Business of Vintage Podcast

What does it take to sell 1k+ pieces a month on Whatnot? Steph Eche, entrepreneur, vintage reseller, live selling expert, and founder of Costura, shares how she turned a resale side hustle into a thriving live selling business generating over $300k in annual sales. In this episode, Steph and Sloane break down how live selling on Whatnot has transformed her business. It's been a journey: from sourcing inventory at the Goodwill bins to securing large-scale vintage and Y2K wholesale buys, building a loyal community of repeat buyers, and shipping more than 1,000 pieces every month. They discuss how to find your niche by paying attention to customer responses, why consistent on-camera authenticity drives sales, how to build systems that support high-volume selling, and why taking calculated risks unlocks new opportunities for growth. Whether you're considering live selling on Whatnot for the first time or are seasoned on the platform, this episode offers practical lessons on growing your business through experimentation, connection, and a willingness to take risks.

Today's Guest:

Steph Eche (@houseofcostura)
Entrepreneur, Vintage Reseller & Founder of Costura
Shop Costura on Whatnot: https://www.whatnot.com/user/costura?referringSource=autocomplete

Hosted by:

Sloane Middleton Mann (@business.of.vintage)
Founder of Business of Vintage
Learn more: http://businessofvintage.com/

Kaahreena Ochoco, entrepreneur, reseller, community builder, and founder of Vibe Consignment, shares how she built a thriving consignment business from her experience as an online reseller and turned it into a 2,500-square-foot storefront in The Dalles, Oregon. In this episode, Kaahreena and Sloane break down how consignment can help vintage sellers grow their inventory without the upfront cost of buying it, why strong systems and clear expectations are essential when you're managing other people's property, and how Kaahreena has adapted her business across more than a decade of changes in resale. They discuss the software and systems that keep consignors organized, the importance of building trust with consignors, how to use customer conversations to create better social media content, and why staying flexible has been central to Kaahreena's growth. Whether you're considering starting a consignment business, trying to grow an existing vintage shop, looking for ways to organize your inventory and payouts, or struggling to connect with customers on social media, this episode offers practical lessons on building a sustainable, community-focused resale business.

Today's Guest: Kaahreena Ochoco (@vibeconsignment)

Entrepreneur, Reseller, Community Builder & Founder of Vibe Consignment

Hosted by: Sloane Middleton Mann (@business.of.vintage)

Founder of Business of Vintage Learn more: businessofvintage.com

Clothing swaps are creating a new way to participate in the circular fashion economy. Vanessa Sanchez, co-founder of Bonnee, a clothing swap app, shares how technology, community, and sustainability can help people get more value from the clothes already in their closets—and what vintage sellers can learn from the model.

In this episode, Vanessa and Sloane explore the rise of online clothing swaps, why human curation builds trust in secondhand marketplaces, how vintage sellers can use swapping to move slow-moving inventory, and why community is becoming increasingly important in the resale industry. They also discuss founder storytelling, social media marketing, sourcing through customer demand, and the challenges of building a fashion-tech company in the circular fashion space.

Whether you're a vintage seller looking for new ways to move inventory, interested in sustainable fashion and resale, or curious about how technology could reshape the secondhand market, this episode offers practical ideas for building a stronger, more connected vintage business.

Today's Guest: Vanessa Sanchez (@SwapBonnee)

Co-Founder of Bonnee, Entrepreneur & Sustainability Advocate

Hosted by: Sloane Middleton Mann (@business.of.vintage)

Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more: http://businessofvintage.com/

Learn more about Bonnee: http://bonnee.co/

Emily Stochl, resale fashion journalist, creator of Pre-Loved Podcast, and vintage industry expert, shares how vintage sellers can use press, influencers, creators, and affiliate partnerships to grow their visibility, build credibility, and reach new customers beyond social media.

In this episode, Emily and Sloane break down why external channels like local press and niche creators can be so powerful for vintage businesses. They discuss the long-term value of earned media, how a single press mention can build credibility with customers, journalists, lenders, grant organizations, and community partners, and why getting featured in the right publication can continue driving discovery long after the original story is published.

