Meet Ange Montague | Full-Time Vintage Enthusiast + Collector, Corporate Employee by Day

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

Hi Ange, what makes you happy? Why?
I find my happiness in the authenticity of expression, both within myself and in others. There’s something profoundly fulfilling about being able to be true to who I am and to witness others doing the same. It’s a celebration of individuality, a reminder of the beauty in diversity, and the richness it brings to life.

I like to surround myself with beauty and nature. There’s an inherent uniqueness in the natural world that brings me inspiration that I try to replicate in my everyday.

What truly dampens my spirits is the homogenization of everything around me. Uniformity, whether in thought, expression, or appearance, feels stifling and uninspiring. Embracing diversity and cherishing the distinctiveness of each person and thing is where I find my happiest moments.

This love for authenticity and uniqueness extends to my passion for reselling vintage and unique clothes. Each piece tells a story, carrying with it a history and a charm that mass-produced items simply can’t replicate, they just don’t make clothes like they used to! Sharing these finds with other like-minded individuals becomes not just a transaction, but a celebration of shared values and appreciation. In this community, I’m able to express my true self and connect with others who share my love for individuality and authenticity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
By day, I am a supply planning professional with a background in various consumer goods categories, particularly home goods and decor, as well as beauty and personal care. This area has connected me with nearly all aspects of this business and has taught me transferable skills I use for my own business. I really enjoy understanding the consumer and what drives their purchasing decisions. I find it most enjoyable when I can connect with the customer or I am a consumer of the product myself.

I would say my career path did not come naturally to me, it was a lot of work! At heart I am more of a creative than a corporate professional, but I chose this field because I understand how important it is and I can transfer the skills I learn to my own business. I was able to overcome challenges because I have a deep respect for supply chain as it truly is the back bone of business – with no supply, there are no sales, and ultimately no business.

Working in Supply Chain has taught me many lessons, most important would be remaining composed under pressure. We are typically the bearer of bad news and the front lines in chaotic times and the ability to stay calm and collected in the face of challenges is crucial. It’s a skill that I’ve honed over the years, allowing me to navigate various obstacles and ensure the seamless flow of goods to market.

My professional career and my passion for vintage clothing are different yet mirror each other. Supply chain has taught me how to keep my small business healthy and make good purchasing decisions. I want the world to know that you can have a day job and your own business at the same time and they can compliment each other. In an ideal world, It is my dream to eventually work on my own business full-time, but until then I will continue to put my day job learnings towards my business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to my favorite vintage spots, like Garment District, Boomerangs and FOUND Market in Cambridge, walk along the esplanade, get a drink or two down town (maybe Buttermilk and Bourbon?), and get dinner in the North End!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have numerous individuals in my life who deserve recognition! Among them are my parents, my sisters Meagan and Sophia, my boyfriend Alex, all my friends, and my former boss Trish from Progress Resale, who helped me discover my love for vintage.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheEsme

Instagram: @ShoptheEsme

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelasmontague/