A year ago, I had a crazy dream to travel to England to buy antiques. In October, I did just that: went with my husband and two good friends, filled a few suitcases, and explored the country I’d dreamt of my whole life.
My mantra was: Let’s just see what’s possible.
Almost immediately after returning from that trip, my beloved grandfather passed away. He and my grandmother had instilled in me a love for antiques, history and travel. They also ran their own businesses, showing me what hard work and grit can do for an entrepreneur.
Sitting in the hotel room after his funeral, I opened my phone and booked flights back to England.
Somehow, celebrating my grandfather’s life made me want to live my own to the fullest.
He never stopped talking about his next trip, inspired by National Geographic magazines stacked by his overstuffed armchair. He collected antique Mason jars (many of which now live above my kitchen cabinets, with my own additions to the rows). And he had a thirst for connection. No matter where he was in the world, he found a stranger to turn into a friend - usually discovering a sixth circle of common acquaintances along the way.
I am beyond lucky to have grown up with his influence. And maybe that’s one thing that drives me to take risks and not wait for the easiest time to pursue this wild vocation that landed in my lap 5 years ago.
I would love for my grandpa to be a part of what I’ve built. The other day, my husband said my voice sounded just like his when our garage was stacked with English furniture and I jokingly yelled out, “I’ll give you $5 for that table!” as I pretended to be a passerby looking for a garage sale steal.
I wish he could have come to my event at the antique store last week - he would have loved diving into the cakes and sandwiches. He would have talked to every person that passed by, examined every unusual piece, told me stories of his own travels hunting down treasures.
But since he wasn’t there, I’m so glad so many of you showed up. Every hug, smile and handshake - every piece that walked out the door to a new home - felt like confirmation that I am on the right path.
Which is good news - because I’m going back to the UK in just a few weeks.
I'm never guaranteed to find exactly the piece I'm looking for. But I'd love to hear what kind of pieces you want me to hunt down on my next trip. This helps me know if I need to focus on artwork, furniture, or pub signs from the 1900s. Leave your details in the form below, and keep an eye on my Instagram for scenes from our travels.
Stay tuned for more news from across the pond, as I keep running after the next find.
Cheers,
Whitney