Today we’d like to introduce you to Madyson Williams.
Hi Madyson, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – To start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I’ve always loved vintage items and got started thrifting as a kid! My mom would always take me to thrift stores on Sundays and we would hunt for the 99-cent tags. Throughout high school and college, I loved expressing myself by wearing vintage and continued to thrift most of my wardrobe.
In 2020, I lost my nannying job because of the pandemic and realized I needed to do something to keep myself from having to move back home. That’s when Horse Girl Vintage was born! I remember going to my very first estate sale and being so intimidated; but after that first one, I was hooked. I actually started by selling vintage home decor and then eventually shifted to clothing and have been going strong ever since! I did my first pop-up market in 2021.
Eventually, I was setting up at markets almost every weekend.
My husband is a musician and one day one of his drummer friends introduced me to Bryson Nelson (owner of Nelson drum shop) and shortly after I started renting a tiny back room at Nelson! As my very first brick-and-mortar spot, it’s been a great launching point and has allowed me to grow my business so much! I love the community at Nelson, and being there has encouraged me to keep Horse Girl going strong.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been easy and I’ve cried over my business countless times. No one tells you how hard it is to figure out things like sales tax and business licenses!
It’s only with the help of other small business friends that I’ve been able to figure it out! I still get imposter syndrome regularly and feel like I’m not knowledgeable enough to be running my own business. But you just have to dive in and learn as you go!
Thanks – So what else should our readers know about Horse Girl Vintage?
I love providing people with affordable and size-inclusive vintage clothing! I strive to make my shop a place where everyone can find something!
Horse Girl Vintage isn’t a shop where you need to feel intimidated or like you’re being looked down on. I’m always happy to help people find something that fits them and that they feel good about! I love eye-catching and funky clothes that help you express your style!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting.
Find your community and don’t be afraid to ask for advice! When I first started selling vintage, I was intimidated by the reselling community, but now they are some of my best friends and supporters!
Wake up early and get out sourcing. Don’t let days when you don’t find anything get you down because the next day might be incredible! Be nice to others in the business because you never know when it might come back to bite you! Always be kind to your customers as well, they’re the ones that make it possible to stay in business! There’s a quote from Mr. Rodgers that says
“There are three ways to ultimate success. The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” And I think he is 100% right!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Caleb Anthony Young
