Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Fantus.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
“Wild” is a good word to use describing my last few years. Maybe because I live with a significantly compromised immune system, on a planet overcome with an endemic that sounds like a drink my parents always have around for company. Maybe it’s because our family-owned and operated business, the one I had always dreamed of having, was up for sale. For almost a decade, I co-owned the coolest, hidden gem of a place, a vintage retail storefront offering estate sale services. The parents wanted to retire and, despite my persistent pushback about selling, I knew it was the right thing to do. A world of unknowns and potential life-long dream-crushing doesn’t sound like much fun – not until you fill in the juicy details.
Let me explain.
In 2020 the family business was sold and put under new ownership, consequently leaving me with a life-long collection of antiques and other found treasures, but no roof to merchandise and sell them under. Additionally, my mom and I kept getting calls for our estate sale services, despite no marketing whatsoever! In fact, since selling the business, we have hosted an Estate Sale almost every month, and the clients hiring us are all from word of mouth! How cool is that? I knew there was a way to continue this ride without a physical storefront, which is when I officially founded our new brand: CASA.
CASA is our name, and antiques is our game. Casa translates to house/home in over 20 languages. I curate items that have a story to tell, a tale that will live on and continue its narrative in the lucky customers’ homes that I get to meet and sell to. And as I reflect on the last few years and how “wild” it’s been, I couldn’t be more healthy, happy, and excited about the future.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! And honestly, I am okay with that. I truly believe that a bumpy road can make the journey more exciting. If I could snap my fingers and have my *ideal* scenario, I would be running a small storefront full-time while continuing estate services. Nothing fancy, but a physical place nonetheless. This hasn’t happened for me yet, and that is okay. I would rather wait for the perfect opportunity to present itself than try to make do with something less than perfect, ya know?
I learned that attitude is huge – so I try to constantly remind myself that I am thriving, not surviving. And I wouldn’t have this pep in my step if it weren’t for me learning to love myself and accept my reality, and know that change needs to be welcomed.
I would love to meet anyone who says their road has been smooth and challenge them to a thumb war. I might not win but I bet I will have a more fun experience!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
CASA is our name, and unique is our game! We specialize in respectfully-priced antiques, collectables and oddities, fine jewelry, and SO much more! Every time you visit one of our pop-up sales, it will look a little different as we are always finding new and unique items to add to our ever-growing collection!
Managing estate sales is another huge aspect of CASA. We offer an approachable and competitive contract for the industry; our Estate Services business model favors the consigner as we are able to begin selling the minute the contract is signed, and itemize every item that is sold from the estate.
’I would like to say I approach having a business from a consumer’s perspective, perhaps because I have spent almost three decades as one! My entire life has been a series of adventures, going in and out of stores, markets, boutiques, you name it, searching for the next treasure to add to my CASA collection. This experience has allowed me to understand and identify what I want and need as a shopper.
I don’t think about the sale – I think about the experience. I don’t think about my bottom line – I think about fostering lines of communication. I don’t think about the dollar amount – I think about the amount of quality in the items I collect. Everything has history, tells a story, and is one of a kind in its own right, and my goal with CASA is to highlight that beauty.
What do you think about luck?
I used to think I was made of bad luck. Not in any extreme way, but in the “WOW, this girl is VERY clumsy” kind of way. But my perspective has recently changed. I think our attitude plays a huge role in how luck is preserved.
I could say I have had terrible luck – selling the family business somewhat pushed me further away from that goal of mine to be a full-time business owner. That also meant less resources and an unknown financial future. I could also say I have had pretty good luck since I started CASA and have had new opportunities present themselves.
Pricing:
- Our Estate Services contract is 50%/50%
Contact Info:
- Email: casasd.contact@gmail.com
- Phone: 760-331-4066
- Website: https://casasandiego.mailchimpsites.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casa.san.diego/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casahomesd
