Great Old Stuff for People Who Love Them

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gina Campbell, Founder of 1889 Salvage Co, located in Spokane, WA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I own 1889 Salvage Co - a vintage and antiques store on N Monroe in Spokane, WA. I carry lots of great vintage furniture, home decor, and funky stuff, along with locally-made skincare, candles, and jewelry. My customers like their homes to express their personalities and want the items in their homes to be unique, sustainable, vintage, and affordable.

Tell us about yourself

I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur, but after an especially challenging time as an Executive Director of a huge event, I felt that if I could do that event successfully, I could do almost anything. An entrepreneur was born! I always loved vintage things, and a space became available in a cool upcoming neighborhood, so I just went for it and opened a storefront. The store is my creative laboratory, and I get to work with an amazing vendor team. As a Purpose Driven Business, we are always looking for ways to give back to the community. The cherry on top is that as our products are all vintage or antique - we are keeping tons of stuff out of the waste stream.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being highlighted by the PNW Inlander in 2022 as one of 8 Community Insiders in their Annual Manual magazine was extremely rewarding. They talked about our purpose-driven mission, and that made me very proud.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The vagaries of the economy and the invariable dips in business that come with the weather and times of the year are hard because they are beyond my control. Keeping the overall vision in mind and having fun is important to move past some of the challenges.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Start small if you have to, and do your research but don't be afraid to start the business of your dreams. Don't worry if you aren't perfect...you'll learn, I promise...make Progress, not Perfection, your daily mantra. Find ways to use your business to give back somehow...it's motivating and rewarding personally. Your contributions to the community will resonate with your customers.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.1889salvageco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1889SalvageCo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1889salvageco/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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