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Emily A. Clark

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Open For Business! (Pictures Of My Booth At The Antique Mall)

May 1, 2014

Today’s the day! My booth is “officially” open. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I got everything moved in on Monday—with tons of help from my friend Katie. I was a big, sweaty mess by the end of the day, but was so glad to have it all finished.

antique-mall-booth

I’ve already learned a few things along the way. For starters, styling a booth is much different than decorating a room. My taste is kind of all over the board, and I’ve obviously bought things that I like. So, when you put them all together in a 10×10 space, it can look a little chaotic. I was thinking booth set up would take an hour or so once we got it all in the building. I was wrong.

Here’s what the space initially looked like:

photo 1

I bought two plywood sheets and painted them with chalkboard paint to create a dark backdrop. I painted the walls and floor the same bright white.

booth7

Move-in day:

booth-move-in

It took some arranging and then some rearranging. I’ve had to get over trying to make every spot perfect and realize I’m trying to make a little money here. Besides, I doubt most customers mind digging through piles, if they’re anything like me.

I was worried about not having enough things to start the booth, but I ended up taking several pieces home to save for later. I’m also seeing that I need more surface space for display and will probably add some more shelving down the road.

I took pictures for those of you who won’t be able to visit. You may see a few familiar pieces; I’m selling several things from our last house that I didn’t end up reusing.

booth-styling

 

black-console-table

 

biz-cards

 

blue-willow-dishes

 

booth-display

 

painted-cutting-boards

 

chinoiserie-chest

 

brass-trunks

 

embroidered-pillowcases

 

watercolors

 

pillows

 

vintage-bottles

 

vintage-baskets

 

shop-display

shop-my-booth

(You can also follow along on Instagram, #ShopEAC.)

antique-mall

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Filed Under: My shop, shopping, Thrifting Tagged With: accessorizing, antique mall, furniture

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Meredith says

    May 1, 2014 at 7:49 am

    Emily, you’ve done an amazing job curating pieces and displaying them tastefully. I want the brass trunks, the glass jars, the fishing floater thingies, the brass candlesticks… :)
    I live in Chapel Hill, but I’m stopping by the next time I drive to my family’s house in SC!

    Reply
  2. Heather says

    May 1, 2014 at 8:09 am

    This space looks amazing!! I wish I had to drive through to visit!

    Reply
  3. Gillian says

    May 1, 2014 at 8:27 am

    It looks lovely, crisp, clean and inviting. I can’t help but think that this is a stepping stone to greater things :) wishing you much luck and many sales

    Reply
  4. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    May 1, 2014 at 8:29 am

    I see so many wonderful things I wish I could buy. You are going to be a smashing success, I know it. Congratulations!!!

    Reply
  5. Sandy says

    May 1, 2014 at 8:37 am

    Congratulations Emily. Your space is incredible. Oh how I wish you were in Ohio. I’m betting twenty-five items or more sell in one day. Best success to you.

    Reply
  6. Holly says

    May 1, 2014 at 8:41 am

    You did such a great job. I already see 3 or 4 things I would love to buy!

    Reply
  7. sherry hart says

    May 1, 2014 at 8:45 am

    Good Lord….how did you let go of all that great stuff? When I had my booth 20 years ago….that was my problem. It looks great Emily and I hope it all sells really fast:)

    Reply
  8. René says

    May 1, 2014 at 8:50 am

    Congrats Emily! So excited for you – already see a few goodies I want :).

    Reply
  9. Shel says

    May 1, 2014 at 8:53 am

    Looks fantastic Emily!

    Reply
  10. melissa says

    May 1, 2014 at 8:54 am

    It looks fantastic! Wish I was local so I could shop your booth!

    Reply
  11. Jennifer says

    May 1, 2014 at 8:55 am

    Love it! So excited that you are doing this! I can’t wait to get by and see it in person. Congratulations and happy sales!

    Reply
  12. Julie @Creating This Life says

    May 1, 2014 at 8:57 am

    Your space is amazing! I frequent a lot of antique malls and have never seen a booth as attractive as yours. I’m collecting things to open an Etsy shop but you make me want to do a booth instead. Best of luck! You’re going to be a great success.

