Sometimes a fellow Etsy seller just "resonates" with you in a deep way. I felt that I was kin to The Witchery Vintage from the very start! The shop name, of course, is after my own heart. The clothes are wonderful and unique, and the photographs, shot on location in beautiful Ontario, Canada, add so much dimension to every piece. The effusive, magically-minded Sandra from The Witchery indulged me with a little interview here. I hope you enjoy discovering her shop!
Sasha: So, I have to ask the most basic question first: how did you first get interested in vintage clothing?
Sandra: My love of vintage clothing began with my Grandmother, Rose. She was a Flapper as a teen and was always a true Queen of Vintage. I remember sitting at her dressing table and playing with all her jewelry and playing dress up with some of her 1920s dresses. Those dresses and sadly, my grandmother have passed on but what remains is my continued admiration for women who were well dressed and went about it in a unique way. Vintage clothing inspires me to be whomever I wish. Never looking the same, never lost in a crowd! I guess vintage clothing allows me to express who I really am and lets my quirky, eccentric personality shine through.
Sasha: What is the origin of the store name?
Sandra: The Witchery Vintage acquired its name from the mystery and aura of the witch. Feared by some, loved by many, the witch has come to represent all that is strong and independent and sexy about a woman. I chose my store photo from a vintage pinup of a sexy red haired witch. This, I feel, is what a witch represents in a fun, feminine way. But on a more serious note, I also like to view the word W.I.T.C.H. as an acronym for Woman In Total Control of Herself. When women dress for themselves in what they love, no longer do they feel the need to meet societal expectations or follow trends. Be yourself and love your shape and the clothes will follow. Overall I wish to see the Divine Feminine shine through in all women. This is what The Witchery Vintage hopes customers will see in its fine quality vintage clothing and accessories.
Sasha: Tell me a little more about this beautiful place where you live! It looks so dreamy in all of your photos. Did you grow up there?
Sandra: I grew up in the industrial city of Hamilton, Ontario but always loved the more simpler life of a rural town. As the winds of change blew favourably for me, I moved to Simcoe, Ontario which is a small rural town in Southwestern Ontario, about 2 hours west of Toronto. Close to the beaches of Lake Erie and the native Carolinian woods, I love showcasing Simcoe and the rural beauty of Norfolk County which is known, by the way, as the Forest Capital of Canada. My house and neighbourhood are often used to showcase my clothes. I live in a 1920s style Arts and Crafts style house covered in ivy and bounded by flowers. I guess I’m really living the vintage dream!
Sasha: I love how you have your beautiful daughters modeling your clothes! Are they into vintage clothing too?
Sandra: The Witchery Vintage wouldn’t be as successful as it has become if it weren’t for my beautiful daughters, Lindsay and Megan. With both being over 5”9, they are perfect for modeling vintage clothing. I try to match the clothing to their personalities and looks. Lindsay is my creative daughter. At 14, she is an accomplished musician, published author and a straight A student. She is currently working on developing her song writing skills and guitar playing. Megan, my youngest, exudes the girl next door look and at 5’10, stunningly beautiful. She loves sports, animals, children and making money, hence she is the Witchery Vintage’s money manager! Her eye for vintage clothing and wise business advice helps me when we go thrifting. Both girls have a unique sense of style and love to incorporate vintage into their daily looks.
Sasha: What are some favorite vintage pieces in your own closet?
Sandra: Most of my favourite vintage pieces have been acquired through the great stores on Etsy. I mostly go for the mod looks of the 60s and 70s. I am also very partial to hats and have a huge collection that is often featured as props in my listings.
Sasha: What is feeding your soul these days?
Sandra: I’m really having a ball with The Witchery Vintage. From selling on Etsy to doing nostalgia and antique shows, I love meeting new people and showcasing my finds. As spring is here, I am passionate about gardening and decorating my house with rummage sale finds. What is closest to my heart now is learning more about following the path of the Goddess and meeting like minded people.
Sasha: Okay, what "vintage" song is your favorite "dress up and dance around the house" tune?
Sandra: I love music, especially jazz, new age but my most favourite vintage song is by the Zombies, “She’s Not There”.
Check out The Witchery Vintage on Etsy... but be warned: it's going to cast a spell on you! (-:
great man :D
Posted by: bedroom furniture | 07/28/2013 at 05:28 PM