Meet Kerry of Birmingham, AL, owner of Here a Chick There a Chick. Kerry’s story isn’t your usual tale of a vintage seller, she has a bit of a twist that brings a whole new meaning to the idea of re-purposing vintage. Kerry is a maker. She began as many of us do, loving older items and selling so as not to overwhelm her home. But something happened along the way that changed the course of her career. Kerry makes incredible one-of-a-kind jewelry from bits and pieces of found objects, random tiny items that could easily be discarded, and loads of imagination.
How did you become a vintage seller?
I think many of us have a similar story. I’ve always loved old things and hunting them down. Eventually, I decided to open an antique booth and sell all the extras so I didn’t turn into a hoarder buried under all the things.
The turning point in my story was when I started playing with the small and broken things. My early jewelry items were those clip-on earring bracelets- real simple and cute. My work has evolved so much over the years but I still have a fondness for them. Long story short- eventually my monthly jewelry flash sales on Facebook, and creating new pieces was keeping me so busy that I closed up the antiques and have focused purely on creating my art!
How long have you been a vintage seller?
9 years!
What is your favorite era?
Tough one. Victorian. But also kitschy 30s/40s. And then mash them together because why not?
What would you describe as your specialty?
Taking bits and pieces that no one else thinks twice about, finding the meaning and the purpose, and turning them into a beautiful story. Everyone loves the flash of a rhinestone- but a crusty bit of old metal has just as much appeal to my eye. “What could this be?”
What is the best thing you’ve ever found and sold?
I can’t choose! I’m kind of all over the map and I forget what I’ve made, so I’ll see a piece from two years ago that I sold and gasp with happiness.
What is the greatest challenge of being a vintage seller?
Not getting into a rut. Not comparing myself to other people. Remembering I’m a niche, and not for everyone. Finding contentment in knowing that I am exactly the right size for me.
What is the best thing about being a vintage seller?
Saving all the things from the landfill! Want to go green? Buy Vintage save the world!
And connecting with people. When my stories meet their people. When the ladies gasp in my booth, or tear up and tell me how the pieces touch their hearts and memories.
Do you need a list of ten here? I could go on all day. This is the best job in the world.
What is the hottest category of vintage for you now?
Can never predict that. My sales are based on connection to the client. Earrings are always a solid seller. Sometimes I make things I love and no one wants. Sometimes I make things I could sell 500 of, but I can only make one.
This is what makes my art show circuit important, so I can reach out to more eyes and hearts beyond my social media reach. I’m so relieved the pandemic is on the wane and that ART will be at festivals again! SOON!
What’s something we have in our homes now that vintage buyers will be looking for in twenty years?
Anything well made, of beautiful quality, that isn’t too delicate or expensive. Anything that’s useful and beautiful for every day.
Definitely not those reproduction black and white signs. Or reproductions in general. It has no soul.
What do you collect?
What don’t I collect? Currently: folk art birds, really good quilts, colanders, clock faces, blue glass bottles, galvanized anything, old wash tubs, hand-carved anything, anything that’s 1930s chippy green and blue.
My rule is they have to fit in their assigned space. I love things, but I hate clutter. If that makes any sense.
Head over to Kerry’s Facebook or Instagram page if you’d like to see more of her work. Be quick though, her one-of-a-kind pieces sell out fast. Most items never make it to her website. So if you see something you like, shoot her a message on social media. She’ll reply lickity split!
Social media links:
Here a Chick There a Chick on Instagram
Here a Chick There a Chick on Facebook
Kerry’s website Here a Chick There a Chick
As vintage sellers, the Vintage Unscripted team is part of a community of like-minded individual and are pleased to support our fellow dealers. If you enjoy this new Seller Spotlight feature, please support these sellers by following them on social media and purchasing from their shops.
1 comment
I’ve long admired your jewelry, Kerry. You have a great eye and a talent for creating something marvelous out of bits and bobs that ordinary folk would overlook.
One of your “Bower of Birds” necklaces is on its way to me in Patagonia, AZ. I’m sure your work will be the talk of the town in this mecca for bird lovers.