    Reply
  13. Marie says

    May 1, 2014 at 9:29 am

    Your booth looks fantastic, Emily. I wish I could come shop! I’d also like to say, from one busy momma to another, that I am very encouraged and inspired by your determination to take on this business venture. Best of luck to you!

    Reply
  14. Andrea says

    May 1, 2014 at 9:51 am

    I would definitely be a frequent shopper of your booth if I lived close. It exudes style! Good luck with your new venture.

    Reply
  15. erin {whaling city cottage} says

    May 1, 2014 at 10:10 am

    This is so rad!!! The space looks amazing….I’ll take it all! Congratulations and good luck! You’ll do great.

    Reply
  16. [email protected] Stroll Thru Life says

    May 1, 2014 at 10:16 am

    It looks amazing. I am sure you will be very successful. Congratulations!!!!

    Reply
  17. cathyv says

    May 1, 2014 at 10:16 am

    Looks fabulous!

    Reply
  18. Megan @ Our PInteresting Family says

    May 1, 2014 at 10:29 am

    Your space looks amazing, Emily! I wish I lived closer. ;)

    Reply
  19. Jessica Horton says

    May 1, 2014 at 10:37 am

    ugh!! those mirrors are calling my name!!! they would be amazing over my sofa!

    Reply
  20. Kate @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating says

    May 1, 2014 at 10:46 am

    Wow, Emily! You can really tell you’ve put a lot of time and thought into this, very impressive for a mom of littles! It looks fantastic! Wish I lived closer so I could come shop. Best of luck!

    Reply
  21. Marlene says

    May 1, 2014 at 10:53 am

    It looks great! Wish I could come shop!

    Reply
  22. Kelly R. says

    May 1, 2014 at 10:58 am

    Congrats, it looks great! Wish I lived in the area. 100% obsessed with that milk glass compote holding your business cards!

    Reply
  23. [email protected] Daily Nest says

    May 1, 2014 at 11:02 am

    I love it Emily! I could go cra cra in there!! I’m sure others will too! You have such a knack for styling! Have fun!! Xo, Kathy

    Reply
  24. Natalie says

    May 1, 2014 at 11:34 am

    Ooo! I see so many things I’d like to get my hands on! Lamps, pillows, dishes…oh my!!

    Reply
    • Natalie says

      May 1, 2014 at 12:14 pm

      Can you tell me how I can get my hands on those pretty blue floral and cream pillows? Love them!!

      Reply
  25. Hope says

    May 1, 2014 at 11:34 am

    Looks fantastic! Lusting after that bamboo wine rack! I’m in NC too but about 3 hours away. Will definitely try to stop by the next time we visit the inlaws in Charlotte.

    Reply
  26. Tiffany Nash says

    May 1, 2014 at 11:35 am

    Your booth looks great and I love your shirt :-) GOCats!

    Reply
  27. cassie says

    May 1, 2014 at 1:17 pm

    it looks amazing!!!! way to go- wishing you the best!

    Reply
  28. Martha says

    May 1, 2014 at 2:01 pm

    Lovely space! Congratulations!

    Reply
  29. Tiffany says

    May 1, 2014 at 2:02 pm

    Good luck on your new adventure, everything looks great.

    Reply
  30. Valerie C. says

    May 1, 2014 at 2:19 pm

    Wow! You did a great job! I love it!

    Reply
  31. Amber @ Simple Dwellings says

    May 1, 2014 at 2:40 pm

    Yay! I am so proud of you!! You worked so hard and it shows. It looks so cohesive and well thought out. I wish I could take it all!! Great job to you both!!

    Reply
  32. JennyBC says

    May 1, 2014 at 2:49 pm

    fun, fun, fun! looks like my place to shop. i think i may have to make a trip soon. you’ve chosen your inventory well. enjoy!

    Reply
  33. Julie says

    May 1, 2014 at 4:24 pm

    Emily, it looks great! Congrats- it will be a great success!

    Reply
  34. Brianne says

    May 1, 2014 at 5:00 pm

    Congratulations, Emily! The booth looks lovely and those brass trunks are ev.er.y.thing!