Whether you're trying to get your first press mention, expand beyond Instagram, attract new customers, or build your vintage shop into a recognized community business, this episode offers practical strategies for turning your story into visibility.

Today's Guest: Emily Stochl (@emilymstochl)

Resale Fashion Journalist, Creator of Pre-Loved & Vintage Industry Expert

Hosted by: Sloane Middleton Mann (@business.of.vintage)

Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more: http://businessofvintage.com/

Book Business of Vintage's PR Services for Vintage Sellers: http://businessofvintage.com/pr-services

Kido The One, vintage entrepreneur, curator, content creator, and educator, joins the podcast to share how a curiosity for thrift shopping in Australia grew into a multi-layered vintage business built around sourcing, wholesale, eBay, live selling, and community.

What started with selling a few thrifted pieces from local “op shops” has evolved into a business that moves thousands of vintage items, supplies sellers around the world, and helps shape conversations around modern vintage entrepreneurship. Through years of experimentation, building relationships, and understanding the resale market, Kido has created a unique approach to vintage that goes beyond finding great pieces—it’s about building systems, adapting to change, and creating a business designed to last.

In this episode, Kido shares how he transitioned from individual sales into wholesale, why vintage sellers need to understand their numbers and build strong operational foundations, and how relationships—not just inventory—create long-term success. He also discusses the role of social media in building a personal brand, the power of putting yourself out there, how live selling is changing the future of vintage commerce, and why testing new ideas while staying focused on what already works is the key to sustainable growth.

Today's Guest: Kido The One (@kidotheone)

Vintage Entrepreneur, Curator, Content Creator & Educator

Hosted by: Sloane Middleton Mann (@business.of.vintage)

Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more:

http://businessofvintage.com/

Sam Lopez, founder of @samspantsandplants and co-founder of the Houston Clothing Swap and Conscious Consumer Collective, joins the podcast to share how a passion for vintage fashion, thrifting, and conscious consumerism grew into one of Houston's largest community-driven sustainability movements.

What began as a small clothing swap under a 10x10 tent has evolved into a nonprofit organization hosting large-scale clothing swap events that have welcomed thousands of attendees, diverted thousands of pounds of clothing from landfills, and made secondhand fashion more accessible to the Houston community. Alongside co-founders Raquel Sondate and Diana Swick, Sam is redefining what clothing swaps can look like—and proving that community is one of the most powerful tools for building a circular fashion economy.

In this episode, Sam shares how she scaled the Houston Clothing Swap from a grassroots idea into a thriving nonprofit, why listening to your community is essential when building something new, and how clothing swaps can empower vintage sellers, resellers, and everyday consumers alike. She also opens up about the deeply personal journey that inspired her colorful style, her work in sustainability, and why fashion can be a powerful source of healing, creativity, and connection.

Today's Guest: Sam Lopez (@samspantsandplants)

Co-Founder of Houston Clothing Swap & Conscious Consumer Collective

Hosted by: Sloane Middleton Mann (@business.of.vintage)

Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more:

http://businessofvintage.com/

Katie Porter, founder of Porter Vintage, joins the podcast to share how she built one of San Francisco's most beloved vintage businesses by trusting her instincts, embracing community, and never waiting for the "perfect" moment to start.

What began as a driveway pop-up outside Katie's apartment has grown into a thriving vintage brand with a permanent weekly presence in the Mission, a shop inside 710 Collective on Haight Street, a dedicated showroom and event space, and regular vintage shows in New York City. Over the past decade, Katie has built Porter Vintage one opportunity at a time, proving that meaningful businesses are often created by simply showing up consistently.

In this episode, Katie reflects on the moment she nearly walked away from vintage, the power of listening to your intuition, and letting your freak flag fly. She shares practical lessons on hiring a team, managing multiple selling locations, creating systems that support growth, and building authentic community around your business.

Katie Porter (@portervintage)

Founder of Porter Vintage

Hosted by:

Sloane Middleton Mann (@business.of.vintage)

Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more:

http://businessofvintage.com/

Liisa Jokinen, co-founder of Gem, joins the podcast to share her journey from pioneering street style photography in the early 2000s to building one of the most influential technology platforms in the vintage and secondhand fashion space.

