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My Vintage Corner

What comes to your mind when you hear the word "junking?"  According to Webster's dictionary junking means, "any old discarded material; worthless; meaningless or trash."  However, our fellow Mobilian Donna "Sissy" Zugg adheres to the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure.  Sissy loves junking so much that she decided to make it a business. In January 2014 Sissy threw open the doors to her store, My Vintage Corner and she hasn't looked back.

Donna "Sissy" Zugg, Owner, My Vintage Corner
Photo Credit:  Treasured Moments Lifestyle Photography

But before MoCo gets into the nitty gritty with Sissy I must say that I was quite impressed with her background.  As many of you may know, in my previous life I used to write human interest stories for the Mobile Press Register.  I told Sissy that her multifarious background begs for a full length feature story all on its own.  Now, let's get to it…

MoCo:  When and how did you develop a love for what others might view as "junk?"

Sissy:  I've always loved re-sale shopping and I started collecting so much stuff that I decided to see if I could sell it so I rented booth space at Cotton City in Midtown.  I did that for several years.

Photo Credit:  Treasured Moments Lifestyle Photography

MoCo:  I remember you telling me that you only worked your booth part-time.  Why was that?

Sissy:  I was also working as a school teacher, (special education), so that was the only time I had. 

MoCo:  That's impressive that you basically had two jobs.  When in the world did you find time to shop for pieces for your business?

Sissy:  On the weekends and during school breaks and instead of what you call "shopping" for new pieces I like to call it "going junkin."

Photo Credit:  Treasured Moments Lifestyle Photography

MoCo:  Why did you decide to make the leap into opening your own business and weren't you a little anxious about doing so?

Sissy:  I'm accustomed to change.  Before I became a school teacher I used to own a barbershop in Mississippi.  So opening My Vintage Corner didn't really make me nervous.  But as to why I decided to open my own shop, when I rented the booth space I had so many nice things but I was limited on space.  I used to say to myself, "If I only had my own place I could display this or that or set this up like that…." so I decided to open my own business.  I retired from teaching four years ago and now I have all the time in the world. 

MoCo:  How often do you go junkin?

Photo Credit:  Treasured Moments Lifestyle Photography

Sissy:  I go about two days a week and hit estate sales and yard sales on the weekends.  People are always asking me where I get all of my stuff and I tell them "I'm always looking." 

MoCo:  What would you say is the most popular item that people buy?

Photo Credit:  Treasured Moments Lifestyle Photography

Sissy:  By far I would say the furniture.

Photo Credit:  Treasured Moments Lifestyle Photography

MoCo:  I have to throw in my two cents here to let my readers know that in addition to the great furniture you also have vintage telephones, clothing, hats, handbags, stools, picture frames, window shutters, etc.  I've even found many cool props for photo shoots in your store and I'm sure I'll buy many others prop items in the future. 

MoCo:  As I look around your store I see all sorts of things that bring back many happy childhood memories. 

Sissy:  It's funny you should say that.  I have two types of customers, those who like to stroll down memory lane and those who truly come to shop.  I just want my store to be a fun place to be and shop and for it to be a good experience.

Photo Credit:  Treasured Moments Lifestyle Photography

MoCo:  Where would you like to see your shop in five years?

Sissy:  I can sum it up in one word, thriving.  This shop was a dream.  I just knew I had a passion.  I hope the word gets out and that people see this as a fun, affordable place to shop.

Photo Credit:  Treasured Moments Lifestyle Photography

About:

Sissy hales from Ellisville, MS but after spending time in Georgia she and her family finally settled in Mobile in 1994.  She taught school at Faith Academy. 

My Vintage Corner is located at 9211 Cottage Hill Road.  Hours: Thursday-Friday 11:00-5:00 and Saturday 11:00-3:00.
Phone:  (251) 423-1853
Email:  myvintagecorner@yahoo.com
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Photo Credit:  Treasured Moments Lifestyle Photography

MoCo is always on the lookout for the next good story.  Hit me up if you know someone who should be Spotlighted on MoCo.

Until Next Time - Go Out and Do Something Awesome!