Meet Mariah Helms | Vintage Vogue

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

Hi Mariah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been thrifting since I was a child and would find something then make it mine with accessories or the sewing skills my Mom taught me or even my own art skills. Chances are that when I did that I always received complements because I was being uniquely myself. Also why one of my tag lines is “Be Complement Ready” because you will be noticed wearing my jackets. When you rely on only large fashion brands it can be hard to achieve a personal flare. Also, with all the fast fashion coming out sustainability became more important to push back with.

It dawned on me one day that I could do this, why not?! – I could take the things I find and turn them into a profit in a way that is helpful and fun!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is in sustainable handmade jackets, so mine are not going to be on a rack in a department store or look like others and my vintage brooches are found by me and again would not be widely available or look like others. It’s fun to have one of a kind pieces that set you apart.

Starting your own business is incredibly scary and it takes a lot of time. I was waiting for everything to come together perfectly at the beginning but life is not like that – you just have to do it and learn as you go or you might never actually start. I guess you have to get over the fear of failure and put all that energy into faith it will all work out. Even if it does not work out most of the time that’s not the end of the world and you have learned from it.

I would like everyone to know that it’s okay to be uniquely you and that changes in the world start with love and kindness to yourself, Small things count and add up to a larger sum. Spend the money locally for your micro economy, wear what you have and jazz it up with a vintage brooch, re-imagine a jacket and be surprised by all the complements you receive… make your own company! The world is yours.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to Cabbage Town and the sweet little park and Restaurants in that area, all that are local and special. In midtown: Blue India and The Lawrence are my go to spots. I would also take them along the Beltline because it really is great. We would art gallery hop and make an appointment to browse ZuCot Gallery.

For a little night life we would go to a Nonsense party with Kimber as the DJ and Alley Cat Parties. Banshie is also fun for a little dinner then a little party.

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?
Georgia Vintage Goods: The markets that helps me remember that I love finding treasures and vintage and thrifting – that I can be these vendors they find! I can create and sell and profit.

I also am obsessed with A Practice In Patience (fine art, candles, vases), Southern Oak Trading (vintage silver western jewelry) , and Gemini and The Wolf (candles and gems) – all found at GVG Markets around the Atlanta area and they are all sweet amazing women run business <3

Instagram: @jeanrosesboutique