Meet Sara Zacuto | Resale Curator & Shop Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Zacuto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I think the most common misperception is that reselling is an easy job. So much work goes into driving, sourcing, budgeting, cleaning, fixing, staging and photographing, posting, communicating with customers and shipping or delivering items. The easy part is definitely hunting for unique and vintage things, but the rest is like a full time job. I have two young kids, so I have to try to find time and energy to commit to getting things done, which after this last year has been quite a challenge.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the creator/owner of Junqueshoppe, an online resale shop. I also have a retail booth space at The Citrus Collective in Orange, California. I thrift and curate a collection of vintage and modern goods and clothes.

I began about two years ago after leaving my 20 year stint as a preschool teacher. I honestly started Junqueshoppe as a way to earn a little pocket money, and shed some of the stuff that was collecting in my own house. I’ve always been a thrifter and would take frequent trips with my mom and sister to look for kitschy, cool, and vintage stuff. I can attribute my early success to having a large base of parents and coworkers who bought many of the things I offered, and over time I attracted many outside followers. My shop is mostly geared toward children’s items…cool open-ended toys, vintage and modern clothes, puzzles, and great children’s literature. I select things based on whether it’s something I’d want for my own children, and that almost never steers me wrong. I do also love the whole boho, vintage, kitsch aesthetic too and won’t pass up a cool original painting, quilt, basket or ironic mug in my thrift hunt. Last January I was lucky enough to nab a spot in the new Citrus Collective that was started by Kyrie and Troy of 2nd Half Clothing. They are the coolest couple who specialize in vintage resale. They welcomed me in with enthusiasm and made my dream of having a little retail space come true.

My biggest challenge to date has been striking a balance between sourcing and selling. I love the shopping aspect of the job, and will never get tired of the leap my heart makes when I stumble across something special. So I’ve accumulated way too much stuff that has basically taken over our entire dining room. I’m still working on my organizational skills, I’ve never been good at it. It’s a work in progress for sure, but I’ve gotten much better at purging things that don’t sell.

My passion for thrifting and repurposing things has sustained my business for two years and counting. I honestly love what I do and it fills me with so much happiness to see the stuff I find getting played with, hung on the wall, or worn by all the wonderful people who shop with me. I love knowing that my treasures are given a new purpose and kept out of the landfill. My continual hope is that I can bring a bit of joy to the families who follow me, and provide unique and enriching things for them to cherish and pass down.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a vegetarian so I’m always on the lookout for good options. I love Seabirds and the Gypsy Den at the Lab in Costa Mesa. I’d definitely take my friends to the Orange Circle to check out all the antique malls, and the Citrus Collective of course. I’d also visit the Bowers Museum and grab lunch at Mother’s Market.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been so incredibly blessed to have the best and most loyal customers. Many of them are people I know in real life, but over the last two years I have made connections with people all over the country and have felt so supported and appreciated by all of them. I also owe so much to my husband and parents who help me tremendously and allow me time to focus on working.

Website: thecitruscollective.com

Instagram: @junqueshoppe

Image Credits
Sara Zacuto