Wednesday 28 May 2014

Mind Your Own Business - The Story Behind My Selling Career.



Its too wet for outdoor shots today and as the house is in utter chaos from our festival packing I thought I'd share some photos from last Saturday's Street Food & Flea Market.


The location was the Light House Media Centre in Wolverhampton, former premises of Chubb Locks, in Victorian times the sole supplier of locks to the Post Office and HM Prison Service and designers for a safe case for the Koh-i-Noor diamond for the Great Exhibition.


Despite the atrocious weather (typically the sun came out at closing time) the crowds flocked in and took more money in the first half-hour than we've made all day at some fairs.

We even got papped by the press HERE (they changed my surname and married me off to Jon, blinkin' cheek!)

Just to prove I'm no bandwagon jumper here I am with Mum back in 1991 selling second hand clothes from our market stall.


As a teen I'd go to jumble sales & junk shops and spend my pocket money on period clothes (vintage wasn't a term used then). I built up a huge collection, selling to a lady with a shop in Nottingham who'd advertised in the local paper, making enough money to put a deposit on a flat, open a savings account and leave home.


As a student I supplemented my grant by selling Tootal scarves, tab collared shirts and suede fronted 1960s cardigans to the mods who drank in the pub I worked at. My mum shared my passion for second-hand stuff and we regularly rented a market stall or did indoor car boot sales.


Not too long after I started my corporate hell of a career, jumble sales and charity shops soon took a back seat, I simply didn't the time for second hand shopping, but once I quit I soon got my life (and my shopping habits) back on track. 


In 2001 I was working in an office and had usually completed my workload by mid-morning. Bored, I took to surfing the Internet and one day discovered eBay. One lunchtime I found a Chanel soap dish complete with its original bar of soap for 55p in a charity shop. Back at home I listed it on eBay promptly making a profit of £26. From then on I was hooked.


I spent my spare time scouring the charity shops, trawling the car boot sales and listing everything interesting I could lay my hands on. The money went straight into a savings account. Within six months I could afford two return flights to India.


In 2004 I landed a managerial role in a private health care clinic and, with my impressive CV, was able to negotiate a four day working week with every December off. This enabled me to continue with my eBay selling and to spend four weeks a year in India where I'd buy handmade hippy clothes, bags and jewellery from the markets, ship them home and sell them to my colleagues and on-line. 


In 2006 I had a total hip replacement. I ended up off work for six months, receiving the minimum statuary sick pay. By this time we'd paid off our mortgage and, after doing the maths, realised we could afford to live quite well without the restriction of paid employment so, in 2007, I handed in my notice and became self employed.


For five years I sold exclusively on eBay along with the occasional car boot sale. At first it was fabulous, I earnt more than I did as an employee and the days were my own but eBay started to get harder what with unscrupulous buyers, incessant trips to the Post Office and rising sellers fees.  In 2012 I was offered a pitch at a local vintage fair and we absolutely loved it. Customers could try clothes on there and then - no returns or refunds or things going missing in transit - and they were more than happy to pay the price on the tag. As someone who'd always worked front of house being able to talk to people was what I've always excelled at.


In 2013 we decided to give selling at festivals a go. We've been festival goers for years and it seemed like the ideal way to combine our passions - live music, having a laugh, all day drinking, meeting like-minded people and making a bit of cash from vintage clothes as well - its being paid for having fun. 


Kinky Melon will never make us rich - I cut my own hair and shop at Lidl, my wardrobe is 99.9% second hand, I don't own a single designer handbag and I've bought one new pair of shoes in five years but we have no debt and are having the time of our lives. 
Isn't that all that matters? 


Check out our friend's site - Wayne Fox Photography. He's the talent behind most of the photos.

Right, I'm off to pack my festival bag!
See you on the other side.

92 comments:

  1. Hello Vix,

    We have not known you for very long, but this story fits exactly with the kind of spirited woman we believe you to be.

    Life has not always be kind to you but you have made the downsides into triumphs and for that we totally admire you. You have achieved a huge amount through your own endeavours and hard work. You clearly have great discipline and a capacity for seeing the potential in things. You also have a wonderfully creative eye. The presentation of your stall is testament to that. No wonder that people are tempted to buy and you deserve every success.

