Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Sundell.
Hi Abby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Community has always been so important to me wherever I have lived, and I love being able to connect artisans and the neighborhood! In 2020, I noticed someone selling thrifted and upcycled goods on Instagram. I have bought and sold plenty of secondhand items over time, but thought, “I could do this!”. I was at home with my 1-year-old and wanted to make some extra cash, but it quickly turned into a more passionate pursuit.
I started Sundell Eclectic in October one year ago and it’s been such a joy to connect and use both my sales and creative skills while honing new skills like graphic design and digital marketing. I also run Avondale Artisans as a local market pop-up business to create events centered around community. It started in December of the pandemic with hopes that it would be a safe and enjoyable way to get into the holidays.
My goal is to sell vintage and eclectic secondhand collections to warm people’s homes, and I am thrilled to be able to do that online and in-person at our markets!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d say some parts are smooth and others are more difficult for sure. The fun part is sourcing all the great pieces, putting the collections together, and making it look pretty. The tough part for me was running the business on top of sourcing while being a full-time mom. It’s hard to prioritize when you love everything you are doing. I am lucky to have storage for all the furniture and home goods I pick, and I am still working on creating a better solution for actual sales online both for me and my customer. I studied business only 10 years ago, but so much has changed in the digital world compared to what we learned. It’s fun to continue learning and being challenged!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I source antique, vintage, and secondhand home goods and furniture in hopes they will live another life with someone new. I have been told I have a good eye when decorating and decided to put it to use!
When I was getting started, I polled my friends and family- my “wise council” if you will- regarding the name and logo for my new venture last year and landed on Sundell Eclectic. I wanted to have my name incorporated somehow, and I am such a fan of so many styles, that eclectic was what made the most sense. My own home is probably an eclectic mix of farmhouse and southwest, so I am naturally drawn to those styles while sourcing. I love helping other people find the perfect item to fit in their home to give them that vibe they’re looking for. I also love the treasure hunt it takes to source all the cool pieces.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Advice for other starting out? Go for it! If you are that person that loves to create or source, make it happen. It is hard work, but I love each part of it. To stay organized, I started a spreadsheet for inventory, and I’d be lost without it! But if you really enjoy doing something, just start.
I had a hard time starting because I wanted pictures to be perfect, or still sometimes, I hesitate putting a collection together because I want it to be exact. But every time I just DO IT, I am reminded that it’s all about getting your stuff out there. No one knows what is in your head but you, so show them!
It’s really led me to find new uses for my creativity. I have met more people, created a new network, and found a new passion because I started posting things for sale on Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Email: sundelleclectic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundell.eclectic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sundell-Eclectic-102936835125376
Image Credits
Abby Sundell