Long before Instagram existed, Liisa was documenting personal style on the streets of Helsinki and New York, capturing the creativity, individuality, and stories behind what people wear. Those experiences eventually led her to co-found Gem, a search engine that helps shoppers discover vintage and secondhand pieces across marketplaces and independent stores all in one place.

In this episode, Liisa shares the story behind building Gem with her husband, what she's learned from six years of growing a fashion tech company, and why she believes the future of fashion is rooted in resale. She also offers practical advice for vintage sellers on improving discoverability, writing stronger listings, creating memorable brands, sourcing inventory strategically, and standing out in an increasingly competitive market.

Liisa Jokinen (@liisajokinen)

Co-Founder of Gem (@http://gem.app/)

Use Gem: https://gem.app/

Hosted by:

Sloane Middleton Mann (@business.of.vintage)

Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more:

http://businessofvintage.com/

Lindsay Brown, founder of A Day in June and newly opened sister store St. Taylor Studio, joins the podcast to share the real story behind building a vintage business from the ground up. What started with coffee shifts, warehouse spaces, weekend markets, and years of bootstrapping eventually became two beloved community-centered concept stores in Baltimore.

In this episode, Lindsay opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship: surviving a painful business partnership fallout, building a business without investors or loans, learning to trust her instincts, and why vulnerability on social media unexpectedly transformed her connection with customers. She also shares the inspiration behind creating spaces rooted in joy, intention, and human connection — and why she believes vintage stores are really in the business of people.

This conversation is an honest look at the emotional side of entrepreneurship, reclaiming your story, and what it truly takes to build a meaningful business in the vintage world.

Lindsay Brown (@adayinjunevintage)

Founder of A Day In June and St. Taylor Studio

Hosted by:

Sloane Middleton Mann (@business.of.vintage)

Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more:

businessofvintage.com

Vintage Store Day is one month away: May 16th, 2026. The new retail holiday is in it's 2nd year, and it celebrates how small vintage businesses are so often pillars of their communities. It also has the potential to be your best day of sales yet - if you know how to build up the buzz for it. The team behind Vintage Store Day (Kyla Embrey & Sarah Azzouzi of Lost Girls Vintage, Emma Louis of Rare Form Chicago, Emily Stochl of Pre-Loved, and me - Sloane Middleton Mann of Business of Vintage) are here to help. We've organized an educational webinar that will equip sellers with the tools to pitch themselves for press & create social media buzz. Don't miss the Vintage Visibility Webinar on April 22nd: https://itsvintagestoreday.com/pages/vintage-visibility-webinar

Guests:
Kyla Embrey, Sarah Azzouzi, Emma Lewis
Co-Founders of Vintage Store Day, IG@vintage_store_day

Emily Stochl (@emilymstochl)
Resale Journalist & Host of the Pre-Loved Podcast

Hosted by:
Sloane Middleton Mann
Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more: https://businessofvintage.com/

About Business of Vintage Podcast:

Every vintage item has a story, and every vintage shop does too. Celebrate the past, while thriving today, on the Business of Vintage Podcast. Hosted by Sloane Middleton Mann, founder of Business of Vintage: the world’s only marketing agency built specifically for vintage shops.

What if the biggest opportunity for vintage sellers isn’t sourcing better inventory, but understanding technology better? In this episode, I’m joined by Charis Marquez, a retail and resale leader with 20+ years of experience shaping some of the biggest names in fashion. She’s led Global Fashion at eBay, scaled Levi’s and Dockers’ e-commerce businesses, and now advises brands at the intersection of technology, resale, and storytelling via her new consultancy, Seen + Known.

Small vintage sellers can learn so much from big retail. Charis and I discuss how vintage sellers don't need to compete with major brands, but should position themselves in a way those brands can’t replicate. From why “you can’t be for everyone” to how clean data and strong listings can directly impact your sales, this episode breaks down the real strategies that separate growing shops from stagnant ones.

If you’ve ever felt behind on technology, unsure how to stand out, or worried about big brands entering the vintage space… this episode will completely shift your perspective.

