Hello! I just wanted to share with you a little bit about my experience in the business of retail and "Junking."
As most of you know, it started when I was a little girl on the farm with my Mom and Grandparents.
I joined Grandma at many auctions and yard sales during the summer months growing up. She would load up which ever grandkids were with her at the time and off we would go! I definitely picked up a lot of my negotiation skills from that lady!
My very first memorable purchase at an estate sale was a lime green Barbers Chair. I was 6 years old and fell in love with it. I am so thankful I had a Mom and Grandma that couldn't say no ;) I still have it to this day. Although it doesn't match my decor, I keep it as my garage chair.
Once I was old enough to have a job, my friends mom owned a retail home decor/gift shop in the heart of downtown Grove City, and I was lucky enough to score a job there. The place was called The Village Merchant.
I started there in 1998 as a careless teenager looking for money to spend on the weekends and ended there in 2012 with more passion for the business than I could have ever imagined.
Here are a few photos from past displays I did around the shop and some of our customers during their "Ladies Night Shopping Parties" at The Village Merchant.
You can check out The Village Merchant's facebook page here.
You can shop with The Village Merchant at this link..
(My girlfriend Melissa and I during one of the shopping parties)
The ladies of The Village Merchant during one of our Halloween Events.
Don't forget.. you can check out The Village Merchant at the link below.
I was so fortunate to find a mentor like Kelly (Owner of The Village Merchant) in my teens who taught me more than college could have ever offered me. I'm not saying college isn't the right answer, it just wasn't mine. I received 15 plus years of her one on one mentoring me about the business, finances, life and more.. the education was priceless to me.
Kelly knew I was destined to start my own business and often encouraged me to do more on my own. I started in 2006 with my first Antique Mall Booth.
In 2011 while still working for Kelly and The Village Merchant, I decided to pick up a part time job serving to save up money to start my own business and by the end of 2011 I started Zassy's Treasures & Design.
In 2012 it was time for me to grow as a business owner and concentrate on Zassy's full time. Kelly has been and always will be a great friend and mentor. When I need advice, she's always there and I have to say she's never missed a show.
Here is Zach and I at our first show in 2011. The Springfield Extravaganza. Did you know how we came up with the name Zassy's? Well it's simple really.. From the beginning when Zach and I first started dating his best friend Chris would always call us Zassy. Zach and Cassy put together, so I have to give credit where credit is due. Thanks Chris! Not to mention how many times Chris has helped us haul our junk... You're the best buddy!
My partner in crime! I don't know what I would do without you muscle!
Our first ever Barn Sale!
Shortly after we did our first traveling show I was blessed to find out I was pregnant. The news kinda put the idea of traveling and lifting, loading Uhauls and such to a hault.
I was fortunate enough to convince my grandparents to let me put on my First Ever Barn Sale at the Farm. That meant NO Traveling!
The idea took off and shortly after I had Isabella we had our 2nd Barn Sale!
A pit stop at Grove City's Annual Arts In The Alley September 2013
And Our 3rd Barn Sale Fall 2013
Although we are going to miss having our Barn Sales on the Farm, we are so very fortunate, THANKS to YOU, that we have outgrown the farm for now. If you've ever attended the first night, you know what I'm talking about. Parking, entering and exiting could get a little hectic, but we are excited that we will be heading back to Springfield this May and will be taking part in the Vintage Marketplace! We have several traveling shows lined up and look forward to seeing you guys!
Thanks again and see you soon!
