Etsy Business Profile: Amelia Bedelia Vintage

Today we're chatting with Delia from Amelia Bedelia Vintage about her love of vintage!

Hi Lovelies! My name is Delia and I run Amelia BedeliaVintage and The Happy Forest out of Sherman Oaks, California. I'm a Chicago native and am trying a stint out here in Cali for a bit while my boyfriend figures out his composing career. I head home as often as I can to scout out my favorite thrift shops in the city and visit family... my Nana is turning 100 in August and am planning my trip back now!

Floral Bath Towel - Wild Flower Flat Sheet - Plaid Camp Blanket

How did you end up selling vintage? Is it your full time job?

I discovered Etsy about 4 years ago as a buyer, and decided to test the waters with a few vintage items from my own collection. Once I made my first sale, there was no going back! I realized that Etsy gave me an excuse for doing something I already loved, but couldn't justify doing as often as I'd like. I can definitely see this being my full time job, but right now I'm working towards fulfilling my hours as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and running the shops on my off days.

Is there a story behind your shop name?

My grandma Lucy always called me Amelia Bedelia growing up, so it's a bit of an homage to her, plus I like having my name hidden somewhere in there without it being too blatant. :)

Retro Floral Serving Tray - Mod Floral Coffee Mug - Scalloped Planter

When and how did you notice your love for vintage?

My grandma and I used to go garage saling a lot when I was little, and my grandpa was an auctioneer/junk man, so I feel like this is in my blood! I started thrift shopping with my girlfriends in high school and I don't think I have stopped since...I've always been drawn to older things, as they have more character than modern mass produced items and have a lifetime of stories to tell. There's also something VERY addictive about the treasure hunting aspect of this, as I'm sure most of you can relate to...finding the diamonds in the rough and shining them up to their potential is a pretty amazing part of the process!

Cocktail Glasses - Soup Mug - Vintage Book Collection

Do you have a favorite era?

Definitely in love with anything Mid Century, I love the amazing colors and design of that era. I could live in Mad Men! Also have a sweet spot in my heart for the 80's new wave aesthetic, especially all the bright, geometric patterns and crazy colors. I try to fill my shops with the most bright and colorful pieces I can find because it makes me happy to see it every day!

Do you collect anything (vintage or not)?

Sure! I don't think you can do this without being some sort of collector...I collect Homer Laughlin turquoise diamond restaurant ware, lots of bright mid century glasses (barware), vintage children's books (anything illustrated or 19th century especially), and vintage deer! Non-vintage things? Oh, sunglasses, pretty socks (which I have no use for in california, hmmpf), washi tape!, and a growing hoard of pretty paper napkins :)