I interviewed Selena and she was kind enough to let me take some photos at her store as well. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and love of vintage with my readers and I!
All photos taken at Blu Butterfly Vintage.
My love for vintage started as a little girl in front of my grandmothers vanity set and all her 1950's dresses, hats, purses, gloves, pearls... and shoes! I was in the drama department in high school in the mid 90's and that's when the collection began. My friend Rosita and I would go thrifting (we were supposed to be picking up props for the next play) but instead we would find ourselves spending countless hours buying vintage pieces lol! By our senior year in 1995 we had our closets filled with some amazing pieces from the 60s and 70s lol!
Do you have a favorite vintage decade?
I'm very partial to the 40s 50s because of the pride and quality of the clothing during those eras but I also absolutely love the 60s!
Besides vintage, do you have any hobbies/past times?
My favorite past time is journaling about what God is doing in my life. I hope to write a book one day about my life in hopes it would encourage other women entrepreneurs. My hobbies are painting with acrylics and making hemp jewelry.
Who is/are your style icons?
Who is/are your style icons?
I'm a huge 80s music fan so when I think of my absolute favorite style icons, I think of the B-52s! Kate and Cindy have amazing style and not to mention the music is fun. As a kid, I always loved watching them perform just to see their outfits. love love love them.
How long have you lived in Greenville?
I was born in Easley/Greenville area, raised in Orlando and moved back to the upstate in the late 90's. I love it here!
When did you start selling vintage?
I started selling vintage on Etsy in March of 2012. Then I opened my first brick and mortar shop in Downtown Easley on June 1st 2013. I left my corporate career in Human Resources to pursue what I love... and that's vintage fashion.
When/why did you choose The Village in Greenville for your shop?
I was magnetized to the village area a few years ago when there was a huge write up in the Greenville News about the natives making it an arts district. I could foresee it being a little Asheville with neat shops, arts and dining.
Do you have any advice on styling vintage in a modern way for girls who are looking to add some vintage pieces to their wardrobe?
I always have clients who come in the shop and they are unsure of how to mix vintage with modern. This is why I started styling all of my clients who come into the shop. My advice that I always give is be true to who you are first. Nothing is out of style and it's all about how you carry yourself. And secondary, mixing some fun tops and scarves with what you already have in your closet is easy to do. Thirdly, all of the pieces at Blu Butterfly Vintage are curated, prayed over, repaired, handpicked and are ready to wear when they walk out the door.
Do you have any long term goals/visions for Blu Butterfly Vintage?
Right now I'm getting ready to launch my sustainable clothing line in the fall of 2016. I've been working on it for three years and have finally gotten it all in order to do. We are also getting involved in the community and starting some outreach programs for the kids and the homeless in Greenville.
Greenville seems to have a growing market for vintage lovers/selling vintage. What are your thoughts/opinions on this?
I think it's great that it's finally catching up here in the upstate! We need that here because it's a big city idea. I've lived in the city (Orlando ) before and there is always a central hub by or in the downtown area where like minded individuals come together and congregate. I foresee the village having more vintage shops, a record shop....a great taco shop. I'm a visionary so I what I foresee happening I'm sure will happen in Greenville. We have already had comments about it being a little Asheville and that's exciting!
Any other comments you would like to add?
I've been a vintage curator for over 20 years and love what I do. I love the fact that I can help women everyday find their true unique self, to be different and set apart. I thank God for opening the doors of opportunities to be all he's called me to be. Romans 12:2.
I'm participating in a pop up shop THIS FRIDAY from 6-9 pm
Blu Butterfly Vintage 1279 Pendleton St. Greenville, SC.
Please stop by and check out local food vendors, music, and vintage sellers!!
