We had a chat with the amazing Julie Childers of @velvetandshagshop who sells select vintage rugs from Turkey, Morocco, and Pakistan.
We feel so lucky to have this fierce lady with such a fine eye in our community.
Here’s part of our conversation with her:
Artisans Group: How did you get your business started?
Julie Childers: In 2010 I started a vintage home decor shop on Etsy. Then I put it aside to go back to work as a civil engineer in Tacoma. Once I started working from home during the pandemic, I suddenly had some free time. I already had a few vintage rugs on hand so I started selling them online.
AG: Once you decided to go for it, how did you begin?
JC: After 20 years in engineering, I left the politics-ridden, male-dominated field to sell rugs full time. I started posting my rugs on Instagram and did pop-up markets. Then I moved into my own small space. I met Monique of @ossaskinworks at my grand opening, which eventually led to my new, permanent space in her loft, which I moved into in March. I got super lucky. I work in a spa! What could be better than that?
AG: Have you had any special experiences as a woman entrepreneur in this community?
JC: My connection with Monique and the other women I work with at @ossaskinworks and the other women shopmates at my first location, @studio101_olympia , has been so amazing. Working as an engineer I just felt like I didn’t belong. But being a woman entrepreneur in our area, I’ve met so many great women who are open and supportive and want to see me do well, as I do them.
AG: What's one big success you're proud of?
I’ve honed down my products to a few select sellers so now I have great relationships with all of my sources and am really proud of my products. I’m also proud of my concierge service where I work with sellers to find specific rug options for customers.
I feel deeply honored when customers come back over and over. Purchasing a rug is an investment and I love helping people find something they’ll keep for their whole lives and pass down to their loved ones.
We love what you’re doing, Julie! Friends, go check out her rugs!
Posted on July 25, 2024
