Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Zuck.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have grown up collecting vintage pieces and never wanted to wear anything I might possibly see a stranger wearing. I have loved fashion since the day I was born. My family could tell you, I changed clothes at least 5 times a day, just to create something new and feel a different way.
What pushed me to make a business out of my love for fashion and vintage in particular, was a friend I met in San Francisco. She couldn’t believe I wasn’t sharing the things I would find and the outfits I would put together. I honestly never thought about it. I would just get so caught up mixing and creating my own outfits. She encouraged me to just go full force and start a business! She actually created my logo too! A couple years later and I am doing flea markets around the Dallas area and selling my finds out of my loft in Deep Ellum.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This has been SO fun to create and never feels like work. Some obstacles I faced in the beginning though, was how much I was moving around California while trying to create my brand, survive in LA and buy out of pocket for all my inventory. Learning how to file sales tax was not super fun either. (Shout out to my finance advisor aka Dad). There were also a lot of vintage sellers in California, so I had to determine how my brand would stand out from the rest.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I go out and hand-pick vintage pieces from Levis to lace dresses, to mod jewelry and more. I try not to limit myself to one style when I’m hunting. I think what sets Wild Gem apart from other vintage boutiques is that you will never find 2 of the same piece and I don’t limit to one color scheme or era of vintage, yet everything is made to mix and match.
What were you like growing up?
Oh, growing up, I was a day-dreaming, fashionista cowgirl. I was literally always changing clothes like it was my job and asked my daddy every day to video me while I danced around in each outfit. Then, I would make him play the tape so I could watch (yes, there were still VHS). My most popular attire was a one-piece bathing suit with a tiger face on it, big clip-on earrings, red lipstick from mom’s bathroom and cowgirl boots – always cowgirl boots.
Contact Info:
- Email: audrey@thewildgemclothing.com
- Instagram: @shopthewildgem
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewildgem
Image Credit:
Morgan Carrigan Photo, PaigenPhoto
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas 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.
