Almost a decade ago, my husband and I purchased our home – the perfect spot to raise our family. It was close to my parents, it was close to the school, and … it was close to the very top of our budget. Because the house was at the top of our budget, my husband was very weary about purchasing it. However, I was already in love.
I could already envision our kids growing up here and I could see THIS HOUSE as the perfect home for our young family. But, I had just quit my job as a music therapist to raise our young kids and we also had them enrolled in private school. That meant that there wasn’t a lot of money in the budget for EXTRAS… and at the time, this house seemed extra. While Mark and I were crunching all of the numbers I made him a HUGE promise – I promised my husband that if we found a way to buy this home then I would NOT ask for a stitch of paint, furniture, decor, etc… nothing. I told him, just having the house would be enough for a long while. All I wanted were the bones. After all, it’s the people in it that make a home!
After hours of negotiating with the builder and many, many hours praying – the house was ours. I was so thrilled that I could hardly stand it and I was determined to keep my promise to Mark – no NEW items for the house until the time was right! In 2011 we moved from 1900 square feet to 4200 square feet. I was thrilled.
As promised I didn’t buy a thing – and I made do with what we had. The kids were so young then and honestly, decorating my house wasn’t a priority. I already had several beautiful things. I had many pieces of my grandparent’s antique furniture. I had antique an antique dinging room suit that we bought with our wedding money. I had several antique pieces that we purchased before kids. I also had that amazing bedroom suit from Macy’s. And … I had the new house! I was content.
As the months passed, we slowly began talking about adding pieces here and there to fill all the new square feet – but there wasn’t a lot of money to do it with. It was during that time that I realized I could furnish a home – beautifully – with items from antique stores, second hand stored, estate sales, and even yard sales.
As time went on I found all sorts of things for our home – on the cheap! From our new dining room table to our library shelves – I felt empowered as I decorated our new home this way! It wasn’t long before my sweet neighbor, Carla noticed what I was coming home with and she soon approached me with a business proposition – she asked if I wanted to open up an antique booth with her. When I asked her “why me,” her exact words were, “because I see all that great stuff you unload into the driveway each week.” It wasn’t long before Carla and I signed a contract on a small little antique booth … a 6 by 6 square foot space to be exact. That was the very beginning of my antique and vintage journey.
Carla and I enjoyed working together to stock our little space, but eventually she decided to go back to nursing and I was faced with a decision. I wasn’t sure if I could work the booth all by myself, but I decided to go for it. I worked hard and began to fine tune my distinct style. I soon realized that I preferred items with a weathered look and once I embraced my style, my business began to soar.
It wasn’t long until I added on a larger booth and then I moved to the very front of the store. Soon I opened a booth in a second store and then a third, and by 2014 I had five booths in three stores. My little business was really chugging along and was soaring. Then, in 2015, I decided to give my little booth business a name. I met a friend at Panera Bread and there – over a sandwich – I came up with Weathered Wares and Co.
Things would soon change though. Later that year, another neighbor invited me to join her in (what was suppose to be) a small side hustle, selling clothing. I deliberated the opportunity for a bit but ended up agreeing to join her. Within just a few months, that clothing business was booming and before I knew it – the side hustle became MORE than a full time job. With that, I had to really reduce the time that I was spending on my antique business. By the end of 2015, the three antique stores I was in had all closed their doors and I saw that as a sign. I decided to go all-in with the clothing business and I moved all of my inventory to one large booth at Kelly And Co Antiques.
The clothing business proved to be very successful financially but that success came at a cost. It kept me so, so busy that I found myself really missing the simple pleasures of life – and my antiques. Money isn’t everything! In 2017, after two years of running around like a crazy woman, the clothing business had run its course. I immediately turned my attention back to my antique business.
I was all in, and this time I had some marketing and business experience under my belt from selling all those clothes. In October of 2017 I opened an Instagram account, under the name @Weatheredwaredandco. I really didn’t know what it was all about – but I did know that people went there to share things that they loved. And I – having missed them all so very much – began sharing pictures of the antique finds.
After a while I began poking around the platform and I started interacting with other accounts. I slowly began to gain followers which lead me to have the desire to make content look ‘pretty.’ I then realized that instead of just posting pictures of the things I was finding I could also share how I used them in my home. In addition, I learned how to do IG stories. Stories is how I really connected with many of you. I love sharing my adventures in #EstateSaleLand and documenting how I was putting together my finds in my home.
As I shared more in stories (things like how to clean bottles and how to clean vintage linens) I began getting requests to start a blog – a place where these tips and tricks could be documented and accessed over time. I didn’t even really know what a blog was. Honestly, I hadn’t read a single one! I kept wondering: “Could I do that?” “Could I write a blog?” “Would people want to read what I had to say?”
I let those doubts hold me back for almost a year, but in August of 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, I decided to go for it. Starting a blog is a process and part of that process was deciding what to call the blog. I thought about just calling it Weathered Wares and Co (like my IG handle and the name of my booth business) but I felt that sounded more like a store. I wanted to have a blog name that was a bit more broad. I knew I wanted to cover all sorts of things on the blog: from family to recipes to antiques – and I wanted a name that would encompass all of that. I had bounced around several names and in the end I decided on My Weathered Home. I like that it mirrors my original business name – with the word weathered.
At the suggestion of a very successful friend and in an effort to simplify my ‘brand’, I have decided to change my IG handle to correspond to the name of my blog. I am now @MyWeatheredHome across all social platforms. I feel like having all of my socials be the same will be the easiest thing moving forward.
- Instagram: @myweatheredhome
- FaceBook: @myweatheredhome
- Pintrest: @myweatheredhome
- YouTube: @myweatheredhome
- TikTok: @myweatheredHome
- Clubhouse: @myweatheredhome
So, now you know. You know my entire journey and why I am changing my IG name. Thank you so much for being here and for taking the time to read all about My Weathered Home.
Cheers to making changes!
My 5 Favorite Tiny Christmas Treasures: Fridays At 5:00
Vintage Garden For Spring
Fridays At 5:00: My Favorite “Most Recent” Picks
Someone Was Impersonating Me: Here’s What Happened
I found your Instagram account early summer. I have enjoyed your post, ideas, tips and tricks. You are very thoughtful and true to what you believe in. I really enjoy your posts with your dad and that special bond you two have. The name is great and encompasses all you do. Congrats!
Love the new name and your daily chats! Wishing you even more success!
Congratulations!
I absolutely love watching your adventures, listening to you talk about food, kids, life and everything in between! You are a natural and it’s comfy to know that you are “normal” there’s no darkness and your heart is where it belongs. So thank you for bringing me on this journey with you and congrats! 🎈🍾🎉
This is great news, Emily! Keep soaring! Much love and care!!
Jan Rogers ♥️
Absolutely LOVED reading your Weathered Home story and history – I feel like I know a little bit more about the amazing woman behind it all! Thanks so much for sharing xo
Just shared in my stories on IG. Great plan to have the same name on all platforms of social media!!
Best wishes with it all!
God has been in every step of your life. From shopping with your dad, to opening an IG account, & all the steps in between. Neat journey, so glad you’re here. I learn something new every day.
Loved reading this! I shared to my stories! @barnchickco ❤️
Just shared! This was a good idea! Love the blog!!
I loved reading your journey. You will be successful in all you do because your heart and love shines through. Best of luck in your new adventures!
Love it
Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge, finds, and inspiration. I have learned so much from watching you and now reading…No additional gift needed, you have already given me so much! Best of luck and continued success!
So happy for you and all the hard work you do! Love your style and honestly
This is the best account I follow! Always important information is shared, I feel that I learn something new each & every day! Inspires to reduce, reuse & recycle!
Congratulations Emily! Keep doing what you do!
All the way up to Canada 🇨🇦
I have loved following you every step of the journey! What a great decision to make everything match. I just shared on my Instagram story. Keep on inspiring so many!
I love the new name. So excited for you, Emily!
