S9 Ep31 ORNATE VINTAGE: Rachel Stillman, third-generation vintage dealer - on a 500-unit pandemic barn buy, and developing her showgirl costume specialty.

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On today's show, we're chatting with Rachel Stillman, the founder of Ornate Vintage Co. Rachel's journey into vintage started young—growing up surrounded by fashion and art, with a grandfather who was an artist and dealer, a grandmother who was a fashion designer, and a mother who also graduated from FIT, where Rachel herself studied fashion, and sells vintage jewelry.

At just 20 years old, as a college student in the middle of a pandemic, Rachel took the leap and opened Ornate Vintage Co.—turning a lifelong dream into reality sooner than she ever imagined.

Today, she's sharing her journey with us, including: how her family shaped her creative vision, and her love of vintage showgirl pieces with incredible histories.

Plus so much more. Let's dive right in!

DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:

• [1:34] Rachels is a third-generation FIT grad who grew up surrounded by fashion and art.
• [5:23] Going to flea markets and auctions with her grandfather
• [9:12] Her mom found her a $20 Jean Paul Gaultier top at a local consignment shop when she was in middle school.
• [12:18] She went to school for fashion, like her mom and grandma.
• [14:34] Starting her vintage business because of a single bulk buy of 500 units, during the pandemic.
• [17:57] Unloading the inventory and doing DIY photo shoots with friends
• [22:31] Developing her brand aesthetic and specialties
• [26:46] Specializing in vintage showgirl costumes.
• [34:38] On selling at Brimfield.
• [36:44] Hosting a Whatnot live sale after watching for three years
• [49:08] Always searching for sexy memorabilia and novelty graphics

EPISODE MENTIONS:

• Ornate Vintage
• @ornatevintageco
• @stillvintage
• Beacon's Closet
• Golden Nugget Flea Market
• Manhattan Vintage Show
• Whatnot
• Q&A with Toots Vintage on Whatnot
• Gem
• Pre-Loved Podcast with Liisa
• Ditto Vintage

LET'S CONNECT:

• 📸Instagram: @emilymstochl
• 🐦Threads: @emilymstochl
• 🎥TikTok: @emilymstochl
• 📧 Substack: https://prelovedpod.substack.com/
• 🎧Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prelovedpod

SPECIAL THANKS:

A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible!

• Patty Weber
• Kathy Brand
• Lisa of Queenie & Pearl
• KT
• Lydia Welp
• Michael A.
• Megan Morris
• Jennifer
• Alana Rivero
• Jerrica Yasumura