Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Polk.
Hi Rachael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started selling vintage on the side to help support my boy’s sports etc. It went so well that a year later, I started doing it full time doing pop-ups shops and events and vintage markets with the help of my husband Kris who helps me on his weekends off. He’s the sweet guy who’s always by my side making my dreams come true. I was a trained floral designer for years and four years ago, I added flowers to my shop. I do pop-up shops from SD, OC and LA monthly. You can also find me doing floral styling as well. I definitely have a certain esthetic. I’d say it’s a neutral beach meets the desert vibe. Lots of texture natural elements.
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?
In the beginning, it was hard. It’s like moving a 300 sq foot apt every weekend at my pop-ups. Also, the pandemic has really made it tough.
Shows getting canceled for a year and now with so many struggling financially, we are definitely seeing a slow down on the retail end.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m known for having an all-neutral shop. You won’t see any bright colors in my set ups. With the exception of my husband doing all the heavy lifting. I do all the work myself. The floral designs to all the hand-selecting of my vintage threads and home decor.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Leaving a full-time job to work for myself was a huge gamble. I remember telling my husband that I wasn’t happy and I needed to start my own thing and work for myself and make my own schedule. I wanted to be a present mom in my boy’s life while earning money.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shopthreesparrows
