Local StoriesOctober 16, 2025

Meet Melanie Garbo of Vintage Diversity, Inc.

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Garbo.

Melanie Garbo

Hi Melanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was growing up in the 1960’s and 70’s, I was facinated with the fashion styles of the time, but as the last girl in a big Italian family and as a skinny, lanky type, I was timid as well. My parents couldn’t afford to dress us in all the newest trends, so they resorted to hand me downs which put me at the bottom of the fashion food chain. Once I joined the work force in the mid 70’s, I was still forced to be frugal as once we reached preteen age in our family, we were responsible for our own expenses. Fortunately, I had the passion and flair to match and coordinate my outfits as if I had a stylist. Fast forward to 1996 when I left the corporate world in my late 30’s and a 12 year career with my last position, I pursued a position managing a ladies consignment shop in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Some of the most amazing fashions came through my hands with my eye and desire fixated on the vintage pieces from the 1950’s-70’s. With the encouragement of a dear friend who at first was a customer, her knowledge and passion for vintage pieces of clothing, jewelry, hats etc got me hooked. We both enjoyed thrifting so we sort of competed on our finds. My friend talked me into securing a booth at a local antique mall. Several high end vintage stores in Miami and Palm Beach would purchase from my booth and sell them in their own shops. Six months later the mall was sold to developers and I had to make a decision. Find another space or give up my passion. Onward and upward! I found 500 square ft on Wilton Manors Island. I quickly out grew of that space and moved two doors down into a 1000 sq feet. After about two years there, specializing in 1960’s & 70’s, A customer asked if they could rent the polyester pants instead of buying. A light bulb went off in my head and at that very moment I realized that the dues I paid, the knowledge I gained and the passion I possess, there is nothing stopping me from taking this rental idea to the next level. In late 2004, I bought a building in Oakland Park with 3000 square feet of floor space to take Vintage Diversity to a place a never dreamed of. Now in my 25th year, I have a 900 square ft of retail treasures, 2000 square ft up to the ceiling of rental vintage from the 1920’s-1990’s where I style a rental costume on a client head to toe in the authentic clothing, accessories and props from these eras. In addition, I created two online vintage stores listed on Etsy.com with close to 2000 vintage pieces which are not in the brick and mortar. It’s been an amazing evolution and journey. I’ve promised myself and my long time clients that as long as I’m healthy, upright and still passionate, Vintage Diversity will remain a highlight in our humble town of Oakland Park, Florida. VintageDiversity.com

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Anyone who says owning and operating a business is a smooth road is not being truthful. Each milestore was gained by hard work, strong work ethic, determination, passion & perseverence. The most difficult challenge was not knowing the retail business. I had no experience or training in this field. I was not permitted by my parents to work retail when I was coming up. They were old school depression era and felt the girls were best suited for clerical office work or become a hair dresser as we would always have opportunity for income. Not only was it a challenge of knowing what to do, but also what not to do. Unfortunately in my case, it was trial, error & adjust. I knew nothing about taxes, insurance or advertising, The lack of experience in these areas left me chaising my tail at times while living way beneath my means in order to to compensate. After 24 years, I can practically complete all the tasks of running my business in my sleep. But, that still doesn’t leave me without challenges. Now, at 66 years old my challenges are physical energy, internet algorithyms and social media. The fast and ever changing cyber world is a constant reminder of my old school, vintage, baby boomer mentality forcing me behind the up and comers if I’m not able to keep up. It can be maddening! Especially when there is no budget to hire specialists to complete the task of updating the store’s various online sites. I developed and manage the updates of my website – vintagediversity.com, Instagram-Vintage Diversity, Inc., Facebook-Vintage Diversity, Inc. as well as, my Google business page-Vintage Diversity and my two online Etsy stores-Revivalofthefittest and Pupa Doll Vintage. With every hour spent on these necessary evils, I gain more knowledge and experience, which this old gal could not be stripped of by anyone. No one in any business is still around after 24 years without overcoming everything that challenges them.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Vintage Diversity, Inc.?
For more than 24 years, we have been South Florida’s Vintage Clothing Mecca & Professional Era Styling Service! We can style you in the 1920’s Flapper & Gangster, Newsboy, Great Gatsby, Harlem Nights, Speakeasy
1930’s & 40’s War time, 1950’s Poodle Skirt, Bowling Team, Rockabilly, Pin-Up & Greaser, 1960’s Go-Go Gal, Hippie, Mad Men & Mod, 1970’s Rocker & Disco Dancer, Mrs. Roper, 1980’s Madonna, Punk Rocker, Surfer Dude or Chick, Miami Vice, Michael Jackson, Huckstaple Kids,Valley Girl, Golden Girls, Dallas, Dynasty, & Work out Woman. 1990’s Saved by the Bell, Fresh Prince,
Salt N Pepa or anyone you can think of from these eras!

We’ll dress you head to toe in *ORIGINAL VINTAGE CLOTHING! for rental price of $150.00! Kid’s under 12 styling available for $50.00. Your costume party, class project or event will be dressed by Vintage Diversity! We can also rent Wardrobe & Props for Milestone Birthdays, Charity Balls, Class Reunions, Family Reunions, Anniversaries, Showers, Bar/Bas Mitzvas, Theatre, Film, Photo Shoots & Commericals!

Our retail side provides the highest quality clean & authentic curated vintage pieces from the 1930’s to Y2K for sale in small, medium, large & Xlarge for guys and gals or anyone inbetween.

We also have two
online ETSY stores with close to 2000 items not in our Oakland Park store!

There are vintage stores, thrift shops and costume stores in every town. Vintage Diversity offers a unique blend of all of these to bring you a one of a kind look with superior customer service, in a fun and happy environment!

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
As long as I’m healthy and upright, Vintage Diversity will remain!

Pricing:

$150.00 head to toe era styling
$65.oo for a dress or jumpsuit rental
$35.00 any top rental
$35.00 any bottom rental
Retail from $15.00 on up

Contact Info:

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