    Nothing stays the same for very long and it is good to reflect upon things and change when needed. It is easier to stay in the comfort zone of inaction but, at the end of the day,we do all have far more potential and skills than we tend to give ourselves credit for and we can move onwards and upwards if we try. You are such a great inspiration in this regard.

    The festival season is awakening.......is it ready for you!?

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  2. Sounds like a great life style doing something you are so passionate about...Keep doing what you are doing...it's fabulous

    ...:)...
    blessings

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  3. Lovely story Vix and great photos - have a good festival xx

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  4. What an inspirational story, I love it, thank you for sharing!! I think that yes, having a really good time is more important than being rich but also stressed out and not having time to spend time with the people you care about. I am very fortunate at the moment to be working 4 days a week - it pays the mortgage, the job isn't stressful, and I get long weekends to do with as I please. I'm far happier than when I was working full time.

    So nice to see you in your teenage years as a blonde too, that made me smile! I think I prefer your raven locks now, but maybe that's because that's what I'm used to seeing??

    Well done on making a living from a hard market too, I've tried selling second-hand clothes but I'm obviously not very good at it!

    P x

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  5. That is for sure all that matters!
    Great story about a very gifted and great woman !
    hugs !

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  6. Knowing you Vix, I think you would succeed at anything you put your mind to. You know your market well, you display your goods attractively and possess a positive, friendly nature, no wonder you do so well. Yours is a very inspirational story, I've been overpaying my mortgage as much as I can in an effort to reduce my working hours as soon as possible.
    What a fab location for the flea market and Wayne's photography is a perfect showcase for your lovely wares. Enjoy the festival and I hope it stays dry. xxx

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  7. Lovely story (we make our own 'luck' in this world:)!

    X

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  8. I loved reading this, truly inspirational.

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  9. Absolutely that's what matters. What resonated most with me is that you've always known what you'd love to do most and look at you now. I feel much the same way about where I've been and where I'm going. Many people don't realise or know that before I even had kids I was collecting vintage children's clothing and selling them off to friends and friends of friends. I've grew up op shopping and with the vast majority of what we had secondhand. My passion started long before people used terms like vintage. I love hearing about all your adventures you're amazing and an inspiration.

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  10. Wayne's photos are really, really brilliant, aren't they? Almost as fabulous as your story, darling! I just love that you make your life the way you want it to be; you know what makes you happy, and what works financially, and you've gone for it. Your pitches always look incredibly colourful, inviting and vibrant - but then they would, they are a reflection of you.
    I hear you about Ebay, that's a tough gig these days, and face-to-face selling is so much better suited to you. We know how much everyone likes to chat to you, and you are without doubt the best advert for your business. But let's not forget Jon too, you two are a great partnership (Mrs Baker, ha!) and his boom box skills and cool style are also great assets for Kinky Melon.
    The picture of you and your mum is wonderful. Look at those big smiles, I can tell you're loving being together and doing what you both enjoy.
    Loved this post, Vix. Keep on being Kinky, love! xxxx

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  11. Lovely to hear your story - from soap dish seller to Vintage Vixen! :)

    Lovely pics - and yes typical of the sun to make a late appearance. Though I guess you had a captive audience?! :D

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  12. You lead an inspirational life ... you really do.
    xx

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  13. It's a very positive story! I hope to make my main wage out of the things I love doing one day. For now, I'll just make a few extra bob.

    I love the craft fairs at the Light House. I'm not in that neck of the woods often enough these days though.

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  14. What a wonderful legacy your mother has left you! The snap from 1991 captures her energy, charm and grace -- and yours.
    Those dazzling smiles invite shoppers to pause and enjoy the fun you're both having, just being there.

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  15. The photos by Wayne Fox are really very good :) I love the picture of you and your mum and your selling story. I've never sold on ebay, I've heard too many horror stories for it to even be tempting. Love the picture of Jon peeking through the rails xxx

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  16. Vix, you really are inspirational. I'd admire you and think the life you lead is perfect. I'd hate to be swamped in debt with all the designer goods. What's the point??
    My only debt is my mortgage and that's the way it'll stay, until I pay that sucker off with working super hard. :)
    x

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  17. You are amazing. Thank you for sharing your story! I quit my hellish cubicle job working as an insurance biller and it was the best thing I ever did. These past (almost) 5 years haven't made me rich, but selling on etsy, working in my friend's clothing boutique and blogging have made me so incredibly happy. :)

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  18. You once commented that I'd led an interesting life. Now I can return the comment! Loved reading how you got to where you are now. Your store is styled so well. I definitely would be stopping by...if I didn't live on the other side of the world! Enjoy the festival!

