Shirley Brandon and Debbie Strydom sell curiosities and curate homes with unique vintage goods at their intriguing store, Vintage Life, in Hillcrest.
How did your business start?
I’ve always been an avid collector; my home is filled with vintage pieces. I wanted to share my love for vintage with others and so I began with monthly markets. The demand was overwhelming, so I looked for a permanent space. I opened the Vintage Life store in partnership with my lifelong friend, Debbie Strydom. This enabled us to have a wider range of stock and provide a full-time service in terms of sales and advice for creating the dream home.
Why did you choose this area for your business?
Two Acres Garden Market is a lovely, spacious venue with a delicious restaurant, providing a great atmosphere for our brand.
How did you find your premises?
We were approached by the owner of Two Acres Garden Market, Kathleen Hornby Walsh, to open Vintage Life at her premises as she felt we’d enhance their tenant mix, and be a great experience for her customers.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
The Two Acres Garden Market clientele is ideal for our target market. Most people who visit the market identify 
strongly with the way we select items and conduct business. It is, after all, a different way of recycling; it is reusing and repurposing vintage homeware and items of the past, but in a modern and contemporary way.
Who are your neighbours?
We are based at the Two Acres Garden Market. Neighbouring shops include Story; which sells fresh flowers, gifts and clothing; as well as The Bird House which offers manicures and pedicures in a unique outdoor setting.
What are the rental/sales prices like in this area?
The rentals are very much in keeping with the neighbouring areas.
Do you have any expansion plans?
We have only been open for just under two months, so it’s difficult to say at this stage. We have extremely busy days, then quieter ones. I would say on average anything between 30 and 50 people.
Do you have any expansion plans?
We now offer a consultancy decorating service, giving advice on anything from paint colour and decorating guidance, to sourcing specific vintage pieces for our customers.
Do you operate online as well?
We don’t have a website but do have a very active Facebook page. We provide daily updates on new items in the store as well as ideas on how to achieve your dream home. We also sell countrywide through our Facebook page.
What’s your most popular item?
As every piece is unique and once-off, we don’t have a specific item that is more popular than others. I think the popularity of an item depends on the customer’s taste, and what they are looking for.
Vintage Life
082 820 6933
Follow them on Facebook here.
Words: Anne Schauffer
Images: Supplied
