Hello, my name is Erika. I grew up in Guangdong, China, and moved to the United States at the age of 27. I come from a unique environment where society often undervalued girls. Even at school, some teachers would openly say things like, “Girls may start with good grades, but by the higher grades, boys will outperform them.” For a long time, I felt lost and unsure of what I wanted in life.
During my university years in China, I spent plenty of time in the library. While most books I read have faded from memory, one stood out—a book about vintage markets around the world. Little did I know that this small spark would eventually grow into a lifelong passion.
After arriving in the U.S., like many new immigrants, I had to start from scratch. I lived in an area where the local accent was difficult to understand, and I was too nervous to even apply for a job at a nearby supermarket. During a period of uncertainty, I stumbled upon a YouTube creator who shared his daily life of visiting garage sales and thrift stores to find items he could resell for a profit. Inspired, I began exploring thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales myself.
Back then, tools like Google Lens didn’t exist, so I had to rely on my instincts. For years, I painstakingly searched for item details by examining their design, materials, and brand markings. I still remember spending 2.5 hours researching a Japanese ceramic piece to figure out its origin and production date. It took me six years to develop the ability to identify an item’s approximate origin, production period, and value just by observing its craftsmanship and material.
Despite the setbacks and personal challenges I faced, I never gave up. Vintage items became my constant companions during difficult times. One day, I realized that much of life’s struggles come from a fixed mindset, which leads to repeating behaviors that hold us back. I understood that I had the power to break this cycle, and with that realization, I gained the courage to grow alongside my vintage business.
This is my story. Although I’ve lost time and faced many challenges, I know there’s still a bright future ahead. Looking at the vintage treasures I’ve collected, I see them as gifts from my past self to my present. I’m excited to share my stories, knowledge, and passion for vintage with all of you.
Thank you to everyone who has supported my shop with kind reviews—your support makes me feel deeply loved and appreciated.
Have a vintage story or favorite find? Share it with me—I’d love to hear all about it! Don’t miss out on new treasures and behind-the-scenes adventures; follow my shop and join this exciting journey into the world of vintage!