Meet Evelyn Massey | Founder & Curator of Noir Vintage Co.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Evelyn Massey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evelyn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process when starting my business was to educate “some folk” on our contribution to black vintage and what our ancestors brought to the table in regard to fashion and dressing up, black people have always been and still are trendsetters, and innovators when it comes to getting dressed sustainability is the key factor to why I started this vintage business in addition to uplifting our culture in fashion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career started at an early age, I am a lover of art by design my first interest in creating was picking up an art brush and then a makeup brush, the rest as they say was history I became a makeup artist and worked in the beauty industry for over 35 years working the faces of celebrities, models, and creating editorial work. I think what sets me apart from others is that I am a triple threat when it comes to creativity… I can paint, curate pieces, and design anything, it seems to come naturally to me because I enjoy what I do.

I am most excited about where this journey will lead me in terms of my career as a vintage dealer late in the game, although I’ve loved vintage since the age of 17 the plan is to open a brick and mortar this year, Noir Vintage Company will not be your average vintage shop, I will introduce other exciting events that would add to the hub such as vintage tea parties, paint and hat night, mini fashion shows, vintage films, and much more to name including other black businesses and products.

I’m still not where I would like to be professionally it’s hard work, time-consuming, and scary at times because you would like to see perfection take place and we all know that causes stress and doubt. I’m still learning lessons as I grow this business, I’m all about leaving legacies whether it’s how you lived your life, your brand, or how your story ends.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am from New Haven, Connecticut very close to New York City so it’s nothing to hop on a train to travel towards NY, however, my city is full of places to go filled with beautiful museums and restaurants, and we have gorgeous parks to ride bikes and take a stroll, one of the largest colleges are planted right here Yale University so diversity is huge, lots of shopping and markets are always a plus. New Haven is richly cultural with interesting history so there is something to learn about our city as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My influences came from both my grandmother and great-grandmother whom I inherited my love of vintage, as well as black Hollywood sirens that have come before us, my shoutouts are going to all of the black vintage dealers and shop owners that are finally being recognized for their hard work in this industry. We see you!

Website: Noirvintageco.com

Instagram: @noirvintagecompany

Image Credits
photodimitri