I met Corey through Victoria Magazine. I was interested in the monthly feature “Business of Bliss” and how women do what they love as a business. Long ago there was a chat forum on iVillage for Business of Bliss and I was a Moderator to keep the conversation flowing and interesting. During that time, I came across an article on Corey and her life in France. I read all her posts and have continued to follow her blog.
Hopefully, one day we will meet in person.
My real career is in Finance. I have a degree in Accounting and an MBA. I worked for global corporations in Aerospace, Financial Institutions, and Technology. I was the financial support for large product lines and part of a team responsible for their success. The larger the company, the higher the pay, the greater the stress.
My favorite vintage art piece in the upstairs hallway.
Early in my career, I recognized the stress and the need for a hobby. I loved shopping for antiques and when the house was full, I had nowhere to turn but to open an antique booth in a local antique mall. Desk in Master Bedroom, 100 year- old cabinet in Dining Room, and my favorite vintage art piece in the upstairs hallway.
During my stressful days at work, I spent my lunch hours dreaming about my “Business of Bliss.” I created a mission statement, took pictures of my booth and worked on my displays, and shopped for antiques on my lunch hour. Weekends I spent filling my booth. When we travel, I include a visit to the local antique stores. These are some of my recent sales. I also carry a lot of vintage kitchenware.
While searching for antiques, I discovered other creative outlets such as designing greeting cards. I love vintage cards and began making my own cards to sell.
Also, I came across some of the sweetest vintage aprons. I started buying vintage aprons and that is how my next passion emerged. I learned to design and sew aprons to sell.
They say, sell what you love, since I love fashion, I sell vintage designer dresses and what goes with dresses but jewelry. I took a class and design and make necklaces to sell. These are some of the first designs.
Thanks to my lovely husband who supports me in all of my interests. We have been married for 25 years. We met at church while volunteering and I often say this was a match made in heaven. One of our favorite pastimes is “Dinner and a Movie.” We have a huge movie library as he introduced me to some of the greatest movies.
We also love to plan our Spring garden and fill the backyard with lovely flowers like Iris, Hibiscus, Tulips, Lilies, and so much. I make lemon marmalade from our Meyer lemon tree.
Another favorite pastime is our love for Christmas. We put up 3 trees in our house. I have a vast collection of vintage ornaments. Tree 1 in the living room, tree 2 in Master BR, tree 3 in the TV room.
Thank you, Corey, for allowing me to share my life with your lovely community.
Ann of Avondale
Ann will soon have an Etsy page look her up here AnnsVintageInn on Etsy.
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