Meet Fay Ripley | Vintage Clothing Reseller

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

Hi Fay, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration,
I don’t think you can go wrong.”
-Ella Fitzgerald

This quote really resonates with me because it’s taken a long time for me to find something I actually love and care about. Something I’m proud I’ve built. The love for my job has made me push through my own insecurities, grow as a person and learn so many things from the people I have the honor of meeting and working with. Even though I never knew this was my calling I’ve learned to love and find inspiration in my job. So as Ella Fitzgerald said “I don’t think you can go wrong.”

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Growing up I was always a introvert, if you could look back in time and see myself in high school I would either sitting at my desk drawing or immersed in a book. I was a extremely shy and reserved person, always feeling out of place and unsure of myself. I envied people who seemed to posses a clear sense of purpose and confidently pursuing their dreams. It took me years of exploration, trial and error, and self discovery to finally realize what I was good at; finding things!

Nine years ago my journey began as just a hobby. My fascination with vintage and antique clothing led me to incorporate them into my photography because I felt that each piece had a story to tell. I started a collection of antique dresses and textiles, my collection grew quickly as I started to find more and more. I found so much and was really good at finding clothing that I realized I needed to start selling. That was how my business Red Leaf Vintage was born.

I’ve met some of the most amazing people in my years of buying and selling vintage clothing, sat with them in their home, listened to their stories and had many laughs. I met with a lady who showed me and let me sit in her 1960’s muscle car, she told me stories about how in the 60’s boys would try to pick her up in their car and take her places but eventually she was like “why would I want to do that when I can get my own and go racing with my friends in MY muscle car!”
Another client owned a Seattle modeling agency in the 1960’s and told me her stories of adventures in Seattle dating and when she met Ted Bundy at one of the hotels she worked at. We sat together while she told me about her beautiful daughter who passed away at 28 years old, showed me photos of her on the wall where her daughter is posing in a cute 1960’s dress smiling with what seemed like she had her whole life ahead.
Unfortunately trauma can turn into hoarding, I spent a year getting to know this client and slowly helping her through her house that was full to the brim of clothing. I feel truly honored that people trust me to sit and talk with them and listen to their stories. Not only do I have many laughs, I have many sad days.
There’s been days when I have thought about quitting, mostly because it’s a roller coaster of emotions from meeting people, running my business in 3 locations, social media, being a wife and mom. This business is also highly competitive and can have a very ugly side, plus being a natural introvert to a forced extrovert can be tiring! But it’s all about balance and not losing your passion in both life and business. I find much inspiration in my time with other people and whether it’s beautiful or ugly there’s always a lesson to learn.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Spokane Washington has grown so much over the years. We have a huge art community with many talented people, every first Friday downtown retailers and restaurants feature artists, musicians, exclusive activities, product launches and food! So if someone came into town that would be a must! The historic Davenport Hotel is a beautiful hotel that you can go in to take a look or have lunch and admire the amazing architecture and history. Attached to the hotel is the Peacock lounge, they have drinks and a huge stained glass ceiling of a peacock. Spokane has beautiful parks and my favorite time is when the lilacs bloom in Manito park because there is a section dedicated to just lilacs.

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?
Writer Aja Barber, her book is called – Consumed. I also am a member of her Patreon. I love vintage clothing but I also realized many years ago that we have a major overconsumption of fast fashion on this planet. After I read Aja’s book I realized that there is so much more to explore in the world of clothing. Not just vintage clothing but the major issues we have to face in the fast fashion industry. I love her passion and drive! It’s led me to realize that there more to think about!

Instagram: Redleafvintage

Facebook: Red Leaf Vintage