The Urban Gypsy Resale Pop-Up Shop will return to Boone on Dec. 10 and 11 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 3rd Place in Boone to provide a “guilt free” shopping experience to shoppers by promoting thrifting.
After debuting on Oct. 9 behind Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Asheville local Elle Erikson and entrepreneur behind the Urban Gypsy Trunk Show will return to Boone thanks to positive vibes and success.
Erikson started the Urban Gypsy Pop-Up Resale four years ago as a side job, she said. Now, she is a full time “urban gypsy” traveling from Tennessee to Georgia with her caravan of recycled clothes.
“Everything just falls into place it seems, organization is not my strong suit!” Erikson said.
Various sizes, styles and brands were featured at the trunk show in October and most were priced between $6 and $10. At the next sale there will be new inventory. According to the Facebook event page, there will also be music, tarot, henna and free glitter.
Erikson inventory is consistently updated and she always hunts for new clothing to sell. Her business, she said, is a “vehicle” for meeting new people and a way for her to reach her personal goals to influence, inspire and “bring the spirit of Burning Man to everyday life.”
“Urban Gypsy Pop-up sale is really just a party with shopping,” Erikson said.
Erikson’s unique inventory is pulled from many different places and people, from estate sales, donations and “purging” her own closet.
“Little magic fairies drop into my front lawn,” Erikson said. “But honestly, most of my items comes from donations and from me personally thrifting.”
Cheerful and overall “good vibes” attracted customers to the sale in October, patron Jess Phillips said.
“I just felt vibrant being here, it’s a beautiful day and there are good vibes from the staff and I got a cute skirt and a free gold tattoo,” Phillips said.
Local jeweler Emily Chandler and her jewelry store, “Broke College Crafters,” was also set up at the resale in October. “Broke College Crafters” appears at Nerd Con in April annually. Chandler’s favorite products are her handmade flower crowns.
“I didn’t like how manufactures were making very simple, cheaply made and mass produced flower crowns at festivals such as Summer Solstice in Greensboro. So I decided to make my own and give it my own twist,” she said.
Chandler’s table at the sale featured handmade chokers, flower crowns, fuzzy animal ear clips, fairy necklaces and rings. Her prices ranged from $3-$10 with nothing over $15.
Due to limited space at 3rd place, Erikson is unsure if there will be enough room for local jewelers.
Ryan James, Erikson’s “dedicated minion,” said the pop-up sale is all about community.
“This is a comfortable place for community and to share the love and get local artist to come out and spread good vibes.”
“It feels good when I come to a business and it brings foot traffic and positivity. It is a win-win situation for all involved,” Erikson said.
Erikson offers advice to others trying to start their own store or fashion sales.
“I don’t look at myself as a saleswoman, this job is too much fun so I don’t see that. For advice, I say don’t settle for some job that isn’t gonna feed heart and soul. Money is not that important, I suggest choosing happiness and passion instead,” Erikson said.
Erikson strongly encourages everyone to go vegan, go to Burning Man and especially to “stalk” her on Instagram, @urbangypsypopup.
You can visit her website for more information and upcoming shows at http://www.urbangypsytrunkshow.com/#contact.
Story by: Katie Murawski, A&E Reporter