Located inside the Beauty Bee Storefront on the Trail along Gordon Nagle Trail, Vintage Vibes by Valerie offers a charming mix of old and new.
Established in 2024 by Valerie Marquardt, this unique small business blends hand-embroidered art and wearables with carefully curated vintage treasures. What started as a personal creative outlet has grown into a passion for styling spaces and creating “happy” art.
In this Q&A, Valerie discusses how a hobby turned into a business, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the joy of a slow craft.
What inspired you to start this business, and how did your personal journey lead you here?
“I started teaching myself hand embroidery in the Fall of last year as my oldest was starting their senior year of high school. I had a lot of anxiety and really just wanted something to focus my energy on. I quickly fell in love with this slow craft that I had always admired. It certainly did wonders for my mental health, and I found I was actually pretty good at it.
Soon after I started, friends and family started asking to buy pieces I had made and started commissioning me to make special gifts and decor. It got me thinking I should try to branch out and sell more items. I set up a little spot in my friend Hayley’s shop in Hegins, but it was slow going. When she decided to open a second location in Cressona (Beauty Bee Storefront), right down the road from me, I knew I wanted to try again. I am still getting used to being in a retail space, but the support I’ve gotten from my fellow vendors is worth way more than the sales. I still do a happy dance every time an item I made sells!”
What unique products or services do you offer that can’t be found elsewhere in our community?
“I offer a variety of hand-embroidered artwork, giftable and wearable items alongside some carefully curated vintage treasures. All of my items are hand-embroidered by me! I sometimes use patterns, but most often, they are my original creations. I thrift often for special pieces to go alongside my art, so I’m basically styling it for you and giving you an entire vibe for your space. I also take commissions, so if you’re looking for something special, I’d love to make it.”
Can you share an interesting fact or story about your business that most people may not know?
“I am a very messy crafter! I don’t have a work space yet per se, so I mostly embroider in my living room while watching TV at night with my hubby and our kitty. Sometimes I have ideas for multiple projects at once (insert undiagnosed ADHD lol) and my entire coffee table will look like my craft stash threw up all over. It otherwise drives my husband nuts, but he’s a trooper and supportive of my venture.”
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a small business, and how did you overcome it?
“My biggest challenge is probably that I’m my own worst critic, and I often don’t feel like I’m good enough. I try to stay positive, but sometimes I feel like a complete poser when I make things and no one seems to have interest in them. I’m still adjusting to the fluctuating sales that come with retail, so I’m not giving up yet, but I still struggle with this sometimes.”
What do you want customers to experience when they interact with your business?
“I want customers to be able to feel all of the love I’ve put into my work and I want it to bring them joy. I don’t just make what I think might sell. I make what I enjoy and what makes my heart happy. When someone else enjoys them and wants to add them to their home or give them as a special gift, it really brings me joy.”
What are your future plans or dreams for your business?
“Honestly, I am just excited to keep learning. Hand embroidery techniques are so vast these days, and I have so many techniques I haven’t tried or mastered yet. I am always playing and trying new things so I don’t think I’ve quite found my niche, but I’m loving the journey. I would love more followers to be able to expand my clientele in our area.”
Why should someone consider visiting or patronizing your business during the holiday season?
“I always try to shop local and shop small business, and I hope others will consider my handmade items for their holiday gifting needs. I have a few select items like Carhartt beanies that I don’t normally offer, so there are definitely some special items in my space at the moment! And our shop has over 80 super talented vendors so you can literally do all your shopping in one spot.”
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own business in our community?
“If it’s something you love to do, then go for it. I think sometimes the business side of a hobby can take the joy out of it, so I’m trying to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
At A Glance
- Business Name: Vintage Vibes by Valerie
- Location: 154 Gordon Nagle Trail, Pottsville, PA 17901 (Inside Beauty Bee Storefront on the Trail)
- Services: Hand embroidered art, goods, and vintage treasures
- Hours: Wednesday–Sunday (varying hours)
- Contact: Message via Facebook for questions or commissions
- Payment Methods: Cash, Credit/Debit cards, Gift cards, Contactless payments
- Social Media: Follow on Facebook
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