Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Garber.
Hi Caitlin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up I did all the things I was supposed to do to prepare myself to enter the adult working world. I got a job the moment I was old enough to, I worked hard for good grades, went to a good college, held leadership roles, internships, everything I could do to ensure my resume stood out. When it came to time to apply for jobs, I just couldn’t get my foot in the door anywhere that felt like it had the potential for growth I wanted. That’s when my parents encouraged me to think outside of the box.
I always had big dreams of having my own shop but it always felt like such an unrealistic one. I didn’t have $100,000+ in savings to throw into opening a full-blown brick and mortar and to be honest I wasn’t even sure what kind of store I wanted, so I was forced to get creative. That’s when it came to me, I had done my first apartment in antique and vintage finds, I had attended little pop-up markets locally over the years for both fun and inspiration and the more I thought about it, it started to feel like a doable option for me. So, I took what little savings I had, applied for a business credit card and armed with that and the support of my biggest cheerleaders (mom + dad) I applied for my very first vintage fair.
I remember looking at my mom the first day of set up and being so nervous thinking what on earth did I get myself into? Did I make a huge mistake? I was quickly given my answer once the fair opened and customers seemed to flock to the space I had created – I just about sold out that weekend and that’s when I knew I was going to do whatever I could to make this little business I had created grow.
From there I signed up for more markets, started traveling out of state for both markets and sourcing trips, not really having a clue where it would all lead but just saying yes as opportunities presented themselves. Towards the end of 2018 a friend in the business brought the idea of my current shop to me. I would rent land from Renninger’s Antique Market and make the investment in building my very own tiny shop to sell out of 3 days a week. I went full steam ahead with the idea, excited to set down roots for my business and maybe not have to travel as much and then COVID hit.
It stalled the construction of the shop for 22 months and with that it stalled the growth of my little business. Forcing my business to pivot again I started doing a huge antique and design show in Roundtop, TX twice a year, selling to celebrity interior designers, working side by side with vendors who have been in the business for decades. This opportunity really helped me hone in and elevate my style and product offerings that when the shop opened in the spring of 2021, I was able to open the doors with a little more confidence in my brand. The store has been open for 4 years now and I am so grateful for the customers and community who have found us. From FL locals to people who have traveled across state lines to visit, it so exciting to see the impact my little shop has had.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If I have learned anything from small business ownership it’s that business will always ebb and flow and I have had quite a few bumps in the road.
The theft of my fully packed trailer in late 2019 almost led me to closing down the business for good. All of my best inventory, all of my tools and back drops I used for my markets gone in just a matter of minutes and that crippled my business for quite a while.
After recovering from that blow and just getting back on my feet COVID hit, stalling the construction of my shop and cancelling any in person markets.
Then the rising costs of things like gas, hotels, inventory and economic uncertainty post covid right up to the struggles of today with my small business facing tariffs on the European antiques we import has taught me to always be ready to pivot my small business when necessary.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My shop sells home décor, garden and gift items specializing in mainly antique, vintage and handmade pieces. Something I love getting to do is educating my customers on why saving some of these pieces is so important. We have so much waste in the landfill and the quality of home décor and furnishings today is nothing compared to the craftmanship you find in real wood, hand crafted pieces made centuries ago. Some of these pieces have stood the test of time (100+ years) and they will most likely outlive anything made today. For my creative style — I love mixing and matching design styles and time periods in my space but I tend to take the most inspiration from European countryside homes. My proudest achievement so far was last summer when I finally made the leap to source inventory internationally and bring a container of goods over from the UK (I actually just got back from my second international sourcing trip a few weeks ago – so I will have another container on the way soon)!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I am a super visual person so for me a good old-fashioned scroll on Pinterest is sometimes so inspiring for me, it helps me narrow in on what I should be sourcing and what kind of space I want to curate. I also have worked really hard to build not just a customer base on Instagram but a community of other like-minded people, because of this there are a few other shop owners and vendors that I can turn to with questions or when I need feedback and that is such a valuable resource for any small business to have!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.roseandgracemarket.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roseandgracemarket
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roseandgracemarket
