The Garage Sale Queen: How My Mom Could Sell Anything

Hi there, fellow vintage enthusiasts! You probably have someone in your life that inspired you to start hunting for vintage treasure. Maybe you got the curating bug by going to garage sales as a kid, like me. Today, I want to share a story about my Mom, “Carmen, the Garage Sale Queen.” My mother was a true master saleswoman. She could sell anything, and I mean anything. From cars to furniture to jewelry, my Mom had an eye for treasures that could make a pretty penny.

Sales Strategy: Price to Sell & Negotiate

My Mom’s garage sale strategy was simple – price to sell and leave room for negotiation. She really could sell you the shirt off your own back. She was quite the character and always came up with creative ways to find and sell items. Interestingly enough, my spouse has the same brilliant sales skills. We have a running joke in our family that they are related.

Oh boy, did my Mom love jewelry and she had a knack for curating and selling it. I remember going with her to garage sales, flea markets, and pawn shops, searching for the perfect pieces to add to her collection. And let me tell you, she always found awesome stuff.

My Mom had a way of knowing exactly which pieces would sell. As a master curator, she was curating before curating became a trendy thing to do. Buying low and selling high was her winning strategy, making a profit every time. When my Mom was young in her teens, she used to work in the fields to make extra money. Always a hard worker with a full-time job as a waitress and a side hustle, my Mom was the real “Wonder Woman.”

As a child, I didn’t fully understand how cool my Mom was. But now, as a vintage curator myself, I look back at her with admiration and appreciation for her craft. She inspired me to do what I love, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Sadly, my Mom passed away in 2020, but every time I curate my vintage pieces, I think of her and the lessons she taught me. I carry on her legacy by searching for unique and special items that will bring joy to others.

So, here’s to you, Mom. Thank you for being the “Garage Sale Queen” and inspiring me to follow in your footsteps.