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