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  19. ... and that is why you are such an inspiration to so many! M x

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  20. Great post, lovely photos! You are so right, you have to do what makes you happy. We are only here once after all. I'm now fortunate enough to follow a similar path,(mortgage paid off years ago as well) and am loving being poor and free!

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  21. love your story and how you found back to the "work" you love! all this beautiful pictures of a happy smiling vix proof this. i wish i had your talent to make personal passion into a little money......
    xxxx

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  22. What a brilliant post, I found it really, really interesting to read about how you've built Kinky Melon up. I've followed your blog for about a year now and had no idea how you'd set everything up. It's so interesting. Well done to both of you, what an achievement to pay your mortgage off!

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  23. You are such an example to follow, my dear queen of vintage.
    Tons of love and enjoy the festival. I do hope the sunshines for you
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  24. I love you and your story :)
    xoxoxox

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  25. I so enjoyed reading about the origins of Kinky Melon! Such a great life you two now lead - an inspiration to others to live the life you want to live, not the life you feel you ought to live...
    Have a fab festival!

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  26. What a wonderful, inspiring story of following your heart to bliss, Vix. Love the Chanel soap dish story - the beginning! xox

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  27. such a free spirit you are, very talented , I admire your hootspa!!We all dream the dream and you made it happen!

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  28. I'm sure there are plenty of rich people who are miserable as hell. To me you both are truly 'rich' because you found what you love doing and are best at. Not everyone is lucky enough to be paid for something they love doing anyway! And to be debt free is just the icing on the cake. Well done you both - you're an inspiration! xx

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  29. What a fascinating brilliant success story. Success because you've managed to find a way to love what you do which of course means you'll never work another day in your life.

    Who even knew that Chanel *made* soap dishes???

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  30. To answer your last question, yes, that is all that matters. It was really great to read this post and hear all about how you two came to have the interesting and inspirational lives that you do. You're amazing and I so so wish we didn't live an ocean apart.

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  31. This is really inspirational and motivational. You are 'rich' in that you are living your dream! x

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  32. I really enjoy reading about how you got to where you are. You make it sound so easy but even though it has been and is fun it was due to your hard work and thrift that you are where you are.

    Respect lady, respect. I wish I had had as much nouse as you.

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  33. Having the time of your lives is all that matters! I'm with you there! you are in control of your life and choose what you want to do, and supplementing it with your awesome Kinky Melon Boutique, I admire you so much and you were key in me making my decision last year to feck my job off, one of the best things I ever did - I love the pics of the market, what a gorgeous place! have the best time at the festival!! I'm all excited for you! x x x

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  34. I kept hearing that One Direction (I have a 7 year old in the house, these things are unavoidable so I just go with it and enjoy) song "Story of My Life" in my head while reading this post. I never actually put a deposit on a flat with my selling proceeds (real estate is fiendishly expensive here) but most of the rest rang true for me, or for some of my best mates. I promise I am not blog pimping here, I just want to point out this photo of my fresh faced self selling off old clothes in the 90s, your lovely photo with your mum reminded me of it so much! http://skylarkandson.blogspot.com.au/2009/08/making-space.html I might also add that I have sold a few of those 90s button down the front a-line minis to youths in the last few years! Lovely as ever, props to your mate with the camera too!

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  35. An inspirational story. You deserve your success having worked hard for it. It goes to prove that money isn't everything, satisfaction with your working life and enough to live the life you choose to live is so much more important. May it continue for as long as you want it to. xxx!!

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  36. I love hearing about how long you have been at this Vix especially since there are so many people selling their "stock"="closet these days. Not everyone is good at curating stuff to sell most seem to just be selling their own clothes because they went crazy with they own obsession.

