Today we’d like to introduce you to Julianne Engfer.
Hi Julianne, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Connecticut, my grandmother and great aunts would take us to the flea markets on Saturday mornings. When we would get home and show off our treasures, our wise elders would ramble off nuggets of history pertaining to each price. It was a time I look back on so fondly. Nowadays, my favorite finds are those that remind me of my dear sweet grand-family from homemade aprons, gold rotary phones, costume jewelry to anything mid-century modern I consider a little hello from the past and they bring a smile to my face.
When the pandemic hit, I was working at a quaint neighborhood restaurant. We ended up having to close our doors for good and it was a stressful time. One of my favorite ways to ‘get my mind off things’ has always been to go thrifting; I started flipping a few sweet furniture finds here and there and thought – wait, can I make this like, my ‘thing’’? The next day, I filed my LLC and traded my little turbo stick shift in for an old squeaky pickup truck. The truck came with a Jonny cash CD, so I would say I was already winning!
My store, Luff Bird Vintage, operates out of my garage, on Etsy, Poshmark, insta, and most recently, we have a home in one of my favorite shopping spots, #471 in the Brass Armadillo Mall! The thrifting community here in Colorado has been so supportive and I’ve found a whole new tribe to vibe with! It’s truly been so amazing and a huge learning experience. My goal is to one day run a collective shop where thrifters like me can operate under one roof while keeping the overhead costs down to be synergistically successful!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I love the hunt for vintage treasures; I struggle with the photos and posting details part; that’s where the real work is for me so I break it up into smaller ‘batches’ through the week; when I stick to a schedule, that part isn’t so bad!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
LUFF Bird Vintage is a local curator of all things vintage and today. You find all kinds of fun stuff I’ve gathered here in Colorado. You’ll find me frequenting estate sales, thrift stores, or getting down and dirty at goodwill outlet store AKA the BINS. I take pride in my ability to spot unique things from yesteryear and today, things ya just don’t see everyday. The ‘weirder,’ the better in my book! My store is always growing and changing right now; my shop is in my garage or @luffbirdvintage on Instagram; I love to share my process and tips and tricks of the trade!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Getting up wicked early to hit the flea market with my grandmother and great aunts was a time I will always cherish. Their style is the inspiration behind our vibe at LUFF.
Pricing:
- Crochet phishes & butterflies $17
- Adorable, pink poodle planter $11
- Hand made, crochet poncho $30
- Golden rotary phone $19
- Brass pineapple jewelry holder $14
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @luffbirdvintage
