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

Hi Jake, what matters most to you?
Determination. Someone who is truly determined to accomplish something can achieve anything that is thrown in their way. Tons of people make excuses to not do something, mainly out of fear or lack of dedication. Being a 17 year old high school kid creates tons of obstacles for me, but my determination towards creating a well functional business allows me to learn from my mistakes and be consistent. It took many failed businesses and bad ideas to get me where I am today. Although I am still learning, the more time I put into what I have created the more success I seem to find. I am excited for what the future holds for me and am ready to expand my business into college.

What should our readers know about your business?
I created @FearofVintage shortly after my 16th birthday. For years prior I had been reselling items on eBay and other platforms as I enjoyed a having a side hustle. It started with just a small rack in my room with a couple t shirts and some hats. I would have my close friends stop by and “shop”. Fast forward a year and a half, I have obtained a decent sized following, attend local vintage markets to sell, and run a small shop through my basement. In my basement, I have had hundreds of adults, kids from my school and local schools, and even a rapper come shop. I am usually open about three or four days a week where people can schedule appointments with me and show up on their own time. I make thrifting easy and offer the best prices around town. I sell on platforms such as Depop, Whatnot, Ebay when I get something more expensive. It has gotten to the point where it is weird for me to go out and not see someone wearing a piece from my shop. Although profit has been welcoming, the pure joy I have to see people repping items from me overpowers everything. Being able to build a connection with customers and teaching the history of the pieces excites me and pushes me to keep doing what I do. Maintaining a good GPA, being a good son, handling a part time job, and lastly operating a small business are all things I have to do, I never have an excuse to not do something and I plan to keep working harder towards a bigger goal.

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?
I would first show them the shop, and then take them to a nice place to eat, such as Osteria Mattone in Old Roswell, then a nice hike on the Roswell MIll.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The vintage community is much bigger than one would probably assume. When i first began selling vintage I had just turned 16. I was welcomed into the community and was given tons of tips along the way. The amazing feeling you get from purchasing from other small businesses who all have the same goal which is to sell sustainable items as well as profit. Theres a huge market for people like me, who are history nerds but also have a sense of style. As the retro style only seems to get more popular, the more and more vintage sellers will be introduced. I am a strong believer that the vintage t-shirt community is one of the nicest and hardworking communities out there and need to be recognized.

Instagram: @fearofvintage

Other: Just on instagram 🙂 Thanks!

Image Credits
@photo.grimes

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