    Reply
  35. Suzy @ Worthing Court says

    May 1, 2014 at 5:52 pm

    It looks amazing, Emily! I sure do want to come see your space. Maybe I’ll get lucky and catch you there! I know you’re uber busy, but if you have a second would you mind sharing what color green the chest is painted?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      May 1, 2014 at 10:05 pm

      Thanks, Suzy. It’s Caper Berry by Martha Stewart Living: https://emilyaclark.com/2014/04/painting-a-dresser-a-100-home-depot-giveaway.html

      Reply
  36. Mariann says

    May 1, 2014 at 5:56 pm

    Good for you, Emily. You always inspire, 5 kids and a wonderful blog. Now a booth!

    Reply
  37. Jan says

    May 1, 2014 at 5:59 pm

    Booth looks terrific with a good diverse mix of items to attract different decorating tastes! Amazed you fit all that stuff in there! If I may offer a bit of advice…I was in the antique business with booths for 15 years, & I found that if you invest in a good tall shelf unit you will have a ton of space for your smalls and can use the top of the shelf for more stuff. I can’t tell you how many people wanted the shelf units but I would not sell them because I had no where to display my smaller items! Just a thought……wish I lived closer & I would buy those great mirrors!! Best of Luck!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      May 1, 2014 at 9:32 pm

      Thanks, Jan! Appreciate the advise.

      Reply
  38. Lone says

    May 1, 2014 at 6:01 pm

    Emily, it looks awesome – so many great pieces. Congratulations

    Reply
  39. Pam @ Simple Details says

    May 1, 2014 at 9:18 pm

    It looks like so much fun!! Congrats on your new adventure, Emily!!

    Reply
  40. Megan // Honey We're Home says

    May 1, 2014 at 9:27 pm

    Wishing you much success with your shop Emily! It’s going to do so well! And people will love to meet you!

    Reply
  41. Erika says

    May 1, 2014 at 9:43 pm

    So exciting!! Congrats!! It looks awesome!

    Reply
  42. Katy Bell Hamnes says

    May 1, 2014 at 10:28 pm

    Emily, I’ve never posted before, but love your blog, your humble transparency, and the topics you write about! Thank you! I’m a mom and a decorator and have an antique booth also!

    In case it’s any help, here’s what I’ve learned: Use the VERTICAL space as much as you possible can. Large artwork, mirrors, chandeliers sell really well up there in the vertical space. (Thank goodness for ladders and handy, cooperative husbands)

    You’ll do great! Rooting for you, and if I’m ever up that way, you can bet I’ll be stopping by. I love your display of bottles – interesting and styled perfectly! Ps: Your tags are cute too!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      May 1, 2014 at 10:40 pm

      Thanks, Katy. I appreciate the advice. I’ve seen several other vendors there run a diagonal board across the top to hang chandeliers. I love the character of the brick wall but it’s making things a little tricky. Totally agree about the vertical space, though. Thanks again.

      Reply
  43. Edyta says

    May 1, 2014 at 10:31 pm

    Congratulations! The booth looks awesome! I really like that you painted it white! Can’t wait to hear all about how it goes

    Reply
  44. Abby M. Interiors says

    May 2, 2014 at 8:18 am

    Congratulations! Love. It. All. I’m so excited for you. I can only imagine how much work this was to put together. Hopefully the really difficult part is over and now you can just keep replenishing it with awesome finds. xx

    Reply
  45. Colleen says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:14 am

    Wow…I REALLY wish I lived a lot closer! I would take 1 of everything…Congratulations & best of luck!!

    Reply
  46. Tara says

    May 2, 2014 at 11:09 am

    It really looks amazing! I love it!! I think the black backdrop really makes everything on that wall pop. You really used every bit of that booth space so well. Best wishes!!!! Excited for you to see how it all goes.

    Reply
  47. SANDI says

    May 2, 2014 at 11:23 am

    THE BEST OF LUCK TO YOU! I WISH I LIVED CLOSE BY SO I COULD VISIT AND SHOP A BIT.YOU HAVE GREAT TASTE, AND I AM SURE YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!

