Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Knight
Hi Abby, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I had always loved interior design and home decor. I would go to all my friends houses and help them rearrange their rooms to the configuration I saw most fitting for the space. I vividly remember getting SO excited when I received the pottery barn kids magazine in the mail. (this was before technology, kids) I would spend hours going through and bookmarking which pieces of furniture I liked most, while envisioning them in my room.
I really fell in love with antiques and random vintage bits and bobs at a young age. Since middle school, I have always wanted to open up an Etsy store. My mom had an antique booth when I was a child, and her and my grandmother would drag me along when they went antiquing. Of course, at the time, I wanted nothing to do with it. Over time I came to grow curious and attached to these random, yet unique, objects in our home. So much so that I wanted to start selling them! I have this memory of me creating a little photo backdrop with a scarf in our stairwell, where there was all this natural light, and styling some random vintage object my mother had in hopes to list it on Etsy. Of course at the time we didn’t have high-tech phones with cameras, or at least I didn’t, so just picture me snapping photos away on my digital camera that my grandmother had gotten me for Christmas. That obviously lasted about a minute when I realized all the hoops you had to jump through to have an Etsy shop.
Jump to March 2021, my mother asked me to help her sell my grandmother’s furniture after she passed away. That’s when I got my first booth at Hodge Podge Antiques in Monroe to help sell some of it. At this point, I started getting really into sourcing and selling vintage. I would go to estate sales on the weekend to find treasures to fill my booth with. This is also when I began my interest in furniture flipping and refinishing.
In September 2021, I finally opened up my Etsy shop. It started out really slow, I probably only had 1-2 sales a month for awhile. That same year I began working at an interior design firm and home furnishings store. I think this played a huge part in where I am today and has definitely affected my personal taste. I learned a lot about designing spaces and the importance of making your home a reflection of yourself and the things you love.
It wasn’t until this year that I decided to go all in and create my own website. It’s all a work in progress and it’s always evolving. There’s so many decisions you have to make when you start a business. How do you want this to go? What do you want this to look like? What works best? It’s definitely been a long, but rewarding journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. There’s definitely a large learning curve. It’s funny to think back on because at the time, I was learning everything for the first time, so it took a long time! Now that I’ve been doing it awhile, everything comes pretty easily to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m always learning and evolving, but now I have more knowledge and experience than I did before. I don’t think people give themselves enough credit when it comes to the knowledge they have acquired over their lives. Like, yes it comes to you easy now, but it wasn’t always like that! There’s always going to be set backs and obstacles, but you learn how to overcome those and avoid future mistakes. Every mistake is a learning opportunity.
I would also like to say that it is so easy to compare your business to others and think that there isn’t room for you at the table. There is. Everyone brings their own unique perspective and talents, so don’t count yourself out!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about High Time Finds?
“At High Time Finds, we offer a curated selection of vintage items that can effortlessly transform your space into a true masterpiece. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of nostalgia or a unique statement piece, our collection has something for everyone. By incorporating timeless pieces from our collection, you have the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind curated space of your own that exudes charm and character.
Our roots stem from a passion for thrifting and the discovery of unique antique and vintage treasures. We hold a deep appreciation for home decor and the joy that comes with stumbling upon one-of-a-kind pieces. There is a special thrill in finally finding that perfect item you’ve long been searching for. Our mission revolves around the ethos of sustainability and the beauty of giving new life to old treasures rather than perpetuating a cycle of buying new. We hope that as you browse through our offerings, you will discover something special that speaks to you. Whether you’re a collector or simply looking for an uncommon item to add to your space, we invite you to explore and find something you love here.”
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
You can find our curated selection of vintage on Etsy under High Time Finds or at www.hightimefinds.com. If there’s a specific piece you’ve been on the hunt for, we are more than happy to source for you. You can fill out the contact form on our website or email hightimefinds@gmail.com. We hope to one day have a physical storefront you can come and shop at!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hightimefinds.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hightimefinds/
Image Credits
Just me!
Headshot is Evermore Photo Co.
