On to the Next One: New Beginnings in Vintage Reselling

Before retiring, I had incredible opportunities in leadership. I valued them, knew my worth, and am proud of my contributions. However, when it came time to consider my next chapter as a vintage reseller, I initially felt hesitant. Despite my doubts, I recognized that I have an eye for items that others might overlook, shaped by my travels, lived experiences, and former career.

I have shopped for vintage pieces across the United States, from the iconic Rose Bowl Flea Market and southern estate sales to Bay Area yard sales and local auctions. There’s even a memorable moment when I lost a board position because I got distracted in D.C. thrift stores and missed an important vote!

As a man of color, I’ve navigated spaces where my presence was sometimes met with wary glances. When I admire an MCM (Mid-Century Modern) chair, gasp at a unique serving piece, or linger over vintage art and advertisements, people often stare. But my appreciation runs deep. Through my DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) work, I have come to cherish these moments even more. This career may be new, but I am not. I am tried and tested, seasoned with financial expertise and marketing knowledge gained from years in higher education.

I bring administrative skills and the humility that comes from leadership and DEIJ work. These skills are invaluable in this new venture. Once I remembered who I am and what I bring to the table, I approached this chapter with a senior leadership mindset. I invested resources and acquired knowledge to leverage my path to success. I slowed my sales, refined my purchasing strategies, and deepened my understanding of vintage acquisitions and care. I also began building my social media presence to introduce people to my new role.

I sought guidance from coaches, mentors, and new colleagues who provided invaluable support. Just as I did during my doctoral journey, I knew I needed more education and better training to equip myself for this new path. This led me to accept an invitation to participate in the Vanguard Minority Business Owners Incubator program. My cohort and I embarked on a 10-month journey that was like a crash course in graduate-level work. It pushed our boundaries and reshaped what we thought possible. We developed business and marketing plans, standard operating procedures, and social media strategies, and learned to use technology tools like ChatGPT. This support was transformative.

A few months ago, I reminded myself that my core skills—while vital—weren’t what made me effective. It was my adaptability. For those who know me and for those who don’t, I believe you can understand that true adaptation requires preparation, study, and a willingness to shift and seize opportunities.

Rebranding has always been my superpower, albeit accompanied by a bit of anxiety. Still, I have consistently shown my ability to reshape my reality. I transitioned from a party-loving fraternity member to a serious social worker, then to a dedicated student affairs professional, a DEIJ enthusiast, a determined doctoral student, and eventually, a vice president.

At first, I thought retirement meant rocking chairs, comics, catching up on my reading, and finally resting. But I realized I had new work to do. It may not be as heavy as my higher-ed responsibilities, but it is still meaningful. Vintage reselling has become my new form of activism. It allows me to continue serving marginalized communities. My long-term goal is to create a furniture bank for Erie’s East Side community, providing struggling families with access to beautiful and affordable household items. Growing up, I saw firsthand how having a beautiful home, even while struggling, is essential—and it can be done affordably.

I am deeply grateful to Bridgeway Capital, Erie’s Black Wall Street, and the Vanguard program for preparing me for this new chapter. This weekend, Mitchell’s Modern has relaunched at a physical location inside the Erie Antique Mall, 814 Vintage Market on Hershey Road. This step is essential for connecting with my customers and continuing to share my carefully curated collection.

On December 7th, my cohort and I will graduate from the Vanguard Minority Business Owners Incubator Program. We will celebrate our journey and showcase our progress during a graduation ceremony, followed by a vendor showcase for our loved ones and the Erie small business community.

I named this post after one of my favorite songs, Jay-Z’s On to the Next One. Regardless of opinions on his politics or persona, the song is a classic—and so am I, as I embark on this new chapter.

Thank you for keeping up with my journey. I hope to connect with you all soon as I continue this meaningful work, reshaping vintage reselling as a tool for community support and empowerment.

Revised and edited using AI technology.