Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Lynn Chase.
Amy Lynn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I first opened a Mobile vintage clothing shop called Haberdash Vintage. I would source all of the clothing and stock the vintage trailer for different shows and pop-ups. A few years into that I began looking for a storefront and that is how the Crompton Collective was born. I had met so many talented crafters at the shows I attended over the years that I decided to see if they also wanted a place to sell their items without having to open their own store. Today the shop is home to 99 antique, vintage, and handmade vendors. They create handmade gifts, refinish furniture, and even make on-trend home decor.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think any small business owner ever has a smooth road. It’s a constant up and down, but it’s so worth it when you see the value you have added to your city.
One of the most devastating struggles was in the winter of 2015 when a pipe burst and our whole building flooded. My security alarm went off in the middle of the night and I pulled up to our building looking like an ice castle. The water was coming out of every inch of the building. There was a foot of water in half of my store and all of our event venue. The floors were warped, furniture was damaged, it was completely heartbreaking. But at sunrise, the shop was filled with friends, family, local business owners and even customers that just wanted to help me pick up the pieces. That night showed me how strong of a community we here in The Canal District. We had the shop back open in 3 days which could have easily closed us for months. So, even when the road was the bumpiest our community showed us how happy they are to have us here. And that was such a great lesson to learn.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Crompton Collective – what should we know?
Crompton Collective is curated boutique marketplace designed to celebrate our local independent gift makers and our love of old things. It’s a one-stop shop for unique gifts, antiques, handmade items, vintage treasures, shabby chic furniture, distinctive home decor, or even just a little creative inspiration.
I am proud that we have created an outlet for makers to grow their businesses. Crompton now has 99 vendors who are able to follow their dreams and support themselves by selling their products in the shop. We carry hundreds of-of artisan products that are handmade by solopreneurs. We have moms that can stay at home and help support their family by creating items for our store and people that have quit their day jobs to create things full time. That is what I am most proud of. We are helping people live their dream just by living ours.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Hard Work. My dad raised me to see the value in hard work. I now seem to seek out and try to surround myself with hard-working people as friends and mentors.
Contact Info:
- Address: 138 green st
- Website: http://www.cromptoncollective.com/
- Phone: 5087537303
- Email: cromptoncollective@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ShopCrompton
- Facebook: Facebook.com/CromptonCollective
- Twitter: @ShopCrompton
Image Credit:
Kelsey Haley Media
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