Life and Work with Kelsey McCartney and Mia Sadowsky

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey McCartney and Mia Sadowsky.

Heir Vintage is a mobile vintage boutique CO-Curated by Mia Sadowsky and Kelsey McCartney

The bus specializes in high-end vintage scores, one of a kind pieces, multigenerational basics, classic novels, turquoise jewelry, art, and other treasures.

Heir Vintage was born out of a passion for treasure hunting. Finding hidden gems of clothing, jewelry, art, and knick-knacks in thrift shops, consignment stores, flea markets, corner sidewalk sales, and estates have always been beyond rewarding for us. This passion coupled with a swift kick in the ass from the universe brought us a bus to renovate, an idea and the drive to see it through.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth, yes. Challenging, of course! Funding and money are crucial to a business – but it is usually something creatives tackle with one eye closed. It is so important to build a strong back end and to be comfortable looking at it. It was hard to navigate in the beginning how to fund such a project i.e. loans, owner contribution, angel investors, etc. We took a very modest approach. Advice to those starting a project would be to get the proper funding you need to make your dream happen and have the confidence in yourself to level up to that financial investment. Also, pay yourself! From the very start. Don’t let that slide.

Please tell us about Heir Vintage.
We are adventurers. Because the industry is riddled with play-it-safers and creatures of conformity. We are treasure huntresses bringing vibe and culture; living, breathing, personality into the mundane of consumer shopping. We are amorous of the historic but never cliché. Always unique, always changing.

We are thoughtful. Because quality and value have been lost in the chatter of excess. We are indebted to the cultures, peoples, mothers, and lands before us. This is what guides us in every decision we make for our customer. It is our passion to unearth the treasures of the globe that existed before us because after all, we are their Heir.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Growing up in Aspen we were pretty isolated from fast fashion. We didn’t have Forever21, Express, Urban Outfitters. The Gap was the only affordable big label in Aspen and it closed by the time we were 14. The lack of options forced us to turn to consignment and thrift stores to perk up our closets. We began to grow an eclectic collection at an early age and an appreciation for second hand.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heirvintage.com
• Phone: 9703198508
• Email: kelsey@heirvintage.com
• Instagram: @heir_vintage
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weareallheirs/

Image Credit:
Sam Steen, Alexis Ahrling, Lindsey Boluyt

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.