Meet Austyn Christopher of Powder Springs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Austyn Christopher.

Hi Austyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always been a creative person, with the desire to use my skills and turn it into my profession. I have tried many careers from being an elementary school art teacher to a bridal stylist. But never felt like it could stick. Throughout my life I have consistently had a flicker of hope to work in/for an art gallery- I will admit I was a little intimidated at the level of “stuffiness” I would feel in some formal galleries. JUMP SCARE! COVID…JUMP SCARE- now a mom of two kids….JUMP SCARE- I quit my job as an art teacher. Hop, skip and a jump later- my family owned commercial property became vacant and I knew it was my turn. I wanted a place that felt communal, where weirdoes were welcome. A place where stories can be told. One of the best parts about my antique store/art gallery is that it is the house that my mom grew up in. My mom lived here from the time she was in 7th grade until she married my dad in 1983. My mawmaw and pawpaw continued to live here until 2004 so in a way…I grew up here as well. We had every holiday gathering here, so many cousin sleep overs, so many memoires. Heirloom Antiques and Art Gallery is full of history and stories, and now it is a beautiful hub where artists, collectors, makers, etc. can tell their stories. We have something for everyone here. We host art shows of all kinds. I think all artists should be viewed and celebrated. We have vendors who make handmade items like candles and soaps etc. and we have people who have created a rad curation of their collectables for sale. This is my happy place and I think everyone needs to come and feel the magic within these walls.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was as smooth as it could be honestly! I just had to be patient and give myself grace with the timeline and that fact that nothing happened when I planned for it to happen. Like I mentioned, I was a stay at home mom of two when I decided to start this venture…what I haven’t mentioned is that I was also heavily pregnant with my third during this time as well. I had my third (and last) kid in late April and we had our opening August 1st! Woman can do it all folks!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The thing I am most proud of is how I am able to help artists and get their art seen! I gain their trust and walk them through the process and take over the reins to curate a bomb show. They trust me to show their art at the highest potential- I do my best to make sure that they also witness their art and truly see how talented they are! I have had shows since September and we are almost fully booked for 2026 so it is only up from here!

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My nick name growing up was “dare devil” I have been a risk taker my whole life. I have learned over the years that my anxiety about certain things was actually my intuition wearing a costume. So I now use my intuition during my risk taking. Opening Heirloom was a huge risk- I was questioned the entire time- by people who were looking out for me. But I knew that this little white house was begging to become what it is now. What is the saying? No risk, no reward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heirloomantiquesartgallery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heirloom.antiques.art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577789859649

Image Credits
Ashley Lynn Photography