Chariz Marquez (@seenandknown.io)

Founder of Seen + Known / former VP Fashion at eBay

Hosted by:

Sloane Middleton Mann (@business.of.vintage)

Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more:

businessofvintage.com

What makes a customer choose your shop over The RealReal? Nik Pollina, who recently shared on social media that her vintage designer handbag brand reached $1M in 2025, is the perfect person to ask. In this episode of the Business of Vintage Podcast, host Sloane Middleton Mann sits down with Nik Pollina, founder of Seven Moods, to talk about how she grew an online following of over 300k, leveraged her online community to host lucrative brand-owned pop-up events, and scaled her revenue to seven figures.

Nik Pollina (@nikpollina_)

Founder of Seven Moods

Hosted by:

Sloane Middleton Mann (@business.of.vintage)

Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more:

businessofvintage.com

Personal stylists and vintage sellers have so much in common, and so much to gain by partnering with one another. In this episode of the Business of Vintage Podcast, host Sloane Middleton Mann chats with Jamie Lewis, personal stylist & founder of JBL Styles, about how vintage sellers should approach working with personal stylists and interior designers (AKA dream clients!) Jamie shares how opening up about her life on Instagram allowed her to expand her business, how her shoppers are thinking about vintage purchases, and how vintage sellers can style themselves as a way to market their business.

Guest:

Jamie Lewis (@jbl.styles)

Founder of JBL Styles

Hosted by:

Sloane Middleton Mann (@business.of.vintage)

Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more:

http://businessofvintage.com/

"If you can't dance in it, why wear it?" This is the mantra that built Kiko's Kloset into the beloved brand it is today. In this episode of the Business of Vintage Podcast, host Sloane Middleton Mann sits down with Kayla Dickie, the creative force behind the brand bringing dance-worthy vintage to the spotlight: Kiko’s Kloset. Kayla talks about how a core belief and a background in art direction helped her build a cult-favorite vintage brand on social media.

Kayla opens up about her biggest challenge as a business owner to date: maintaining momentum after virality. Plus, they chat about Kayla’s philosophy of getting dressed for joy, why a hybrid in-person model allows her to grow, and how her art direction background shaped an unmistakable aesthetic.

Guest:
Kayla Dickie
Owner of Kiko's Kloset

Hosted by:
Sloane Middleton Mann
Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more:
http://businessofvintage.com/

Headlines read that resale is booming. Meanwhile, many vintage sellers are reporting record lows. In this episode of the Business of Vintage Podcast, Sloane Middleton Mann sits down with resale journalist and Pre-Loved Podcast host Emily Stochl to unpack the biggest contradictions shaping the secondhand industry today.

Emily Stochl is known for digesting world news through the lens of the resale economy in her podcast, social media pages, and Substack newsletter, Pre-Loved. Emily shares insights from her reporting on vintage seller income, explains why industry growth isn’t trickling down to small businesses, and reflects on how the resale landscape has changed more in the last five years than ever before. Thoughtful, honest, and grounded in real data, this episode is a must-listen for vintage sellers navigating a rapidly evolving resale economy. Plus, we reflect on 2025 business trends and what we can expect from consumers and sellers alike in 2026.

Guest:
Emily Stochl (@emilymstochl)

Resale Journalist & Host of the Pre-Loved Podcast

Hosted by:
Sloane Middleton Mann
Founder of Business of Vintage (@business.of.vintage)

Learn more:
http://businessofvintage.com/

She's your favorite vintage dealer's favorite vintage dealer for a reason. In this episode of Business of Vintage Podcast, Sloane Middleton Mann sits down with Karyn Dethrow of Dethrose Vintage, a Chicago-based shop known for its timeless aesthetic and commitment to preserving vintage fashion through meticulous care.

From sourcing a grandmother’s entire 1930s–40s wardrobe by chance, to selling pieces that now appear in major film and TV productions, Karyn shares the journey of discovering her niche, building her brand’s unmistakable style, and the reality of what it’s like to run a vintage business in today’s market. We also chat about her experience at the inaugural Pickwick Vintage Show in Chicago, the emotional connection behind mending every piece by hand, and how alignment in your business can be a true turning point. For the vintage shoppers listening, Karyn's advice on how to gift vintage items and make sure they fit every time is pure gold.