I love the new name. So excited for you, Emily! Love seeing your post and feeling all of my friends about your Instagram account and your booth in Georgia.
Thanks for sharing your story. You’re a pleasure to follow and I’ve learned so much from you. Keep up the good work ❤️
Just shared in my stories. Great that you set it up with the same name.
Best wishes ❤
Nothing but positive vibes your way! I think the name change was a good choice having it the same on all platforms! Much love!
Loved hearing your story! Shared on Instagram ❤️
Wilma, here, Emily from junkbarn. I don’t do stories but I shared it on my IG. Best wishes, my friend!
Love it! I enjoy following you no matter your name!! I shared it to my stories!!
Just shared your name change but I think it is so close to the original you won’t have any issue. Cheers from a fellow Emily (@thethriftedtable)
Love the story of your journey and the new name change Emily!!
Shared in my stories!
Yay! So exciting. Shared!!!
Congratulations Emily! You are amazing and I always look forward to your IG feeds and stories…and I am enjoying your blog, too 😊
Thank you for sharing your story…so intriguing…Blessings, Patti O
I think it will be a seamless change for you! We all love you and wish great success!💕
I have so enjoyed your Instagram. It has helped me through this pandemic. Happy to share a pic of my yarn hearts on my account. Good luck!
Great story and decision Emily!
I think it’s a great change girl!! Just shared in my stories! 😘😘
Love the new name! I never knew this Emily! It’s great to learn the back story of how you started. I love your style and following you for your tips. Xoxo
Done and done!! Have so enjoyed your IG stories and your blogs!! My valentine hearts are adorable!!♥️
Lisa Bourke (Irishgram)
Consistency is key so this is great! I still need to read this, but I shared in stories and am all in for spreading the word, with or without a giveaway! Your account is LIFE!!
Just followed you on TikTok and Pinterest. You’ve taught me sooooo much! Love your weathered home!
Wonderful news! So excited for you!
Great story! I wish you great success and really enjoy your blog and instagram account!
Great blog about your @my weathered home beginnings ! Your an inspiration in many ways , my friend . ❤️❤️
Happy to share your new name! Keep inspiring with your beautiful displays and pieces. Love the new cupboard!
Choosing a name is so difficult.
Yay! Congrats on the new name! Shared you in my stories so everyone can continue seeing your awesome vignettes!
Posted the name change in my stories! @tamaralpope
Love your story! Congratulations! 💖
I love following your account and blog and look forward to anything new that you post! Thanks for bringing happiness and brightness to my day! I have shared your name change on Instagram.
I enjoy every IG story you post. Live coming to your blog to read and scroll through your pics. You are an amazing lady!
Swipe! Scroll! Read?
Love the new name!
Love the new name my friend! I’ll be sure to share your change in my stories! Wishing you all success and blessings! 💗
Shared the name change friend! I think it is great even though I understand the apprehension! You know I will always be a big supporter! 💗
Love your story!
Shared!!!
Congratulations on streamline all your accounts! Perfect name for you IG account!
I love your stories so much! So many great ideas have been inspired by you!
You know how much Linda from Call loves you and I read your story and shared it congratulations on the new name it’s befitting😍
Thank you for sharing the journey. Thank you for bringing such positivity and brightness each day. You have been such an inspiration for me. I know how hard it can be to open yourself and your family up the world. But you do it with a smile on your face and joy in your heart. Your hustle is appreciated each and every day!
New follower(about two months) but SO glad I found you! You speak to my heart!
Love your Instagram and blog! Just discovered you and I’m obsessed!!! Shared your new name!!
Shared your new handle!💕🤞
I am so dang excited for you and I think it’s a perfect account name!
I think the continuity in the name change is perfect! Shared for you! 💗💗💗
Christy @joyfulbranches
Love your IG posts so much! So much inspiration in them …. name change was a smart move! Shares in my stories!
I just shared your name change on my stories and want to say how happy that I am for you! You are always uplifting and inspirational to me.
Emily I’ve shared your name change to my stories. So excited for you. I really enjoy your stories, posts and blog. I enjoy seeing all your finds and seeing your dad with his. Blessings to you and your family.
