Meet Rachel Callahan of Vamp Rodeo Vintage in Central Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Callahan.

Rachel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well, ever since I can remember; I’ve been excited by treasure hunting in small stores on family trips, rummaging through my sister and mom’s closet while they were out, and also not doing well with authority. Now writing those reasons down – I realize they might be more related than I previously thought lol. I was bound for running my own business and being my own boss! I have been doing normal flips at Buffalo (a resale shop) and to friends since I was about 16. When I got out of school started traveling a lot and on very little money. I would actually find items on the road to sell on my eBay just to keep gas in the tank and extend my adventure a bit longer. Once I realized that could be a lucrative business, I focused my energy on it. My shop’s name was ‘Polished Threads.’ I still have and slightly use the account, but in the last few years turned most of my attention to my true love, vintage. It all really started after I ran into a woman in the most insane coat I’ve ever seen!! It was created in the ’80s by Donnybrook and recently resurfaced as a hot item when Rhianna rocked one, and the paparazzi caught a pic! I absolutely had to talk to this woman and went as far as interrupting her dinner at a restaurant to ask her about it – she said, “if you are selling and focused on vintage, you really need to start an Etsy account’, and so I did. It was still just me, myself, and I – I curated my entire collection, then modeled each item, photographed myself using a timer, edited the photos, created listings online, dealt with customer service, and then shipped my items. I did this for a few years until I felt my creative avenue was being hindered, and it was more pumping out items than creating a beautiful image. When I finally got dulled to this point, I started hiring models! This was really a life changer for me… It allowed me to relearn my camera, play with lighting, use multiple backdrops, focus on styling, and meet some amazing people that have become part of my VRV (Vamp Rodeo Vintage) Family. This is pretty much where I am at the moment. I use Instagram a lot for marketing events, meeting vintage enthusiasts, and showing off my newest items!! I have only been back in Arizona, all though I am a native, for about two years now and have started collaborating with a lot of local talent. I love the styling part of my job! Well, I guess shopping isn’t that bad either. I mostly style for shoots but would also love to branch into personal styling a bit more. I run my shop/studio out of a townhome for now but have been thinking of branching out into a brick and mortar soon. Stay tuned for more on that!! I do see clients here for personal styling, photoshoots, and HOPE to start my champagne parties soon opening up the store to vintage lovers around Phoenix. I am still a one-woman show and plan to keep it that way for now. If you talk to someone through my website, Instagram, or other avenues it is 100% me! Love the personal connections business are able to make these days!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has had its ups and downs as any small business does. On those slower weeks or months (Summer Usually) I can get a bit nervous and wonder if it is suitable for doing what I love. I have always held tight, worked hard, and rode out the tough times landing on my feet! The other challenge is it is only me – so sick days are difficult as you can imagine.

Vamp Rodeo Vintage – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in curated vintage from across all eras. I feel as if I tend to lean into the ’60s and ’70s (favorite of my own) but also love 40’s dresses and so much more. I feel I’ve become known for beautiful, fun images and unique pieces that are hard to find and in great condition. I have very high standards for what carries the Vamp Rodeo name. I also have many customers that actually become friends, even if mostly in the digital realm. So I think being warm/approachable is a big part of my signature. I make shoots and styling fun and playful! Everyone is laughing, music is fun, and who doesn’t love playing dress-up?!

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Well, it has honestly been blowing up. I remember being the only person I know doing this, and now there are so many new young buyers out there. I feel the youth is really into reselling and it is very much the future!

Pricing:

• Prices vary per item
• Pieces are one of kind and once sold they are gone
• I often run sales so checking back regularly is important
• The stores inventory is updated almost everyday and stays very fresh

Contact Info:

• Website: vamprodeovintage.com
• Email: vamprodeovintage@gmail.com
• Instagram: @vamp_rodeo_vintage
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vamprodeovintage/

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix 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.