    These photos of you and Jon are wonderful. Of course Wayne Fox had to snap you both, just look at you....retinal candy baby! I'm so pleased you sold loads in that first hour, what a nice tone for the rest of the day it set. The photo of you and your Mum is really cool to see!!! I hope you guys have a wonderful time at this festival and sell all of Jon's boom boxes.....that tartan one would look great in my MINI:)
    LOVEYOUxxxxoooooooooxxxx

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  37. Great story Vix!!! I agree, if you can be happy, then just do it- do what you can. I can understand how selling in person is so much easier than selling on Ebay. In person you can try things on. I've always been really reluctant to buy anything too expensive vintage that's on Ebay or Etsy for the difficulty if it doesn't fit- as I am a difficult shape- size 6 top half usually but bottom half a 10! I'll only take a risk on cheaper stuff but never really manage to find anything I like!
    Those boomboxes are so amzing!x

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  38. It was lovely to read your story Vix, it's great that you are able to do what you love x

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  39. A lady after my own heart. Your life mirrors my own in so many ways. I just wish I was as outgoing as you. You truly are an inspiration. Keep doing what you're doing lovely lady xx

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  40. It's obvious to see that your steeped in this business, love. It's
    wonderful to be able to make a living, albeit modest, from what you love to do. It shows as well. Happy sellers = happy buyers. Kinky bloody rocks.
    Love Wayne's photos.
    And yes..that is all that matters.
    Loves ya heaps.
    xxxxxxx

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  41. What an inspiration , you are so talented and luck does not come in o it with you doing what you want to earn a living , its sheer hard work and determination , well done xxx

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  42. What a great story and so fantastic you can do something you love. Happiness comes from things other than being wealthy. I have less money now than I did when I was in an unhappy marriage but I'm much happier.

    I have spent most of my life shopping second hand and grew up doing so with my parents. They did it long before it was trendy, along with things like composting and this so called "clean eating".

    I have a theory that the UK is better supplied with quality vintage clothing but it may also be in part due to my living in a small town that I don't see much of it. Oh well, I confess I have a strong aversion to polyester though I am always admiring such clothing on other people.

    Great post, Vix! such gorgeous photos but then the subjects are gorgeous too!
    xoxo

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  43. I have always admired your determination, focus, and goal-setting ability in order to have the life you want to live. Thanks for sharing your story, and it makes sense that you have always had an eye for a good bargain, and a likely re-sale. I have thought about selling things on Etsy or Ebay, but I spend so much time on the computer already, I couldn't bear it. I like selling things face to face, and have had success in the past with having "porch sales".

    Your booth is such a wonderful reflection of both of you, of course customers will flock to it!

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  44. I love hearing people's personal business stories. They so often start small and meander, but when they find the thing that they truly love, that's when it works. And it so does for you. You live and breathe it more each day and are going from strength to strength. It's a good lesson for all of us, about the real meaning of life. You and your stall always look amazing, but I have to say my absolute favourite photo on this post is the one of you and your lovely mum. You look so happy together. How wonderful to have had so much in common and to have enjoyed spending time together. What a blessing. You were a gorgeous blonde, but I like the more colourful you of today. Have a great time this weekend oh kinky one! xxxxxxx

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  45. That's one fascinating story, you gorgeous woman!

    Do you come to India every December now also?

    And those boomboxes are SO COOL! <3

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  46. wonderful post! the photos are over the top beautiful ...

    to see kinky melon on the road really makes me miss the fashion flea markets my friends and i organized for years ... maybe one day i find a new spot and a new crew to start all over again ...

    have lots of fun this summer selling!!!!

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  47. Farking great photos!! Wayne did you lovelies proud. That tartan boombox, incidentally...WOOF!!!
    Such a brilliant story! You clearly have the balls and passion to make it work, and make it look like the most fun! Love the pic of you and your Mama, you sexy pair!!!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  48. Oh, I wish I were in your shoes (literally and figuratively)! Me and hubby have been trying to live self employed and it's not working too well. Sounds like you have a great life to me! :)

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  49. Truly inspirational Vix. You and Jon are a genuine friendly pair and work hard but play harder.


    X x

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  50. Truly inspirational Vix. You and Jon are a genuine friendly pair and work hard but play harder.


    X x

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  51. Fabulous pics, and fabulous fair!, both of you look awesome!, your maxi dress is a dream! and all that stuff and boomboxes!, fabulousness!
    And it's great to read about your business!, your genuine attitude is inspiring and make me feel happy!!!
    besos & Inspiración

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  52. That's a great achievement, not only getting your business so well established but knowing your product and how to sell - the gift of the gab is undoubtedly your biggest asset I would guess... I like the idea of December in India every year. Great inspiration, Betty

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  53. I love your story, Vix. I got into vintage a couple of years ago and at first only had time to buy on eBay and Etsy for my own collection - work and kids made it impossible to spend much time looking in person. Last year we moved to Austin, TX and as I'd left my job for the move, I had time to discover estate sales - and got completely hooked. I still buy for myself, but I also have an Etsy store. I work full time again now, but you're living my real dream. Good for you!

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  54. Oh, Vix, you are my hero!

    Love,
    Masha

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  55. I had to read that post twice because all I got from the first time was that 0.1% of your wardrobe isn't second hand. You should do a new stuff post!

    I didn't realise you started off buying and selling so young, although I knew your love for vintage went way back.

    You and Jon have such a fab life, even though you do live in sin!

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  56. Blonde or dark you are gorgeous, and you have the best SMILE!!!

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  58. It`s very inspiring story:) You have great style and ideas!

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  59. What a fabulous story. I love the way you have worked to live the life you love. What a lovely photo of you and your mum.
    Apart from your hair colour you haven't changed a bit!

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  60. Ebay is great but you just can't beat a 'real' market, so glad you're bacl doing fairs and festivals!

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  61. What a quote and unique stuff!

    WWW.PUTRIVALENTINALIM.BLOGSPOT.COM

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  62. Great post Vix. As Krista said, you really have a knack for picking things people want to buy, and displaying them so very temptingly! :)
    Have a great time at the festie. Speak soon,

    Annie xxx

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  63. What a great story thanks for sharing!! You have such a great eye lost treasures!! ~Heather

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  64. Was Wayne responsible for the smiles? I've said it before but you look fantastic when you smile!

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  65. I just needed to read that right now! xxx

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  66. Woah what an amazing story! Thank you so much for sharing it. It's very inspiring to hear of people just doing it their own way. I recently moved back to my home county from London and it's been scary, there is a lot of pressure to live a highly powered and super successful (in monetary terms) lifestyle from my peer group. I was so unhappy jumping through those hoops. I've never been interested in it and have always wanted to be my own boss and enjoy life as well as feeling fulfilled by my work. I'm very glad I did move out of London and your story has really spurred me on!!
    XX

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  67. p.s that photo of your mum and you is fab! X

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  68. Oh this is a truly wonderful read........you and Jon are fantastic!!!!!! Inspirational!!!!!
    What a great journey..............
    So many parts of your path are like ours.
    Wishing you a splendid festival.
    Love v

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  69. Vix thank you so much for sharing the story behind Kinky Melon. I remember being so excited for you last year when you hit the festival circuit for both work and play - listen to live music, dress up, dance, meet fab people AND sell awesome clothes - bonus!!! You're right to spot your natural talent as a front-of-house seller. We've never met, but I can see from the way people react to you that they are charmed and gracious about the moments they get to spend with you. This is a very, very touching tale, thank you once again and it's lovely to see the pic of your beloved Mum. Big hugs sweetie and wonderful pics from Wayne Fox! xoxoxoxoxo

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  70. I definitely believe that it's more important to spend your life doing what you love than to waste it doing something you hate for a higher salary. x

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  71. Those who manage to make a living from doing what they love are truly blessed. xxx

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  72. Lovely Vix, what a story!! It's so interesting to put the pieces of our life mosaic together and see that despite all the strange twists we actually have an integrity our whole life. You are of course an inspiration to so many! Beautiful, talented, intelligent, warm, funny, creative, true to yourself, genuine and always on fire with your passion! I admire all that about you.

    I loved seeing your old photo - you actually remind me very much of my good old friend back in Russia, Irina, you could be sisters!! I am not surprised at all that Russians in India think you are Russian. We need to dig deeper into your roots. :)

    Lovely and creative photos - especially the one with Jon and boom box. Love his green pantalones too! xxxxx

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  73. Haven't I just written a looong comment and it disappeared?