Guest:
✨ Karyn Dethrow
Founder of Dethrose Vintage

Hosted by:
🌟 Sloane Middleton Mann
Founder ofBusiness of Vintage

Learn more: https://businessofvintage.com

What began as a single antique booth has grown into a seven-figure brand. In this episode of the Business of Vintage Podcast, Sloane Middleton Mann sits down with Melanie Alexander of Lost & Found Decor: vintage seller, content creator, and genius behind the Think Like a Business Owner course.

Melanie shares how she transformed a side hustle into a scalable, profitable business. She opens up about the power of mindset shifts, building systems for real revenue, and why creative entrepreneurs need to stop treating their business like a hobby. Plus, she breaks down the story behind her best-selling Booth Seller Bootcamp and the Budget-Tracking Spreadsheet that went unexpectedly viral.

This episode is packed with shop talk, candid takeaways, and a reminder that running a creative business means doing more than just the fun stuff.

Guest:
✨ Melanie Alexander
Founder of Lost & Found Decor
Creator of Think Like a Business Owner Course

Hosted by:
Sloane Middleton Mann
Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more: http://businessofvintage.com

What was once a mobile boutique operating out of a retro RV is now a Chicago institution. In this episode of Business of Vintage Podcast, Sloane Middleton Mann chats with Kyla Embrey, co-founder of the iconic Chicago brand Lost Girls Vintage.

From a 1976 van, to two beloved brick-and-mortar shops, to Vintage Chicago Bus Tours, Lost Girls Vintage deserves it's own Eras Tour. Kyla dives into growing a brand that's rooted in personality and purpose, ever-guided by their guiding principle since Day 1: “no risk, no reward”. Lost Girls Vintage is also passionate about supporting Chicago’s communities through both collaborations and activism. Oh — and Kyla tells the wild story of how she and her co-founder Sarah Azzouzi decided to start a business together within six months of first meeting.

Guest:
✨ Kyla Embrey
Co-Founder of Lost Girls Vintage

Hosted by:
Sloane Middleton Mann
Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more: businessofvintage.com

About Business of Vintage Podcast:
Every vintage item has a story, and every vintage shop does too. Celebrate the past, while thriving today, on the Business of Vintage Podcast. Hosted by Sloane Middleton Mann, founder of Business of Vintage: the world’s only marketing agency built specifically for vintage shops.

You know when you *try* to sink into a vintage sofa, but it just isn't as comfortable as a new one? HiLo Brooklyn is on a mission to change that. In this episode of Business of Vintage, Sloane chats with Laura Deutch of HiLo Brooklyn, the design genius turning forgotten vintage sofas into custom (& comfortable) statement pieces. She can turn your Milo Baughman into a sectional that fits your exact space, all while repurposing the original bones & maintaining the perfect design. Oh, and she's not afraid to finish it in a patterned fabric either.

Guest:
✨ Laura Deutch
Founder & Design Principal of HiLo Brooklyn

Hosted by:
Sloane Middleton Mann
Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more: https://businessofvintage.com/

About Business of Vintage Podcast:

Every vintage item has a story, and every vintage shop does too. Celebrate the past, while thriving today, on the Business of Vintage Podcast. Hosted by Sloane Middleton Mann, founder of Business of Vintage: the world’s only marketing agency built specifically for vintage shops.

We’re in Barcelona, so we naturally had to stop into the stunning new RetroPickers Barcelona storefront. Maria Santos, co-founder of RetroPickers, shares why restoration is central to everything they do. This now-iconic shop started during the pandemic, fueled by social media growth. From salvaged lamps to Spanish design icons, this episode explores what it takes to build a vintage brand that truly stands out.

Guest:
✨ Maria Santos
Co-Founder & Co-Curator of Retropickers Barcelona

Hosted by:
Sloane Middleton Mann
Founder of Business of Vintage

Learn more: https://businessofvintage.com/

About Business of Vintage Podcast:

Every vintage item has a story, and every vintage shop does too. Celebrate the past, while thriving today, on the Business of Vintage Podcast. Hosted by Sloane Middleton Mann, founder of Business of Vintage: the world’s only marketing agency built specifically for vintage shops.