deep friendship rooted in mutual respect and understanding. I’m incredibly grateful for the excellent working relationship we share and even more thankful for the close friendship that strengthens everything we do together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.antiquesonmagnolia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antiquesonmagnolia/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antiquesonmagnolia/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/antiques-on-magnolia-burbank-3
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@antiquesonmagnoliallc

Image Credits

Fernando Vazquez, Sombra Creative Marketing Agency