Check Out Kelly Edwards’ Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Edwards.

Hi Kelly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got my love for pickin’, junkin’, or antiquing whatever you like to call it from my sweet mother. When I was a child, my mother and her friends would go to every sale they were able to find. They would load all the kids up in that station wagon and off we would go we would spend the day looking for treasures some days we would come home with the car loaded even stuff tied to the roof.

The kids would stay in the car and sometimes have to have our lunches and the moms would let us go into the sale with them. I remember always carrying a blue with a gold trim royal crown bag with all my coins in it so I could buy a treasure or two. My love for all things vintage had become an everyday part of my life. I would find great treasures everywhere from garage/estate sales, thrift stores, antique stores, and even some dumpsters Jump ahead years later my husband and I would go on adventures every weekend finding treasures everywhere through New England to Florida.

We would buy furniture and restore items for our home. My dream was always to own my shop but never thought it would happen. When we moved to Georgia over 30 years ago we drove through Dahlonega and my husband said, “Would it be so fun when we get older to own an antique shop in this town?” Through years of life’s ups, downs, twists, turns, and different careers we always kept our dreams alive, and by the grace of God we are in Dahlonega living our dream of having our Shop, No.3 Vintage.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Opening your shop and being a female does offer up some challenges. My past experiences as a partner in another Antique Store helped reduce most of the initial startup obstacles. It was learning about the clientele and how they buy in the very quaint tourist town. Along with this was understanding how strongly the seasonal items can impact your bottom line. During Covid, we had to shut our doors for two months.

We got creative and started our weekly Facebook Live Sales. This not only saved our shop but expanded our customer base and created a whole new marketing opportunity for us. We continue to have our weekly live sales every Wednesday Night. Lately, we have been testing out Instagram as an additional medium for these sales as Customers do have preferences for these platforms.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I started my love of Antiques and Home Design when I was young, watching my mother find items and turn them into fantastic vignettes. As I grew older, I continued decorating my own home with vintage items. Living in Connecticut just out of college antiques were cheaper than new furniture so this helped. My husband and I kept collecting over the next 25-plus years as I worked my main job in Youth Ministry. It then started small with a booth at one of the local shops in North Georgia.

Then I moved into what I call the big leagues and had a re-occurring space in one of Georgia’s premier Antique Markets “Lakewood 400”. During this period, I would talk to vendors and learn as much as I could about items. I would research all of my pickings and pass this knowledge on to those customers as I sold it to them. I believe that sharing and helping others in this industry, especially small business owners is essential for all of our success.

Then I partnered with two other talented women and we open up our Brick and Morter Store “Soul Sisters” in Dawsonville, GA. Our first location was a very small shop and we soon expanded to a second location within walking distance. Within a year we had outgrown both shops and made the move to our third location. Each time learning and expand on the best ways to offer a unique shopping experience for our customers.

The opportunity of a lifetime came my way and although it was a hard decision, it was the right one to go out on my own and build what would become “Number 3 Vintage” in Dahlonega GA. Many very important women helped me get this business going and I could not have done it without their help.

From the beginning, my vision was to offer the most unique shopping experience to the customer and provide the best in service. All of my Team (I don’t want to just call them vendors) have their style and offer distinct product lines from Mid-Century, Classic, or my favorite which I call Yummy Chippy Goodness. Our shop allows a customer to feel almost as if they are in someone’s home as they move from room to room. We intend to not just display items but to show them in ways in which you can envision them in your space.

I am most proud of our customers’ comments and reactions when they are leaving the store. To hear them say “I love your Store” or “This is my new favorite antique store,” tells me we are doing things right.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in Luck. I believe that God has a plan for us. His hands have been in this from the start. That is why I named store No. 3 Vintage, 3 being for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Also because He has blessed us with three wonderful children.

A lot of hard work from my husband, family, and friends has gotten us to where we are today. Some might call it luck that a dear friend heard of a building space opening soon or having the right people walk through the door looking for a job. But I truly believe this is the work of something much higher.

Contact Info:

• Website: no3vintage.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/no3vintage
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2284650051817701
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@no3vintage