Hidden Gems: Meet Sybil Golin and Drew Ramsey of Buzz Vintage Boutique

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sybil Golin and Drew Ramsey.

Hi Sybil and Drew, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We are cousins who are also lifelong friends. Before Buzz Vintage, Sybil worked in many facets of the film and television industry and Drew worked in the high end retail and service industry. We shared the dream of owning a business and working from home in a creative capacity. When the opportunity presented itself, we jumped on it. Trusted friends and family can make great business partners and we always laugh and have fun, play with clothes and make new friends. Until we want the same dress.

A combined fifty-five years of experience in retail, service and entertainment instilled a solid work ethic, a desire to do our personal best and always strive to deliver exceptional customer service. Lifetime loves of art and fashion fuel our passions and a love of vintage clothing and style has been constant.

The uncomfortable truth is mass-produced clothing is no longer in fashion because the clothing industry is doing horrible things to our planet. Why not help the planet and look great while doing it? Buy second-hand/vintage/used/upcycled/#whateveryouwanttocallit clothing.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our biggest hurdle was the learning curve of ecommerce and the technical challenges it presented. Ecommerce is still relatively new, so flexibility and patience are key. Our first year was really intense because we were laying the groundwork for all facets of the business.

We enjoyed starting small and growing slowly because we made our mistakes with a small audience of friends and family. We had to pivot many times and stayed true to our brand and vision. Sometimes it was hard not to be discouraged, but we never gave up and cheered each other on.

We have learned to work with what we have and use our creativity to maintain our brand. Unlike a traditional clothing store, gathering inventory is not determined by manufacturers. We follow fashion and let the clothing we find dictate our direction for the season. Creatively amazing yet logistically challenging.

Social media is our primary marketing focus and can be challenging. It is a constantly changing platform and it is essential to stay informed and relevant.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Buzz Vintage Boutique finds high-value pieces and prepares them with a lot of TLC for a new life with today’s fashion lovers. We only sell what we would buy and wear. Transparency and quality drive our vision and our customers are the number one priority. From photos and listings to our packaging, the love and dedication we put into our brand comes from the heart and our loyal customers feel it.

We are fortunate to purchase collections directly from wardrobes which has many benefits. Mixing and matching within a wardrobe is simple and the items have been cared for properly.

Our models simply bring our stories to life and convey how the clothing fits and feels. From our gracious inventory suppliers to our amazing models, we love having a genuine work family and practice loyalty and good business at all times. Our reputation is our most valuable asset.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Lending someone a hand is one of the great joys in life. We literally would not be in business if it weren’t for the generosity of a few and they know who they are.

Always ask for advice and help. Ask politely, ask humbly and you will find that people will want to help you.

We have learned from our own mentors to sleep on it, be patient and give yourself time to learn new skills. Being in a hurry never benefits anyone and we try to let things take their natural course.

Contact Info:

• Email: contact@buzzvintageboutique.com
• Website: www.buzzvintageboutique.com
• Instagram: @buzzvintageboutique
• Facebook: buzzvintageboutique

Image Credits
Image of Sybil Golin by Zach Golin Image of Drew Ramsey by Drew Ramsey Photography All Models Photographed by Drew Ramsey. Models (left to right) Paris Raquel (black dress), Sarah (long red hair) Melissa Brazilia (short black hair), Lauren Ryan (long blonde hair).