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

Hi Annette, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I really think taking risks has only benefited my career and professional growth. I quit my corporate PR job on a Friday and the following Monday I had already landed my first client as a fashion and interiors stylist. I didn’t have my business plan hashed out but I knew if I stuck to what I knew and loved, clients would see that talent in me and hire me – it worked! In the early days of being an influencer (13 years ago), I kept to my niche of vintage and second hand luxury even though it was not popular. I actually had a lot of influencers and brands tell me that there was no future in “old stuff” but I refused to pivot my content direction and passion to fit the fashion trends at the time. Some may call it risky, but I stuck to my niche and passion and have translated it into a 6 figure business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started my blog, A Vintage Splendor, in 2010 to share my love of conscious living, thrifting and vintage shopping with readers. It was a way to document my daily outfits and to showcase that vintage can be modern and on trend without necessarily following the trends. When we bought our house, my content started including vintage and thrifted home decor as I was sourcing unique finds for our home. Since then, my platform has expanded to Instagram and YouTube where I continue to share tips and inspiration for shopping vintage and integrating it into your home and wardrobe for unique style. As an extension of my brand, I created The Splendor Collective, a paid subscription that has garnered an engaged community who trusts in my fashion picks, interior decor styling and knowledge about the world of vintage.

In my capacity as a vintage and second-hand luxury expert, I’ve had the privilege of consulting for national and international brands. My consultancy extends beyond product launches, encompassing comprehensive guidance for brands seeking to source distinctive items for their archive collections. I’ve recently started sourcing vintage pieces for luxury brands to revive their archive collections which is a dream job – I get to thrift and shop for my favorite designers.

Finally, my unique style has garnered so much attention that I have started personal fashion and interiors styling for clients.

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.
Here is my tried-and-true collection of favorite spots for shopping, drinking, and soaking up the unique vibe of Pasadena.

Pasadena City College Flea Market
is known as the secret flea market, and is the real deal when it comes to finding antiques, clothing, knickknacks, and home decor items. I never miss this flea market and my home and wardrobe are proof!

Another Man’s Treasure Vintage 
ATM recently opened their brick and mortar store in the heart of Old Pasadena and vintage lovers have rejoiced. Expect a curated collection of beautiful vintage that you’ll want to wear out the store.

Carmela Ice Cream
A local favorite with seasonal flavored ice creams that draw crowds on extra hot days. If you’re lucky to visit in the summertime, try their strawberry flavor (I stock up at the end of every season).

Union
A dimly lit and perfectly quaint storefront, the snug spot has a seasonal menu where California meets northern Italy. It’s exactly where you want to spend an evening drinking wine and feasting on homemade pastas and desserts.

Bungalow Heaven
Spanning sixteen blocks, the historic neighborhood is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. I recommend doing it on a bike while savoring the tree-lined streets and 20th-century bungalow homes, many of which were built during the Arts and Crafts movement.

Little Flower Candy Company
Come for the sea salt caramels, stay for the baked goods and hearty quiche at this neighborhood cafe with a cult following.

Lavender & Honey
Charlie and Melanie Porter opened the boutique coffee bar and deli because they wanted to create a space with a strong community culture. Order your cup of coffee with a simple, delicious toast or two.

Norton Simon Museum
A must-visit museum in my book for the astonishing collection of European and South and Southeast Asian art. The garden cafe has outdoor concerts and family-friendly art activities.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Richard Wainwright who is the founder of A Current Affair, Pickwick Vintage and Arcade Shops. I think he’s transformed the vintage space into what it is today by making vintage accessible to fashion lovers worldwide. Through his live and virtual shows, he’s brought together an entire community and has truly made it into a vintage loving family. His approach is always attainable and accessible and I love being part of what he has created.

Website: www.avintagesplendor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vintagesplendor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AVintageSplendor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/avintagesplendor

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.