Meet Stephanie Tavani | Vintage Shop Owner

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

Hi Stephanie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’m a stay at home mom of 3 (ages 13, 11, and 7). I used to be a teacher until my olderst was born (13 years ago)! I’m always on the go and don’t like to sit. I’m a doer. I’ve been into home decor (goods) for as long as I can remember. I used to browse the home accessories while my friends in middle and high school were into music (remember Turtles)? and clothes. Things were starting to feel a little stale. You know the daily never-ending routine of laundry, the dishwasher, grocery shopping, and driving the kids around. I was on the Peoloton one day and had the idea to sell vintage home goods. I had no idea what this would look like or if anyone would be into it. I had success in selling some big pieces of furniture and some small home decor before we did a whole house renovation. I did some research and hopped onto Instagram. My husband (who is creative and has his own company) sat down with me at a coffee shop one afternoon and we brainstormed how I should start. I created an Instagram shop (www.instagram.com/thesunnysouthshop previously called Sunny South Finds). I went out vintage shopping and got my first few pieces. I dropped the first one on March 28, 2002 and it sold within a couple of minutes. That momentuem gave me the drive to keep on going. I started by posting 1 vintage find a day. I think the novelty of there only being one item per day was intriguing to buyers. If you don’t act and buy it right away (called claiming) then you’ll miss out. I’ve had many customers tell me they were too slow and were sad they missed out on an item. Fast forward to 2 years later and I’ve sold 900 vintage pieces. I’ve shipped these pieces all over the United States. I have a website www.sunnysouthshop.com and also send out first look emails to subscribers. I’ve learned so much about vintage pieces as well as how to run a small business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I used to be an elementary school teacher (English as as Second Language) and before that an Immigration Assistant. I’ve always had the creative itch and after being a stay at home mom for many years I was longing for something of my own business wise. I’ve always been into home design and decor. I think what sets me apart from others is my energy. I am always on the go. This allows me to run around from place to place finding the goods for my shop. When I’m not out sourcing I’m at home photographing and listing the pieces. I’ve always loved photography and taking pictures, so that’s part of the fun of it. I also love forming relationships with others, so my customer relationship is very important to me. If you send me a message I’ll respond right away. I also love the idea of these vintage (sometimes antique) pieces getting a new “life” in their new homes. I find hundres of pieces, but that one piece you buy as a customer becomes very special to you. It definitely wasn’t easy reaching this step, but I’m still growing as a business and would like to grow even bigger. There are definitely times of highs and lows in this gig. One day you’ll sell many pieces that right away and other times it can feel like days go by without selling a single item. Selling on social media is weird like that. You never know who is seeing what you’re putting out there. But, it only takes 1 person, the right person, seeing it for it to sell. I’ve learned that comparison is the thief of joy. I try hard not to compare myself to other vintage online shops out there. Some have been doing this for longer than I have, some can put more time into it due to their life situations. That being said, I’ve connected with many and even formed some friendships with other shop owners. It is a competeive business, but also a supportive business. I want the world to know that my brand is about bringing one of a kind vintage home decor goods to customers around the United States. I have many repeat customers. Some have bought as many as close to 50 pieces from me. I’m excited for what’s to come and how my shop will change and grow over the coming years. I’m proud that I’ve singlehandly grown this shop from nothing to the over 3,000 instagram followers and 900 pieces sold and shipped all over.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m from Atlanta so it’s been exciting to watch it grow and change over the years. I grew up in Dunwoody and have lived in Brookhaven for the past 15 years. There are some good restaurants around here, but we really love going in town. Walking around the beltline is always fun. I love being outside and trying out new coffee shops and restaurants. Hitting up all of the vintage shops is a must of course, but that’s not for everyone.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a shout out to my husband for this one. He has started a few successful companies of his own. He’s super busy, but took the time to help me get my own business going. He also made my website and taught me how to prepare and send out emails to subscribers. He’s been my biggest cheerleader along the way. He’s also the one who got me interested in this whole vintage world before I even knew it was a thing. My kids also love that mommy has her own company. They are truly my biggest cheerleaders. Not to mention, they love to keep some of my finds as their own.

Website: www.sunnysouthshop.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesunnysouthshop

Image Credits
All images taken by me 🙂