Our Story
Bonfire Vintage is owned and operated by one-woman team Bailey Bryans. Started August 2011, Bonfire Vintage has continued to expand into a vintage mecca. We continue to look for unique vintage items-- things that tell a story. Another side of buying vintage is repurposing and reusing materials that might have other whise ended up in a landfill. This is an important aspect of Bonfire along with providing great products and services to our customers.
About Bailey
1. Why the name Bonfire?
I wanted a name that was timeless. And what is more timeless than sitting around a fire enjoying some quality time with friends? I grew up as an outdoors kid and spent many a summer night by the fire cooking s'mores. It has a personal meaning to me, but I know many other people could say the same thing! I also wanted a name that brought back good memories. That's what wearing vintage is all about-- bringing back a memory from a bygone era.
2. How did you get started selling vintage?
I grew up going to garage sales and thrift stores with my mom. It was an awesome way to spend time together and find some great things (like a treasure hunt!). I found Etsy in 2011 when I landed on another shop that sold vintage apparel. I thought, "I could do this!" I started listing one item at a time, and soon I was addicted.
3. What is the best part of your job?
Apart from being able to work my own hours, I abolutely love meeting people who also admire vintage items. Connecting with other vintage lovers keeps me motivated.
4. What is the most challenging part of your job?
The hardest part is getting the Bonfire brand name out to the public. There is a lot of competition out there and it can take years of web-building to get to the front page of Google. I'm always working on the shop/website and looking to expand the brand further.
5. What kinds of activities do you do in your spare time?
I absolutely love horseback riding and photography. I have a lot of interests and sometimes I wonder if I have time for them all! Pretty much anything creative-- I like working with my hands and making an idea in my head come to life. Shopping vintage is another activity I can't get enough of...it's sort of an addiction and once you're hooked, there's no going back. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family.
6. Who designed your website?
I actually designed it! This site is based off of a simple weebly.com design, but graphics, css and javascript coding was done by me. If you are interested in your own website design, please contact [email protected] for a quote.
7. Who takes your photos?
I take my own photos using my Nikon D5100 DSLR camera.
8. Do you have your own store or is your business entirely online?
This is very exciting-- we just opened our first "brick & mortar" shop at the local antique mall July 2012. We are looking at expanding and providing all the college students in the area some first rate vintage apparel, accessories & home decor. The antique mall itself is a great place to find vintage collectables & clothing, plus crafted items and art. If you're in the area, be sure to check it out. We're located on the second floor and second right.
Sugar Loaf Antique Mall
1023 Sugar Loaf Road
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 452-9593
Hours:
Mondays 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesdays10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesdays Closed
Thursdays10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fridays10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturdays10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sundays11:00 am - 4:00 pm
About Bailey
1. Why the name Bonfire?
I wanted a name that was timeless. And what is more timeless than sitting around a fire enjoying some quality time with friends? I grew up as an outdoors kid and spent many a summer night by the fire cooking s'mores. It has a personal meaning to me, but I know many other people could say the same thing! I also wanted a name that brought back good memories. That's what wearing vintage is all about-- bringing back a memory from a bygone era.
2. How did you get started selling vintage?
I grew up going to garage sales and thrift stores with my mom. It was an awesome way to spend time together and find some great things (like a treasure hunt!). I found Etsy in 2011 when I landed on another shop that sold vintage apparel. I thought, "I could do this!" I started listing one item at a time, and soon I was addicted.
3. What is the best part of your job?
Apart from being able to work my own hours, I abolutely love meeting people who also admire vintage items. Connecting with other vintage lovers keeps me motivated.
4. What is the most challenging part of your job?
The hardest part is getting the Bonfire brand name out to the public. There is a lot of competition out there and it can take years of web-building to get to the front page of Google. I'm always working on the shop/website and looking to expand the brand further.
5. What kinds of activities do you do in your spare time?
I absolutely love horseback riding and photography. I have a lot of interests and sometimes I wonder if I have time for them all! Pretty much anything creative-- I like working with my hands and making an idea in my head come to life. Shopping vintage is another activity I can't get enough of...it's sort of an addiction and once you're hooked, there's no going back. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family.
6. Who designed your website?
I actually designed it! This site is based off of a simple weebly.com design, but graphics, css and javascript coding was done by me. If you are interested in your own website design, please contact [email protected] for a quote.
7. Who takes your photos?
I take my own photos using my Nikon D5100 DSLR camera.
8. Do you have your own store or is your business entirely online?
This is very exciting-- we just opened our first "brick & mortar" shop at the local antique mall July 2012. We are looking at expanding and providing all the college students in the area some first rate vintage apparel, accessories & home decor. The antique mall itself is a great place to find vintage collectables & clothing, plus crafted items and art. If you're in the area, be sure to check it out. We're located on the second floor and second right.
Sugar Loaf Antique Mall
1023 Sugar Loaf Road
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 452-9593
Hours:
Mondays 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesdays10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesdays Closed
Thursdays10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fridays10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturdays10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sundays11:00 am - 4:00 pm
