Today we’d like to introduce you to Hunter-Caroline Guffey.
Hi Hunter-Caroline, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
When I was 14, I got my first summer job working as a custodian at a local university. I hated it. I hated it not because I was cleaning toilets but because I hated working under people and being told what to do all the time. I wanted to have passion for my work and have a say in what happens in my workplace. That summer Job ended in July of 2016 and in August of 2016 my mother and I put our heads together and decided to start a vintage business. I had grown up hearing stories of my grandparents’ vintage business and how my mom grew up traveling to different antique shows and I loved the idea. My mom is really the one who pushed me and has been by my side through the entire process. We both dove into the vintage business head first and decided to just learn as we go. We started signing up for vintage fairs and markets with our first one being in September of 2016. We sold everything but the clothes off out backs at that first market. It was a hit. From there it’s almost gone by in the blink of an eye. I have fallen in love with staging the vintage items and selling them online through our Instagram and Facebook. The business has gained a semi-large following on social media. I have worked with so many other amazing vendors. We have grown so much in the past 6 years. I’m no longer just the little girl selling painted tables and cute vintage knick-knacks. I’ve graduated and moved into the bigger items. I am thrilled with how far I have come and cannot wait to see what the future has in store for me!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being such a young entrepreneur has had its challenges at some times. I was 14 when we started the business so I was just going into high school and having to maintain a social life, work-life, and keep up my good grades all at the same time. Many show promoters and other vendors also did not take me seriously at first. I had one show promoter laugh in my face when I told him that this was my business. I learned that actions speak louder than words and would just do my best to act professional and run my business to the best of my ability to show the doubters that ya, I’m young, but I pack a powerful punch and won’t back down. I’m 20 now and have gained the respect and admiration of many amazing vendors. I’m still working every day to not let my age fool people and show them I am the real deal.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a vintage vendor/dealer! I dig in barns, basements, and anywhere else there might be good vintage junk. I specialize mainly in architectural salvage and vintage quilts. I will basically search high-and-low at any and every estate sale, junk sale, auction, and thrift store to find vintage items and give them a fresh new life.
I am most proud of the fact that I have stayed true to my vintage roots. Many “vintage” items now are mass-produced and sold in bulk, but all my items are hand-picked and one-of-a-kind. This is also something that sets me apart from the others. Very few people have stayed on the path of true vintage in this industry so it’s getting harder and harder for consumers to find unique items for their homes.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is from a huge flea market in Virginia. I’m not sure that it still even exists. I remember going to this flea market every year until I was 10 or 11 with my mom and grandparents. One year in particular I had just started collecting vintage hats like the ones the older ladies would wear to church on Sundays. I found the cutest pink hat with flowers on it and it was marked $40 but I only had $25 left to spend so I went to the nice-looking lady who was selling these items and asked her if there was any way she would take less for the hat. She was so incredibly sweet and gave me the hat for $20. That made me so happy that day.
Contact Info:
- Email: thecountrypedaler@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecountrypedaler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecountrypedaler
