Nonna’s Vintage Affair

Vendor Spotlight – Jo burda-Smith

How did you get started at Vintage Marketplace?

I grew up “antiquing” and thrifting, so I have always thought owning a booth would be fun. My Stepmom, Marie, was an avid resale, antique and thrift shopper. She collected milk glass – mostly Fenton hobnail and Westmoreland paneled grape. Her collection was huge – and as I helped by adding to it when I found pieces, she wanted me to have the collection when she passed. I stopped by Vintage Marketplace, and asked about booth rentals. I had put my name in at other antique markets in Fort Collins, but this really seemed like a great fit. So Nonna’s Vintage Affair was started. Marie was a wonderful Nonna to my girls and I wanted to create the booth in her honor.

Do you have an area of specialty?

Obviously, milk glass – plain white milk glass (not painted or gilded) is extremely sturdy, food and dishwasher safe. Milk glass is also dry-erase marker friendly! Milk glass can be used all around the house, and it can fit with all holiday decor! I also try and repurpose pieces – as planters, as birdfeeders and birdbaths, jewelry holders and yard art.

What is your favorite part of reselling?

It has been so much fun and a learning experience. I have always been on the buying side of antiques and vintage, so learning the selling side has been a little harder than I thought! I have learned so much about pricing, what sells and display from the other vendors. They have all been very helpful and friendly.

I have also met people from doing auctions – we seem to be the same breed. I also have met some repeat customers, which I really enjoy to know they like what is in my booth. One customer bought a vintage cardigan from me, wore it to a women’s retreat, and my daughter Sydney, who was helping to run it recognized it, and it became a theme at the retreat of women’s connections. My Mom, her Nonna, me, Sydney and then to a new person – all linked.

Because it is Nonna’s booth, I really focus on items that I know she would have loved – so it makes me remember antiquing and thrifting with her over the many years. Even as her health deteriorated, we could always get her out to the resale stores! Wonderful memories.

So many of my best memories are Marie – Nonna – and my girls. She was such a strong and resilient person – woman – and she showed my girls really how to stand up for yourself, be yourself, and enjoy life. The booth keeps her memory alive for my girls and me, and it is so much fun for the three of us to pick out items for the booth. I was with her in her last few weeks of life, as were my girls, and as difficult as it was, it was an honor to be with her. She was her sassy self until the end, and I am grateful for the time with her.