Congratulations on the name change! Your account has always been one of my favorites. Always fun to watch your stories and see your beautiful post.
I love the new name, your story and the daily decorating inspiration.
Shared your new name with all my friends! Love your account.
Shared so excited for all that will come with the new name!
Love your new IG name Emily. Your still my favorite account to follow! I shared in stories nobody should ever miss picking with Pops!
Shared! I watch your stories everyday. I love your style!
So happy for you and I love the name change! I just posted on my story.🥰
I did it! I enjoy all of your information and hunts.
I hope everyone finds your blog as well.
Have a great February!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Cheers to taking new steps in 2021!
May you find success in every challenge,
as well as new friends along the way!
Follow your dreams….
Great idea. Makes perfect sense. You’re my fav account to follow. I save time in my very busy day to see what you’re created, bought , styled or what stories you have to share. Thanks 😊
Margy @dishanddat
I love 💕 your new name! I gave you a shout-out in my stories.
Your blog is just wonderful!!!
Good luck!!!
So very excited for you sweet friend!! I know it feels good to have everything under one umbrella!! Cheers to you and this awesome change!!♥️🙌🏻♥️
Congrats on your past successes and
on moving forward in 2021! I wish you all the best as MyWeatheredHome!
I can understand you wanting to keep your name the same. It’s less confusing. I shared in stories the name change. I look forward hearing your stories everyday & so enjoy your blog.
Emily you are such a joy to watch. I can feel your passion for all things weathered through your stories and post on Instagram. I’ve also recently found your blogs. I LLOOOOOOVVVVVVE not just one thing but every thing you share. Thanks for all your inspiration. Much love and success now and in the future ❤❤
I love learning from you! I have a small booth that I have had about 11/2 years. My husband and I are empty nesters and I needed a hobby. I’ve always loved all things old! You have me so much in the short time I have followed you. Keep up the good work and keep showing the vintage goodness!!!
Love the name change! Congratulations!
Great post and name changed. Shared in my stories.
Love the new name and really liked reading your story. Your feed is beautiful and very inspiring!
Congratulations on the name change, Emily! ❤️❤️❤️ Shared the news via my stories @ _homegrownstudio_
Love the name change!
Love hearing all about your story! It’s truly so inspiring for us as we’re starting our antique business journey as mother daughter! We love following your page and are so happy about your name change! Yay for you, Emily!!
Love , love the new name & all of the history behind it ! Your tastes whet my appetite for all things weathered & worn! I always look forward to your treasure hunts ❤️
Great story…I loved hearing how you got started ND where you are today.
Oh Emily, I absolutely looove your new IG name!! It’s so beyond perfect for you!!! Shared about it in stories. And your blog is absolutely beautiful!!
Congratulations! You are truly an inspiration. Vintage has always been a love of mine and after losing my job due to COVID I took the leap to selling vintage. First on etsy, then Instagram and now I have a booth and just started on ebay.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and empowering me to keep trucking along on this wonderful vintage life.
-Ashley Schoen
PorchViewVintage
Emily, you’re so inspiring! I loved reading about your story, your blog is my new favorite! Keep up the great work! I just had to share your “new” news in my stories-your name fits your style and story perfectly! Looking forward to your next post!
-Kaeli @mydarlinvintage
Hi Emily, I love your story and definitely glad for you. I did post and tagged you in stories. Love you Best Always @dee_dee’scrafts
Hi Emily, I love your story and definitely glad for you. I did post and tagged you in stories. Love you Best Always @dee_dee’scrafts
Just discovered your IG and blog. Such a well curated collection of antique treasures! I shared some of your posts on IG today. Can’t wait to see more!
Enjoyed your post on the start to the now of your business … always learn and get to see so much interesting stuff you find … your new name is a perfect choice🤩
I think you made the right decision! Wonderful read. @ourcottageonmary
I love this story, and I love that you’ve added a blog, gives us more places to visit with you! I don’t think anyone will have a hard time finding your beautiful feed, but I was more than happy to share!
