Member Interview and Giveaway: VintageAga

VintageAga on ETSY

Shop: VintageAga

Name: Ellyn
Family website: www.mandooandlumpia.com

Twitter: @vintageaga

VKC:Tell us a bit about yourself and your shop.

Ellyn: I'm a full-time mom to two kiddos, a 3-year-old and 8-month-old here in sunny Southern California. I left my job as a newspaper reporter a year ago to devote my time to the little loves of my life. My babies and love for vintage blossomed into VintageAga (baby in Korean), which opened in September 2011.

VKC: Why are you drawn to vintage?

Ellyn: I've always loved the idea of preserving history and bringing an oldie back to life. After having my first baby, I felt an urge to reach back to the past and share a bit of my lovely childhood with her: toys, clothes, photos. Now I love seeing her (and my youngest) wear things that I wore as a kid in the 80s/90s; it's such a throwback. I was so sure other mamas felt the same way, so in essence VintageAga was a way to share all of these fun goodies with them. And it's a fantastic way to promote recycling/upcycling.

VKC: Where do you find your treasures?

Ellyn: In my area, there's a bunch of great thrift stores where I make my rounds. I pop into garage sales when I can. Estate sales are a bit tricky; bringing my kids to these things can be hazardous in close quarters. I also travel to the East Coast often to visit family so I find some awesome things there.

VKC: What do you do when you are not creating/working?

Ellyn: I am changing diapers, negotiating with a emotionally-volatile toddler, rolling on the ground with my kids, trying to convince my youngest to sleep, crafting, and the usual mama bear stuff.

VKC: What is your favorite item in your shop or that you have sold and why?

Ellyn: I sold it recently. It was a red and white candy cane 50s dress that I wish I saved for my girl!

VKC: How do you juggle your business and your personal life/motherhood?

Ellyn: I told myself from the get-go that my kids would be a priority no matter what. So I only work on my shop or do freelance writing after they go to sleep or when my husband takes on the kids for me to squeeze in packing orders, taking photos, or mending clothes. Like many other moms, I struggle to strike a good balance on a daily basis.

VKC: What giveaway or discount would you like to offer our readers?

Ellyn:I'd like to offer a reader $25 worth of clothing + shipping from the shop!

Thanks so much, Ellyn!

If you'd like to enter to win an item of your choice from VintageAga, please leave a comment below.

There are a few other ways to enter - please leave a separate comment for each.

1. Favorite VintageAga on etsy!

2. Tell us which item is your favorite at VintageAga!

3. Tweet about this giveaway!

4. Follow @VintageAga on Twitter!

5. Blog about this giveaway! (Please include a link.)

This giveaway will be open until Friday, January 20, and a winner will be selected randomly. Good luck!