Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Don Won.
Jason, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The concept of the DFW Vintage Swap Meet was created a couple of years ago with a close friend named Zach in the Spring of 2017. My experiences as a child being exposed to entrepreneurs & bazaars/flea markets complimented by Zach’s knowledge of everything pop culture made it easier to brainstorm a unique show. Prior to creating the DFW Vintage Swap Meet, we collaboratively created a social media handle together called @ThriftAmigos as a platform to resell/curate vintage tees we found at our local thrift stores and/or flea markets. Unfortunately, Zach was residing in California at the time so hosting a show together here in Dallas, TX was near impossible.
With that said, I collaborated locally with a former business partner to start up the first-ever DFW Vintage Swap Meet on August 27th, 2017. The show was a great success as it was the first of its kind, focusing on only 70’s-90’s vintage apparel, music, art, memorabilia & accessories. The first show was Free Admission and was hosted at a family-owned & operated ballroom with 40-50 vendors and over a thousand attendees. The show brought awareness to the thrift/vintage movement and created a vintage market/community here in the DFW Metroplex.
In the Spring of 2019, my former business partner and I decided to part ways due to differences with the vision/ future of the DFW Vintage Swap Meet. I decided to continue creating the legacy of the DFW Vintage Swap Meet and created an LLC under the name ‘Don Won Enterprise’ earlier this year. I also had to create a new social media account and start fresh to rebuild the following we had.
Shortly after, I hosted my first solo show on May 19th featuring @mrthrowbacknyc, being the last time at the family ballroom (International Event Center LLC). The following summer, I decided to take a leap of faith and announced a 2-Day Show on August 3-4 at The Dallas Market Hall featuring @slobbyrobby. The 2-Day Extravaganza was legendary as it was the biggest vintage trade show at that point in time and gave vendors an opportunity to showcase their creativity through their installations and also opened the minds of many who were interesting in being a part of the culture.
I recently had another show at the Dallas Market Hall on November 16th featuring @slobbyrobby & @guilletragant. We curated a Vintage Discussion Panel and also implemented more installation style vendor booths. Props ranging from vintage furniture to vintage cars/buses were utilized to create an experience for the shopper that goes beyond the pieces on the rack.
I will continue to push the envelope and elevate the DFW Vintage Swap Meet to one day becoming a global brand. 2020 will be a huge year as I plan to travel with the show to major cities like Houston, Austin, San Antonio, & Phoenix and work with corporate sponsors to bring awareness to the movement that is the DFWVSM.
Has it been a smooth road?
These last couple of years have been a journey to say the least. I learned a lot about myself by making mistakes and noting those mistakes to improve the next show. The biggest struggle as a young entrepreneur/small business owner is instilling the same vision you have to others around you. It is especially difficult to gain the respect of those who automatically judge you by appearance, age, etc. I may not look like the typical businessman/host but I do my best to break the barrier and show respect to everyone and work harder than any competition. I have learned throughout these 2-3 years that communication and consistency is the most important skill/characteristic necessary in order to execute the vision and create a successful event. I quickly realized I cannot do everything by myself, and it has been a struggle trying to find a solid team around me I can trust and grow with.
As a host of a vintage convention, it is impossible to please everyone. I do my best to accommodate everyone, however, these struggles will one day help me become a great businessman.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the DFW Vintage Swap Meet story. Tell us more about the business.
DFW Vintage Swap Meet is a transcendent BUY, SELL, TRADE vintage experience unifying enthusiasts and connoisseurs from all over the world to share their passion for timeless vintage pieces while creating an organic network amongst business-savvy entrepreneurs.
I am an entrepreneur by day and a health care professional by night.
Don Won Enterprise LLC
Founder/Owner/Creative Director: DFW Vintage Swap Meet
X-Ray/CT Technologist
@ Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Irving
The show was created off the idea of curating a safe haven where vintage connoisseurs can BUY, SELL and TRADE timeless pieces from the 70’s-90’s with vendors who are knowledgeable on what they have to offer.
Our next show is on February 29th, 2020 at Dallas Market Hall.
DFW Vintage Swap Meet started out in a family-operated ballroom and has recently found a new home at the Dallas Market Hall, despite no corporate sponsorship(s).
The event has opened up an untapped vintage market where entrepreneurs are generating revenue through positive experiences and genuine networking.
I am most proud of what I have contributed to the world of vintage, fashion, and entrepreneurship here in the DFW Metroplex. I am more proud in that collectively, we have created a “DFWVSM Family” where we meet quarterly to come together and bond incorporating the lightly used vintage apparel, music, art, etc. we set up to express ourselves to the public.
I pride myself in treating everyone like people first and implement my patient care skills to diffuse stressful situations that occur during the development of the swap meets. My work ethic is second to none, and I will hustle relentlessly and find ways to improve the show one way or another.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see the stock of Vintage/Upcycling skyrocketing over the next 5-10 years. I predict as we reach 2020, we as a society will feel more nostalgic and go back to what makes us feel comfortable. The fear of the unknown is what will attract those who want to reminisce on the “good ol’ days” and discover something that makes them feel like a kid again. I see a big shift in retail consumption as vintage garments will become more valuable and sought after, making it a lucrative industry as the mainstream start to discover it. Vintage t-shirts will be collected by both connoisseurs and novice fans alike, similar to sneakers or vinyl records. I see a lot more “pop up” style storefronts being run by young entrepreneurs and their use of social media being a huge part of their marketing promo and ultimately their success.
The trends of upcycling garments for reselling will play an important environmental role as one of the sustainable solutions to extreme consumer behavior. I will use my platform to educate those who are not aware of the changes they can make for the future generations to come. We as humans have a responsibility to protect our environment and I will help create change one swap meet at a time.
Pricing:
- DFW Vintage Swap Meet™️ General Admission Ticket: $10 (PRESALE TICKETS)
- DFW Vintage Swap Meet™️ VIP Ticket: $20 (Includes Early Access & Free T-Shirt / Tote bag)
- DFW Vintage Swap Meet™️ T-Shirts: $15 (M-XXL in Men’s Sizing)
Contact Info:
- Address: Dallas Market Hall
2200 N Stemmons Fwy
Dallas, TX 75207 - Website: DFWVSM.com
- Phone: 972-510-7244
- Email: dfwvintageswapmeet@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedfwvintageswapmeet/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/thedfwvintageswapmeet/?business_id=142181996827284&ref=bookmarks
Image Credit:
Salvador Luna
Karlo X.
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