I just found your account and love it – where have you been 😉😉. Looking forward to following you!!
Shared! Love your account & seeing all the fun vintage things in your “weathered home”! 🙂
Emily, I think you are wonderful! You share so much useful information and I have really learned a lot about different things. I love your new name and look forward to your post every day. I will be 8o this month but I still go thrifting and junking and your information on certain items have helped me find the real things and not imitations. Keep up the good work and I would love a box of your goodies! Thanks and have a good day.
Dear not…I am so happy your business is coming together and growing! I’ve been following you for about two years. I’ve learned so much. Thanks for sharing your talents, gifts and abilities! My GOD continue to bless the work of your hands.
I shared to my stories!!!
Just shared your name change. Congrats and best wishes going forward. As an avid collector I love all your tip, tricks and finds!
Keep on pickin and plundering. 🙂
I am absolutely stunned and in love with your decor style! It is exactly what I love and strive to build and collect in my own home. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful spaces with us!
Congratulations on name change! Always enjoy your site so much…thanks for all you do!
I have been following you for a couple years now – I had never heard your clothing business story lol You are one of a small handful of people that I faithfully watch and listen to their stories everyday as I get ready for work! My most favorite of your content is “Picking with Pops” – LOVE it – your dad (and mom) is the cutest!!! Thanks for sharing your life and story and your LOVE for antiques with us!!
I have loved following you on Instagram and watching you on Living It Country. I love how you decorate, lots of treasures but not cluttered. I shared to my stories, I hope I did it right. Lol. Would love to win your wonderful box of treasures. Thank you for sharing your lovely home and blog. God bless you and your beautiful family 💕
Congrats on taking the plunge into new-name land, an intimidating prospect to be sure but also proof that change can be exciting and a sign of growth! Love the new handle. Only recently discovered you, your squares are beautiful in terms of both content and composition, you have a great eye and I look forward to browsing your blog and past posts!
Your story is inspiring! To know it’s possible to not only go for it, but that changing directions can lead to amazing adventures! Happily shared your new name. And it’s perfectly fitting!!
I found you last year and I really enjoy following you. You have such a sweet demeanor and when your dad pops on well he’s just the cutest bonus!
Emily! So excited for this name change! You are dominating the antique game in the best way possible and sharing your passion across the globe! That’s truly remarkable!! Everyone who knows you or simply follows you is better for it. Keep up the good work! Thanks for the sincerity, helpfulness, enthusiasm, and joy you exude! Hugs!
~Leslie
@atticpatina
Last summer, a friend told me about you and your IG page. She knew how much I loved all things vintage, so she suggested I follow you. I’m so glad she did! I watch your stories, daily, and have been so inspired by your style, as well as your sweet bubbly personality! You’ve made day, a few times, by replying back to comments I’ve made. Thank you! Congratulations on the name change!!! I shared on my story, but not sure I did it correctly😂.
Emily I love your account and your blog! You are a “go to” every day! Your tips and helpful information is always great! Your decor is exactly my taste! Thank you for sharing all your goodies, knowledge and for being a bright light to all who know you! 😘❤️
I love your Instagram and blog! Such a wonderful place for me to learn and grow my knowledge of antique and how you run your business! You are always so helpful!
Emily, I love your story!! And the name fits everything beautifully!! I have loved following you on IG for over a year now and I shared your name change in my stories (mostly because I’d hate to see those teeth get thrown out! 😉🤣) JK! I love following along, my friend!! Keep being you, you’re the best!! ❤️
Congrats friend and three cheers for a fresh start in 2021!
Emily I love your account and blog! I look forward to each day of seeing your new post! 🤍
You are a true inspiration and one of my top accounts I follow. Your passion for weathered wares and eye for detail makes every vignette so beautiful!!
Wow I’m new to your IG site and enjoyed reading your story here. Also it’s inspiring. I’ve always wanted a booth but haven’t done that yet in my life but still keep it in mind for future. Thanks for the giveaway. I shared your info on my IG stories.