Jacinta owns the coolest little virtual vintage shop called Jac in a Box. She presents everything so beautifully, with a lot of care and intent, that I had to bring you her story and her work.

Thanks Jac for a great interview! I’ll be popping by your store for a cape and a lovely dress.

Jacinta Lippold

• Occupation: Vintage enthusiast
• Company: Jac in a Box Vintage
• Place of residence: Brunswick, Melbourne
• Website: www.jacinabox.com.au
• Facebook page: www.facebook.com/jacinaboxvintage
• Twitter profile name Jacinta Lippold

Tell us a little about yourself

I work for myself as a graphic/web designer, and have just started Jac in a Box Vintage as my side business.

How did you get your start in fashion?

I have always been an obsessive op shopper, and have a love for things of yesteryear, but my house was beginning to look like that of a crazy cat lady’s. Not wanting to give up the thrill of the chase, I began op shopping for others then gradually saw the opportunity for that to grow a little more, and now here we are.

Why did you choose fashion?

I love it. Plain and simple.

Is the fashion industry what you expected it to be?

To be perfectly honest, I didn’t have a lot of expectation going into things. But I have been pleasantly surprised with how helpful the other vintage sellers have been and also how appreciative and polite my customers are.

What does your job consist of?

At the moment, a lot of sourcing. So, dragging my boyfriend out to the country to scour op shops is high on the priority list.

As well as ear bashing anyone who will listen to me talk about my new business!

Describe a typical week

Most of my weekdays are spent on the graphic/web design side of things.  So I find my weekends filled with sourcing new items, shooting them and getting them online for people to see.

Roughly how many hours do you work per week?

As I’ve just started this little venture, I’m spending quite a bit of time on it. Although I hope to narrow it down to 2-3 days per week, if possible.

What are the key skills you need for your role?

You need to really enjoy it. If sifting through piles of clothing to find just one nice dress doesn’t excite you, then this probably isn’t for you.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

When someone really loves an item they’ve purchased.

What do you find challenging?

Letting go of the items! It’s truly devastating sometimes, but you can’t keep everything.

What do you do in your time off?

Well, my ‘time off’ used to be spent op shopping. So now I’m at a bit of a loss with what to do with myself!

What’s the highlight of your career so far?

Early days yet. We’ll see.

Do you have any advice for someone starting out in fashion?

Don’t put things on hold. If there’s something you want to do, find a way.

Finish this sencence: Fashion is…

…different for everyone.