    Reply
  48. Sherri says

    May 2, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    The booth looks great, Emily. You have staged it well. Having done booths and shelves in antique malls and shops, I agree: It takes a lot more time than you realize to make it look fabulous. I enjoyed doing it as a side-line business for a period of time because I needed to get rid of stuff that I had collected over the years, and it was a way to make a little extra cash. I have a day job as a dental hygienist! I am much more selective in what I purchase now and still love to re-purpose things from Goodwill, etc. My suggestion would be to change things around periodically. The ones who are regulars will walk right by if it doesn’t change, but just moving things around will draw their eyes to a different spot. And don’t get discouraged. Some weeks or months are better than others. I would be puzzled why my amazing items didn’t go like hotcakes! And I always had reasonable prices. Don’t overprice. Even if you paid or know something is worth more, shoppers want a bargain. You will learn along much along the way. Good luck, and keep us posted.

    Reply
  49. Karen says

    May 2, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    I so wish I lived closer. It’s STUNNING. I want most of it. Happy for you, but sad for me.

    Reply
  50. andrea says

    May 2, 2014 at 2:21 pm

    Emily,
    This is amazing! I so wish I lived close to you. I’d buy everything you have! Good luck!

    Reply
  51. Designs By Katy says

    May 2, 2014 at 8:20 pm

    Looks great, Emily!

    Reply
  52. Summer Hogan says

    May 2, 2014 at 11:05 pm

    Wow, it looks great! Can’t wait to stop in a see it!

    Reply
  53. Melissa Getts says

    May 2, 2014 at 11:27 pm

    Seriously amazing! LOVE your colors and how everything pops! I have been thinking of starting a booth, do you mind sharing – is this a mix of repurposed as well as new items? I love the sea glass and cutting boards, as well as all the glass bottles, just wondering if they were finds or if you can pick up new things you love that do well mixing in with the vintage? I am clueless about the rules :)

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      May 3, 2014 at 8:37 am

      Not everything has to be antique/vintage/repurposed but most of what I’m going to sell will be. Good luck!

      Reply
  54. Dawn says

    May 3, 2014 at 10:44 am

    Nicely done – it looks fantastic! I’d definitely shop there regularly.

    I love that you’re using price tags rather than stickers. Stickers are the downside of so many thrifting experiences – so difficult to remove.

    Best wishes!

    Reply
  55. Lisa H. says

    May 3, 2014 at 2:38 pm

    Very inviting! I am sure it will be emptied out by happy shoppers all too soon. Have you considered doing a sign with your logo on the white wall? I don’t know if that would be an antique-market faux pas or not, but it might help grow your brand. Good luck!

    Reply
  56. The Vintique Object says

    May 3, 2014 at 7:22 pm

    Not only is the booth really cute, it also looks just like you! Congrats on the opening. I hope you’ll enjoy the process.

    Reply
  57. caroline [the diy nurse] says

    May 3, 2014 at 8:37 pm

    Oh my goodness- I’m so proud and happy for you! It’s full of absolute gorgeous pieces! I pinned it in case I find myself in NC

    Reply
  58. Jen @ RamblingRenovators says

    May 5, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    I want everything in your booth Emily! If only I lived closer. Seriously, I love the way you’ve styled it. You know how you walk around an antique mall, aisle after aisle of dingy looking booths and then BOOM, one booth just jumps out at you and you have to look at every little thing inside that booth? That would be me, standing in your booth for hours. Well done! Hope stuff is flying off the shelves.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      May 5, 2014 at 2:58 pm

      I hope that’s how it works :) Thanks, Jen!

      Reply
  59. Jen says

    May 7, 2014 at 9:52 am

    A giant congrats to you and your amazing booth! You are one inspiring gal! And you have curated a beautiful collection of goodies to sell. Those gold trunks are calling my name!

    Reply
  60. Ann says

    June 19, 2017 at 2:05 am

    Love the before/during/after shots, that show the dramatic changes possible! I’m about to “take the plunge” myself, and doing much in-person & online research ahead of time–this was very encouraging, Emily!

    Reply

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