Conversations with Chelsey DiNoia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsey DiNoia.

Hi Chelsey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always loved fashion and helping people find unique clothes that make them feel authentic and powerful. So much of what we feel about the world comes from how we feel about ourselves, and putting on a badass outfit, to me, is equivalent to zipping up a super suit before walking out the door. Blending masculine and feminine, oversized and fitted, or western and modern are just some of the ways we can express ourselves and celebrate our individuality. 

I have been shopping almost exclusively second-hand for about five years, primarily at estate sales – it’s a win-win. We believe passionately in sustainability in the fashion industry, and also get the benefit of finding beautiful and unique pieces that you’d never find in a chain retail store. The business started because I was “adopting” more great pieces that would fit in my tiny apartment, so I started selling clothes to my friends and shortly after started selling on Etsy and Instagram. This allowed me to continue my love affair with clothes and eventually led to in person shopping as a vendor at local pop up markets and events. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like with any small business, I’ve had my struggles and successes. I truly believe that by continuing to put passion, hard work, FUN, and love into my business, it will result in success. Perseverance is key to achieving my goals, and I’m too stubborn to quit!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Elm City Mercantile specializes in connecting all people with high-quality vintage pieces. We are proud to offer gender and size-inclusive clothing as well as vintage pieces for the home. We encourage people to ignore the men’s or women’s tags on our clothes and just rock what fits and what feels good to you.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I could not have grown my small business to this point without the love and support of my customers, friends, and family. My partner Briggs has been my number one cheerleader; he is always happy to help with markets, modeling, and offers the best pep talks in the biz.

I am so thankful for my network of other Denver small businesses. I am working on several new collaborations and avenues including an ECM upcycled hand-painted vintage clothing line, a collaborative reworked denim line, and working alongside talented local creatives to style outfits for editorial photoshoots. I am also introducing personal styling into Elm City Mercantile to help people bridge the gap between the clothing they have and the look they want to convey. I’m very excited about the new projects coming this spring and summer and it wouldn’t be possible without the never-ending support and inspiration I receive from my community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/elmcitymercantile
• Instagram: @elmcitymercantile

Image Credits
Cosmic Padilla and Madison Merry