    Happy to repeat!

    You are an amazing woman, Vix - and your story is genuine and inspiring! You are beautiful, talented, intelligent, warm, just a fantastic woman who is true to herself! I know I told you that before, but some things are good to repeat. :)

    I also find it the most interesting that when we put all the pieces of our life together, all the mosaic makes sense at the end, despite the fact that there were some strange twists to our stories, we still can see the integrity. You did it beautifully here.

    I also want to mention that yo remind me my very good old friend Irina, you definitely have something Russian/Slavic going on in your roots! xxxxxxx

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  74. YESSSSSSS!!!!! I'll be sharing this story. It's wonderful to know the history and timeline. The pic of you and your mom is very, very special.

    Love you much!!!!!!!!!! XXXXOOOOO

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  75. I wonder what happens to those looooong comments which I write and they disappear - do anybody ever see them? :) Lovely, beautiful, inspiring, sparkly Vix!! Love your story. I just wanted to say that despite the fact that sometimes our life makes unexpected strange twists, after all we put the puzzle together and see a beautiful picture, and see that we had an integrity during all the years. And that is what I see in your story!

    So lovely to see the old photo. You actually remind me my good old Russian friend Irina - you could be sisters. We have to dig deeper into your roots, dear!! :)

    Jon with his boom box is so fun, and I love his green pantalones.

    Mush hugses and the best weekend to you! xxxxx

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  76. A little Vixy history!! You're so badass!! And those photos are perfect!

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  77. Fantastic story. You are fab.

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  78. Oh Vix, this is such an amazing story. You are living life to the fullest. I do agree with you, all that matters is having fun in life with no debts!!!. Enjoy yourself at the festival. xoxo

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  79. i love to hear a story, especially those of how people started their businesses. I hope your little business keeps you well for many years to come, and hopefully even a little better so you can visit India a little more often! I wish you much luck Vix!

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  80. lady, you are an inspiration to me. here i sit, about to finish my student life forever, plagued with what I will do now, how I will earn. this gives me hope and dreams.

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  81. Your hard work has definitely paid off, I would love to have our mortgage paid off one day. Corporate work is killing me off day by day but I am too lazy to start off something on my own. You're a star xxx

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  82. Wow! Fabulous pics by Wayne! You look super in those glossy press photos. Yours is such an inspiring story! Proof you can make your dreams come true. I especially loved the photo of you and your mum at your stall xx

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  83. Hey Vix! Another AWESOME post, thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Also I sold a psychedelic dress like the one your wearing on Ebay recently, I don't suppose you were the buyer?!? Small world if so hahaha! If it was me I sent a little note saying enjoy the dress...

    Happy Vintage!
    love Sophia @realwomenhavecurvesandsurfboards.blogspot.com

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  84. Great journey and what a success you've become. You can always find the greatest pieces. If I'm ever back in the area, I'd certain buy from you in person! These are also marvellous photos Vix. xx/Madison

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  85. Such a wonderful post Vix - your friend has taken so beautiful photos and also your post is so inspirational. I've been thinking a lot lately about what "path" should I be taking in life, its something I struggle with a lot. Reading stories like yours do help xoxo

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  86. Was great to see the pic of you and your mom ~ beautiful both of you.
    Jon I love the hat !!!

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  87. As I said on twitter, another Vix post that demonstrates just how inspiring you are!

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  88. Clarly you've always had great business acumen! I wish I had it too :)
    Love Wayne's photos, they're really good!

    Hugs x

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  89. What a wonderful post ! I love reading all about your life, you are inspiring to me best wishes Vix x.

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  90. Your story is fascinating, Vix. I totally agree that having the time of your life is all that matters, and good for your health too.

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  91. Owwww, you guys! I was only there a few minutes, but I loved it!

    It's all down to having great subjects.

    Wx

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  92. Hi, Vix. I'm a new subscriber. I found your blog via kickass witch. I adore your style and great outlook on life. You rock vintage so well. I'm enjoying going through old blog posts reading about your adventures.
    Much love to you.

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix