October Moon

October Moon is an eclectic antique store in the heart of Portsmouth near Maryview Hospital.  I've been buying old, antique, and unique things for forever. 

My first purchase was a vintage blue Ford Fairlane.  I bought it at an estate sale before I even had had my driver's license.  I had to call my Daddy to drive the car home.  It was in mint condition, driven by a little old lady who passed away.  I made a nice profit selling that car.  By the time I was 18 years old, I had my own shop on Portsmouth Blvd.

What do I love about this business?  So many things, but let me tell you about just a few things. 

October Moon gives me a "license to buy."  I can buy whatever I want.  Now, isn't this really every woman's dream?  Half the time, I feel like a kid in a candy store. Of course I have to sell most of what I buy, but still...

I love the people and the stories associated with what I sell.  I have suppliers all over the region.  I handle a lot of estate sales, as well as help people who are downsizing for various reasons.  I cherish all of their stories.  As I look at the look at the headboard against the wall, or the chest of drawers in the middle of the room; I think of the owners and their history.  I'm happy when these beautiful things go home to a new home and make someone else happy. 

I have the time to get to know my customers.  I'm my own boss and even though I can end up being crazy busy (like I am now), all the work I do is for me.  I can run around in my bare feet if I want to.

I love being part of a local community, which I am able to do in a more intimate way than someone who works at a more impersonal location, like a big-box store. 

I get a kick out of seeing my customers as I bring in outdoor displays right around 6 p.m.  This time of year the sun just starts getting low in the sky and I hear car horns honk and customers or tradesmen I work with holler out "hey Buttons."  That's a good end of the day for me.

Cherish the antique and unique,

Buttons