I am so happy to share the wonderful words from my oldest and very treasured friend Vix and her business partner Luci, they share a passion for art, antiques and interiors and co-founded Etalage which specialises in sourcing antique fine art prints, vintage oil paintings, decorative pictures, gallery walls and interior accessories. Regularly scouring the country handpicking beautiful pieces to add to their totally unique and ever changing collection. I loved chatting to them about the journey behind Etalage, I hope it leaves you feeling inspired too.
What do you love about running your own business?
We really thrive on being immersed in the creative and inspirational world of antiques, art & interiors. We love the thrill of finding vintage and antique pieces and breathing new life into them by reframing and restyling them in a new environment. We have enjoyed the challenge of growing and developing the business over the last 8 years and working in a flexible way to allow us a harmonious work life balance. As great friends, we are lucky to work alongside each other every day and to be our own bosses.
What advice would you offer to budding entrepreneurs?
We feel the best bit of advice we can give is to do what you love and be open to change.
What have you learnt over the last 2 years?
The last 2 years have been eventful and have definitely taught us a few things. It has brought the importance of the home surroundings to the fore. Juggling the home schooling and business, made us divide our work roles between us in a more efficient way. We had to adapt quite quickly as the online direct side of the business grew and interior design projects were temporarily on hold.
Where do you find inspiration?
We find inspiration often when least expected. We are inspired by travelling, visiting new places, historic houses, galleries & exhibitions, by reading magazines, books and sometimes Instagram. We are lucky to live in a beautiful part of the Cotswolds which has long been home to many inspirational creative people and has a plethora of interesting architecture, decorative art & antiques.
Do you collect anything?
We find collecting antique & vintage pieces a pleasurable addiction. Starting a collection is a simple way of adding interest & personality to your home, and gives an added exciting purpose to any antique buying trip. Between us we have a growing collection of Mid Century abstract oil paintings, 20th Century ceramics and vintage textiles.
What are your favourite Instagram accounts?
We have so many favourites! We are inspired by the incredible art showcased on Sothebys & Christies Instagram accounts. We also follow a lot of our favourite interior designers like VSP, Sarah Brown, Rita Konig, Octavia Dickinson, Leah O’Connell, Beata Heuman, Ben Pentreath, Turner Pocock, Elizabeth Hay, Lucy Cunningham, Joanna Plant, Jessica Buckley, Leonora Birts, Johnson Parkes Interiors. Plus other creative accounts & trend edits such as Collagerie, Willow Crossley, Land Gardeners, Architectural Digest, House & Garden, The ApartmentDK…the list goes on.
Tell us your story and what inspired you to set up your company?
We met through our love of antique hunting and a shared taste in interiors and trends. We wanted to offer a curated range of decorative and affordable art in a less pretentious and more accessible way.
How would you spend your perfect day?
Our perfect day would be spent pottering around an antiques market hunting for new treasures….preferably in the South of France!
What are the most rewarding aspects of what you do?
In today’s throwaway society, fuelled by overconsumption, we love the fact that we are repurposing vintage and antique items and making them relevant and sustainable in interiors now and for years to come.
Image copyright - Etalage
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