SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT!

Anyone who knows this colorful person, known to some as Aqua Maureen, would know she has impeccable taste and design sense. I featured some candid shots of Maureen in my film photography exhibit last summer.  She's been living the dream since 2015, and a blogpost has been long overdue!

She's just as colorful as her store. Filled with ideas and putting 100% into her business, Maureen aims to make the atmosphere of her store positive and fun.  Before Maureen owned the infamous "Change Is", a small business in Belmar, New Jersey, I had known of her as the queen of window displays. She rubbed elbows with a few vintage store owners and had quickly established herself as an aficionado of the rare, beautiful, and eccentric, especially if it was wearable.

It was no surprise that she would have her own space with beautifully painted teal and mustard yellow walls, filled with items you could never buy anywhere else.

It's a vintage store unlike any other. You know you want to shop for clothes but you may want to leave with the displays, lighting, and especially that amazing vintage giraffe that holds the jewelry.  I'll be honest for a moment and tell you I own ONE pair of high heels, and they don't come out from hiding much. As someone who does not own and collect shoes, I can honestly say that Change Is... is the only place I consider purchasing vintage heels for the design or patchwork of colors.

Maureen is also a huge supporter of local artists and even has art receptions in the store. Check the store's Facebook page for more information and updated events.  Throughout the store, you'll find photographs, books, and paintings made by locals.

The reds came out so rich on that one roll of film.  I think photographing Maureen in her fitting room area is still one my favorite photoshoots.  She rocks octagon glasses like no other.

Change Is has mens' and womens' clothing, so be sure to check out her unique collection. 

Change Is Facebook Page

Small Business of September Goes to....

This month features one of the cutest little vintage shops I know...

This lovely person is Mary-Ann Kuntz, small business owner and arts advocate in the small town of Millville, New Jersey.  Her shop offers new artists a place to put their work and each month a new artist is featured. She also hosts an art show on the 3rd Friday of each month.  Octopus's Garden has a balanced combination of jewelry, artwork, and crafted products all made to fit into her chosen themes of vintage circus, astrology, beach, and (of course) nautical creatures. I'm always attracted to her "Libra" items, but I shouldn't be biased.

A few items in her store were purchased at antique stores or flea markets. She explains, "I am inspired by the memories of my childhood and memories of my parents. My repurposed jewelry lines say a lot about the things I love; the beatles, astrology, carnivals, and movie monsters! I see potential and a new life in some of the old things I admire.

Who wouldn't want Gypsy Earrings?

Maryann's small business is organized, quaint, and not overly saturated.  All her goods are displayed with pride to showcase the talents of the 27 artists and crafters she supports. "We think of our artists as family and are proud of them all.  Most of what you'd find in my store you can't find anywhere else.  My husband and I love Millville and our creative village. We want everyone to experience the magic here."

If I opened a small business, I'd have my cash register on an ironing board too!

Maryann made these necklaces herself with the original images from vintage sideshow posters.

A few years back, I finished this commission for Octopus's Garden.

In addition to local art shows, Maryann sponsors local wine tastings the second Saturday of every month in the creative village Octopus's Garden is nested in.  If you're not into wine, there's a vegan cafe just a few stores away and the popular Wheaton Arts Village a few minutes away.

https://www.facebook.com/AnOctopusGarden

https://www.facebook.com/Village.on.High

Small Business of October

October's small business goes to.... 

Eric, founder of Atomic in 1999, started a small business that turned into a culture center 10 years later; bringing together local musicians, artists, collectors, and appreciators.  New artists have a chance to build a reputation thanks to Atomic, making this venue an important staple in my community.  I'm inspired by Eric and his partner Maureen because they give artists a chance- Atomic was the first store to have my artwork and Skullboy's work for sale, who now has had great success as a local artist. And he allows local bands to sell their demos without taking a cut of the band's profits. Why? Because he cares more about creating a network and has faith that this philosophy will "profit" his business in a more rewarding way; giving back to the community, protecting a freedom of speech, and encouraging the youth to participate in their local culture. Because this largely defines the purpose behind the store, I'm proud to support the business and what it stands for.

Atomic has a lot of everything to say the least. It's an experience just to walk through the door.  Vintage clothing, records, cds, jewelry, comic books, handmade items, art, vintage furniture and lots of little chotchkies saturate every little nook and cranny of the store. There's even has a whole shelf dedicated to mini versions of Godzilla! I love the handmade jewelry by Tess Bungay, a local crafter who uses plastic foods for earrings and necklaces; now you know where I got that ketchup packet necklace! You can find Elevator Art and the Amboys ep's too.

Atomic is the only store that has Creative Coop pillows, including these eyeball pillows, requested by the owner.

I always find the most unusual items.. I think I have to go back for that seashell Christmas scene.

Here's 3 of my favorite finds from Atomic.  I bought the purple and blue dress for $8, the wishing well earrings (one of my favorite finds!) for $8, and the black and red skirt for $4.

Atomic has some great, affordable items perfect for any halloween costume you've been planning, and be sure to check the links below for event details. Atomic hosts drum circles, artist meet & greets, and themed costume parties every other Friday.  It's conveniently located on Arnold Ave. in Point Pleasant just 2 storefronts away from Green Planet and a few blocks from the beach. Free parking too! Try a local business first before rushing to walmart!

Window Display by Richie Brown

https://www.facebook.com/atomiccds
http://www.atomiccds.com/

Autumn Returns

August, September and October are my favorite months for the warm air, savoring the last moments of summer, smells, autumn cooking, weekend trips, my birthday, and dusting off the film cameras. 

Last autumn Daimon took a photo of me with my great grandmother's film camera. I still can't get over how crystal clear this photo is.

A photo of me taken last fall with 100 speed film.

A polaroid picture from this year, taken at Allaire State Park.

Here's a proof sheet from a trip we went on (that's right, I processed this roll the old fashioned way by shaking a canister!) Sorry the first shots are upside down! I like that middle right photo of Freedie Mercury.. oh wait that's just Daimon with a mustache. I like shot 21: a fellow hooper reading a vintage book on circus life in the backseat.

All year long I look forward to going on trips in October to spooky places. There's been some talk that a group of us might be visiting Sleepy Hollow. When we confirm some plans I'll pack my crocheted scarves, the Donnie Darko soundtrack, and polaroid camera!

How Many Men Does it take to Fix a Sewing Machine?

I went to an estate sale in Whiting, NJ and bought a vintage sewing machine for $20; a huge markdown from the original $140 pricetag. The seller had no relatives to accept the hand-me-down, or help moving the machine around, so I brought my trusty fiance to help me! I guess he knew it would be going to a good home; he even threw in a whole container of vintage buttons, original manual, all the bobbins and oil for the machine.

At first, I was concerned that I had been ripped off. Luckily, I have a Pop who loves challenges, especially concerning motors and machines. It took him some time but he got it working just before it got too dark.

In my research, I learned that this machine was first imported to America in 1947, and was the very first machine to have a zigzag stitch option. 

This baby pink "Nicchi" machine is built like a tank. Italy made! They make attachments for fancy embroidery, which are quite easy to find on ebay. The machine is attached to the table and even has an extension.  I was sure it was a 1940's and I wasn't too far off; it's an early 1950's model. It needs some cleaning and I may strip the wood and give it a new coat when I have a free weekend. I'm excited to add her to the family- right now I have a 60's Singer machine, new White machine, and a Singer Serger. Maybe one day I'll buy one of the bad boys to complete the collection. Keep an eye out for me!