So, turning 50 has it's plus side.....you just do what you have always wanted to do, because you realize that life really is too short. Now it is about steering the rudder, rather than going as fast as you can - so you can enjoy the scenic route.
About a year ago, I got a glimpse of my first vintage camper at the Country Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio. A group called Sisters on the Fly had several campers displayed there and after touring each one, I don't know what grabbed a hold of me, but I became obsessed with wanting to create my own. I also knew that this was the perfect direction to take my vintage store - it fit in so well with what I was already doing. So, earlier this year, I "dipped my toes in the waters" by contacting a Scotty Serro trailer restorer (who happened to only live one county over) and began brainstorming on creating just a facade (didn't think I could
really get a
real trailer) for my bricks-and-mortar store. It was going to be the "stage" in which to merchandise my little store.
Well, as things always seem to work out for the best, even if we don't know it at the time, the restorer decided he had too many projects to handle and was no longer going to be able to continue his little side business. So, that set into motion the re-thinking of my whole business model. I packed up my bricks-and mortar store and decided to plunge full-time into developing my online Etsy store - Swanky Safari. Knowing I would have to supplement my online marketing efforts to reach customers, I decided that a little vintage trailer would do the trick; I could take it "on the road" to flea markets and fairs. So began an intense search for the "perfect little camper".
Well, several months later ( as it turns out, that is a short amount of searching time) I found the perfect fixer-upper in a vintage canned ham trailer from New York! After scouring the internet, hunting down every lead - only to hear "it's already been sold"- turns out she was waiting for me in Niagara Falls of all places. All within a 4 day period, everything fell into place. I found the listing on Ebay... thought it had potential, but the seller was asking way to much for the condition the trailer was in. So, after much coaxing from my always-supportive Husband, I contacted the seller directly to negotiate a better price and much to my surprise - he took my offer! I guess I just bought a trailer!! John and I went two days later to pick it up.... near Niagara Falls, New York (we never actually saw the falls, just the mist in the distance)...turn around and hauled it home, all in one day. And just like that, I have a new pet project to dream into reality over the next 6 months.....watch for all the details here and on Pinterest, as this cutie is transformed into a charmer! Always an adventure awaits when you are on the Swanky Safari.
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| Road trip to New York (aka the scenic route).... couldn't have asked for a better time of year to do this! |
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| She's all mine :) Oh, the ideas in my head to glam it up! |
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Only one minor glitch on the way home - the siding started to blow off .
No problem, John, alias "McGyver", used the old hanging electrical wires to tie it together.
Worked like a charm. |
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...and YES, I drove it all the way home...thanks to my new trusty steed
"Dillion" (our GMC Acadia - love this car!!), it was really easy. |
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| She needs lots of help - I have plenty of ideas to fix that - right now she has new tires and that's about it. |
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| Definitely in need of a glamper overhaul....can't wait to start. |
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| Look at all these windows!! |
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| Say, buh-bye to 1960's blonde paneling and plaid cushions...we are bringing her back to a good vintage vibe. |
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| The adventure starts here |
