Vintage Warehouse Lakeland
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Passion, hardwork and a little hoarding leads to a successful local business. If your a fan of upscale resale and live in the Central Florida area then you have to visit the Vintage Warehouse Lakeland. A thriving new resale business which opened just one short year ago by three gals whose garages could no longer hold their hoards. The owner, Mendy Michalec, contributes their success to an unbelievable Facebook following of some 7000 friends. The Vintage Warehouse is not located in a typical shopping center but in a warehouse off U.S. Hwy. 98 in Lakeland. Through savvy marketing skills on Facebook, a witty sense of humor and an eclectic assortment of home decor customers are drawn to this most unlikely of locations to find upscale resale, art and salvaged pieces. On our latest visit to the warehouse we were welcomed by a free barbecue lunch, which the warehouse hosts on occasion along with other special events.
We ask Mendy to share her story with us....
The Vintage Warehouse began over a year ago when three girls (Kim, Dana and Mendy) were hoarding their vintage wares in their garages. As passionate collectors, painters and artisans, we combined our talents (and junk) and opened the Vintage Warehouse Lakeland. Growth and good old fashioned word of mouth have allowed us to grow into a business that provides ready and custom order goods, decorating and consultative services for home and business as well as custom painting and faux finishes.
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One of our most interesting pieces was post office boxes that came out of an old post office in the Kathleen area of Lakeland.
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We have also welcomed other vendors into our space to provide an eclectic mix of items. We have over 13 vendors
that rent space to display their vintage finds. They repurpose, upcycle, and shabby a lot of furniture. Pinterest has nothing
on these guys and gals. The vendors find their wares in many places... flea markets, state-wide yard sale trips, estate
sales, and on the side of the road. We carry Mason Blanche paint products including La Craie furniture paint and wax. We have furniture painting classes to teach how to use the paint and the other products we carry, but we also have craft classes. These products are environmentally friendly. We have an upcoming craft class on how to make clipboards and another class on how to make journals with scrapbook paper. We have had many events throughout the year and have many more planned: Bridal events, the Picker's Vintage Ball, an Antiques Road Show, a Vintage Flip Contest and much, much more. And... we offer free food on occasion to our customers to show our appreciation. Our goal is to give our customer's great value and ensure that they have a wonderful experience while shopping at the warehouse. No two trips will ever be the same!
that rent space to display their vintage finds. They repurpose, upcycle, and shabby a lot of furniture. Pinterest has nothing
on these guys and gals. The vendors find their wares in many places... flea markets, state-wide yard sale trips, estate
sales, and on the side of the road. We carry Mason Blanche paint products including La Craie furniture paint and wax. We have furniture painting classes to teach how to use the paint and the other products we carry, but we also have craft classes. These products are environmentally friendly. We have an upcoming craft class on how to make clipboards and another class on how to make journals with scrapbook paper. We have had many events throughout the year and have many more planned: Bridal events, the Picker's Vintage Ball, an Antiques Road Show, a Vintage Flip Contest and much, much more. And... we offer free food on occasion to our customers to show our appreciation. Our goal is to give our customer's great value and ensure that they have a wonderful experience while shopping at the warehouse. No two trips will ever be the same!
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The Vintage Warehouse began with 500 square feet, moved to 2000 sq feet and then in December moved to 6000 sq feet. This July an additional 2000 sq feet will be added.
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Vintage Finds Magazine, Issue 5, June 2013
Art Angels Market
Back in he mid-90's, we opened Art Angels Market downtown, on Lake Eola, on Central Blvd as a chic boutique featuring jewelry, purses, decorator items, clothing, and other trendy essentials, along with gift baskets and a full service florist. It rapidly became a favorite landmark with downtown shoppers. With the onset of the big economic crash in 2008, husband Jeff closed down the
Guitar Den (a local landmark in its own right) and in January of 2010, Art Angels Market moved into the old Guitar Den building and our current South Orlando location, morphing into its current incarnation as part boutique, antique, arts and vintage dealer.
Guitar Den (a local landmark in its own right) and in January of 2010, Art Angels Market moved into the old Guitar Den building and our current South Orlando location, morphing into its current incarnation as part boutique, antique, arts and vintage dealer.
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5515 S ORANGE AVE.
ORLANDO, FL WWW.ARTANGELSMARKET.COM |
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OUT WITH THE NEW - IN WITH THE OLD - This is a main focus of the recently incarnated Art Angels Market today. In addition to new fashion jewelry, floral design, and custom gift baskets, we are also the home of unique antiques, vintage, and funky junk treasures. We gather repurposed, recycled, and upcycled items from far and wide, bringing them into the store for you. With a store full of project raw materials, we also put together our own ideas (when time permits!), some of which are one-of- a- kind items, that usually don't stick around nearly long enough . . . we love looking at them, too!
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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE - A visit to Art Angels Market needs to be a regular thing if you're a real shopper, because merchandise constantly comes in and out. Also, decorating and re-staging around our ever-changing treasures is ongoing. Many folks keep their camera phones out, capturing images to use as ideas. If you are already a regular at Art Angels Market, then you
know what we're talking about. If not, then you need to “come on down” to investigate for yourself. Our cheery staff always guarantees a pleasant experience.
Also, if you're and avid artisan, vintage buyer and seller, or love to re-purpose and create, we may have some space available for you as spaces open up occasionally for outside vendors. We consider all requests for space. In the mean time, check in with us often as we are constantly combing the Southeast for rare and affordable items to offer you just the right touches for your home,
condo, or vacation home. If you've never been to Art Angels Market, you're in for a pleasant surprise, as we are the only store of our kind in South Orlando. See our store hours below and we look forward to seeing you soon!
know what we're talking about. If not, then you need to “come on down” to investigate for yourself. Our cheery staff always guarantees a pleasant experience.
Also, if you're and avid artisan, vintage buyer and seller, or love to re-purpose and create, we may have some space available for you as spaces open up occasionally for outside vendors. We consider all requests for space. In the mean time, check in with us often as we are constantly combing the Southeast for rare and affordable items to offer you just the right touches for your home,
condo, or vacation home. If you've never been to Art Angels Market, you're in for a pleasant surprise, as we are the only store of our kind in South Orlando. See our store hours below and we look forward to seeing you soon!
STORE HOURS
Mon - Fri: 10:30 am - 6:00 pm and Sat: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mon - Fri: 10:30 am - 6:00 pm and Sat: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Vintage Finds Magazine, Issue 4 October 2013