How SellVNTG Uses Vintage Pieces To Build a Community
How SellVNTG Uses Vintage Pieces To Build a Community
By Kamryn Reed — November 21, 2024
What began in the back of a car is now turning heads in the fashion world. SellVNTG is more than a marketplace: it’s a movement.
Founded by Owen Ridgeway and Preston Rollins, SellVNTG is a true reflection of how today’s generation is preserving memories through vintage fashion. During their final year at Ole Miss, Ridgeway and Rollins bonded over their shared passion for vintage fashion and strong business ethics. Together they transformed that passion into a business, founding SellVNTG to connect with like-minded individuals and create a community centered around sustainable, second-hand clothing.
As Rollins explains, “We’re not just running a marketplace; we’re building a community where buyers and sellers interact, collaborate, and share ideas,” making SellVNTG more than just a place to shop—it's a hub for creativity and connection.
Ridgeway’s journey into the business began by selling clothes out of the back of his car during his high school years. What started as a side hustle quickly became the foundation for what would later be SellVNTG. Rollins’ background in social media management during high school played a key role in the decision to create a marketplace. His experience in promoting helped guide the vision for SellVNTG as he brought essential marketing and operational skills to the partnership.
The creation of SellVNTG was both spontaneous and collaborative, born from a meeting between Ridgeway and Rollins to discuss expanding Ridgeway’s clothing line.
“I remember vividly Owen [Ridgeway] telling me he needed help reaching more people. A meeting at CIE turned into a 2-hour brainstorming session, and that’s when SellVNTG was born,” said Rollins. In just two days, they had filed for an LLC.
SellVNTG ensures the authenticity of every item sold on its platform by conducting detailed audits of each seller. The marketplace offers an array of curated vintage pieces, from 90s band tees with perfectly faded prints to rare denim finds; all meticulously vetted to ensure they’re truly vintage. This process helps them avoid the sale of knockoffs, a common issue on other marketplaces, and maintain the platform’s commitment to genuine vintage fashion.
“One of the cons of other platforms is that you don’t know if it’s truly vintage. We audit every seller to make sure they’re selling the real deal,” Ridgeway explains. By carefully vetting sellers, they promise that buyers can trust they are purchasing authentic pieces, preserving the integrity of the marketplace and the community they’ve built around it.
SellVNTG promotes sustainability by offering a second life to clothing, giving old items a new purpose, and reducing the environmental impact of fast fashion. By encouraging the reuse and recycling of clothing, SellVNTG plays a key role in the eco-friendly fashion movement. Each vintage piece carries its own story and history, adding incredible value to the clothes and fostering a deeper connection between buyers and their purchases.
“I could never be at a 1992 Cowboys game, but wearing a 1992 Cowboys shirt still makes me feel like I’m a part of that moment,” says Rollins.
The goal to foster a community-driven marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect on a personal level goes beyond traditional transactions. It encourages interaction, collaboration, and shared experiences, creating a space where everyone can form meaningful connections.
As Ridgeway explains, “It’s more than just a marketplace. It’s about building a place where people can come together, whether online or at pop-up events, to share stories and build connections.”
Features like messaging, commenting, and pop-up events are designed to enhance the social aspect of SellVNTG. This allows users to interact daily, and the dynamic environment that fosters these relationships strengthens the sense of belonging among buyers and sellers.
Co-running SellVNTG definitely comes with its fair share of challenges, particularly when it comes to balancing friendships and running a business. Through navigating these challenges, Ridgeway and Rollins have discovered that collaboration refines their vision and strengthens their business. Their open communication and respect for each other’s opinions have helped them learn to balance their personal relationships with the demands of entrepreneurship. In turn, this allows their friendship to remain intact while their business continues to grow.
SellVNTG is set to reach new milestones with the upcoming launch of their app, “...this feels like the real start of our business. We’ve been testing for months, and now we’re ready to roll it out,” says Ridgeway.
The app will streamline the buying and selling process, enhancing user experience and reaching a wider audience. With features designed to improve interaction, the app will elevate SellVNTG to the next level and solidify its entrepreneurial presence.
The vision of SellVNTG remains clear: to be a one-stop shop for vintage items that are ethically sourced and community-focused. With a strong emphasis on authenticity, sustainability, and personal connections, Ridgeway and Rollins are committed to fostering a platform where buyers and sellers can come together. As they expand with the upcoming app launch and future developments, SellVNTG is poised to solidify its place not just as a marketplace, but as a thriving, engaged community built on trust and creativity.
Looking ahead, SellVNTG shows no signs of slowing down. Ridgeway and Rollins’ vision for the future is ambitious yet grounded in their core values. SellVNTG is proving that in the world of fashion, it’s not just about what you wear, but the connections you build along the way.
Download the SellVNTG app here.
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