Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Leikam.
Hi Katie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Before I was a teenager, my almost 90-year-old grandmother, who we all call Mammam, started teaching me about items like depression glass and signed stamped pottery and we would go thrifting together at local thrift stores in my hometown every day they were open. I enjoy the time with my grandmother and even a couple of weekends ago, we were looking in her old antique ice box at Victrola records she had stored. I learned a lot from her. My dad also liked to take me to auctions and estate sales looking for treasures. We would buy boxed lots together, sometimes not even knowing everything we bought in a box during the auction.
Over the years, I have developed a good eye for vintage and antique items, especially glassware and personal collections. When we moved north of Atlanta, I started going to Lakewood 400 Antique Market and very soon, I had my own permanent booth. Now I also have an Esty shop and website. I sell glassware, vintage metal recipe boxes, china and furniture as well as lots of other antique and vintage items. Although, this is my hobby turned into a second business. I am also a mental health therapist, speaker and author.
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?
It has been a fairly smooth road for me and a lot of fun! I love going on adventures by myself to purchase and pick and pick up merchandise. It’s very independent to travel alone and drive a truckload of items across a few states. I graduated with my MBA a couple of years ago and I feel that has helped me as well. My husband also is my best merchandiser and helps me on show weekends to make my booth look great and pleasing to the eye. It’s great to be supported in my lifelong hobby turned side small business.
As you know, we’re big fans of Katie Lady Vintage. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a vintage and antique dealer and picker. I search for, buy and find items and collections and sell them for others to bring into their homes and enjoy. You can find me every third weekend at Lakewood 400 Antique Market on Hall G currently or on my Etsy shop or at my website. I sell items that are as old as the 1880s to as vintage as the 1980s.
I am known for having collections of items such as metal recipe boxes, from as old as the 1940s, and antique eyeglasses, as well as china and antique books. I try to sell items that are unique, vintage, antique and colorful, and not just clear glass. My selection will take you back in time, no matter what your age, because either you, your mother, or even your great-grandparents had my items for sale in their homes when you were growing up.
I am most proud of my selection of items and how much it varies. I have something for everyone. I am unlike any other shop because I have such a history of picking and buying vintage and antiques. I also love to talk and share stories about my items and their source if my customers want to learn. I also offer customers local pick-up of antique and vintage furniture since I am a locally owned and operated small business.
What are your plans for the future?
I am just planning on continuing to have fun doing what I love to do and continuing to run and operate Katie Lady Vintage. I am also starting to sell earrings and jewelry that will be under Handmade by Katie Lady on Etsy. I hope to have another permanent booth at a local antique store in the Alpharetta or Roswell area and I plan on keeping picking antique and vintage wares. I also plan to keep my mental health practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katieladyvintage.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieladyvintage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katieladyvintage
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KatieLadyVintage
Image Credits
Katie Leikam
