Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Garbo.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melanie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It began with a passion and flare for fashion coordinating and decorating in my younger days. Then an interest in vintage clothing later in my 40s.
Through the enjoyment I received from thrifting, it quickly became a collection that became too much for my home closet space. In 2001, from the urging of a close friend whom also had quite a vintage collection herself, I rented a booth at an antique mall in Boca Raton to highlight my collection for sale. After becoming a resource for large, established vintage establishments in Miami, Chicago and NYC, I felt I might be on to something. Until six months later when the rug was pulled out from under me by receiving notice the mall property sold and was to be replaced by a high-rise condominium. Scrambling for a place to house my humble 10′ x 10′ boutique, I located a tiny store front on the Island City of Wilton Manors, Florida. Using a cash box on a mica stand I found in bulk pickup and shelving from a thrift shop, I began Vintage Diversity. Three months later I moved to a better and larger spot on the same block where one day a customer asked if he could just rent the polyester pants for his event. From that day, the “head to toe” rental of the authentic vintage ensemble was to be the mainstay of my business. Always enjoying coordinating outfits for family and friends throughout my life, and pretty good at it I might add, now I could finally earn a living for what I had a talent and a passion. Three years later in 2004, I purchased a building in Oakland Park where Vintage Diversity remains today as the only business of its kind which provides a retail side of vintage clothing as well as an online vintage store, a rental side of vintage clothing for costuming and props for individuals attending parties, fundraisers, family and class reunions, film, commercials, television shows, theater, stage performances, music videos or just plain era dress up fun! This past year we even added a private photography studio to rent hire our in house professional photographer for your own private photo shoot with access to our 3000 square foot wonderland of the 1920’s to the 1980’s collection.
The upcoming Halloween season is soon to be upon us with now 16 years in business, the ideas to dress one head to toe are simply endless!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Vintage Diversity story. Tell us more about the business.
There are costume stores. There are vintage shops. But, no one does what we do and no one provides the details of an era like we do. One stop shop.
I personally select, purchase and clean each item. Clothing, wigs, hats, jewelry, footwear, accessories, and props. These items are not ordered. I seek and shop for them wherever and whenever I frequent thrift shops or estate sales.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
This is not about luck.
It is hard work, talent, passion, determination, work ethic, perseverance, but most of all…. God’s grace!
Pricing:
- There are options to all who enter. Buy or rent pieces or a head to toe is a flat rate of $125 per person.
- Head to toe, all inclusive, unlimited ensemble is $125.00 per person plus tax.
- Retail side range from $10-150. With a final markdown rack of $10.00 per piece or three for $25.00.
- Al a carte rental pieces are $25.00 for any top $25.00 for any bottom, dress or core outfit $60.00.
Contact Info:
- Website: Vintagediversity.com
- Phone: 954-566-7678
- Email: vintagediversity@aol.com
- Instagram: Vintagediversity and vintagediversity4sale
- Facebook: Vintage Diversity, Inc.
- Yelp: Vintage Diversity
- Other: Etsy.com/Revivalofthefittest
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
