Jackie Skelding is a pretty recognizable character around campus. You can’t miss her bright, flowing ’60s frocks and signature blunt bangs. It’s genuinely as if she just stepped out of another decade. I was super excited and definitely not surprised when she announced that she’d be opening her own vintage shop, CURIO. After walking around wide-eyed and open-mouthed for probably too long, I left her boutique feeling inspired and my wallet was significantly lighter. Filled literally to the ceiling with paintings, furniture, accessories, clothes, records and more, all at reasonable prices, this shop is merchandised to perfection and has something for everyone. I asked Jackie about CURIO and what it’s like owning her own boutique.
Name: Jackie Skelding
Role: Owner and Founder, CURIO vintage + uncommon Goods
CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your boutique, CURIO?
Jackie Skelding: CURIO is a collection of small pieces of history. The shop features thoughtfully curated vintage apparel and accessories for women and men in addition to mid century modern furniture and home decor. Because CURIO’s inventory ranges from the ’20s through the ’80s, it’s a place where many decades, styles and cultures blend beautifully. Most importantly, it’s a space where one can find one of a kind items that have history as well as modern relevancy.
CF: What makes CURIO different from other vintage boutiques?
JS: Each item in CURIO is hand-selected and restored to its full potential. I pride myself in providing quality, relevant vintage items that can effortlessly blend into our modern world. Just as there is bad design in 2014, there has been poor design in every decade in history. Great style and design is important and that is my focus when curating my inventory. I am also proud to note that CURIO is the only shop in Tallahassee that specializes in mid century modern furniture in addition to vintage clothing.
CF: Have you always been interested in vintage? What’s your favorite decade?
JS: I have always been interested in history before I knew what ‘vintage’ was. I grew up in a ’20s house in midtown filled with antiques that my parents had collected from their travels. I was immersed in American culture of the past from a young age, but my love affair with vintage clothing and mid century modern design began in my teenage years. My life is, and has been for many years, all about vintage.
I get asked about my favorite decade quite often and it never gets any easier to answer! Each time period has so many unique qualities and styles, but if I had to choose one, it would probably be the ’60s. It was a time when modern style bloomed and some of the most unique designs of the 20th century emerged.
CF: What has been the biggest challenge and greatest reward in opening your own shop?
JS: The biggest challenge is fighting off the ‘what ifs’ and learning to not be afraid. When you dive into the deep end and decide to build your own business from the ground up, it can be both incredibly exciting and scary. I’m still learning how to enjoy the success and not worry too much!
I know it sounds cheesy, but the greatest reward has been living my dream. I am so fortunate to be able to have my dream job and my own boutique at such a young age. There’s nothing better than seeing the items I’ve found get a new, happy home.
CF: What’s your ‘working girl’ style?
JS: I would describe my style as vintage meets modern. You’ll usually catch me in a ’40s day dress or maybe a ’70s sweater and boots, but you won’t find me sporting victory rolls of anything like that. I enjoy mixing decades as well as mixing the old with the new.
Learn More: If you’re ever passing through Tallahassee, CURIO is a must-see. It’s located at 1046 Commercial Drive Tallahassee, FL 32310 and open Thursday-Sunday 1pm-6pm. You can also check out her website at www.curiogoods.com for more information and follow the link to her Etsy shop!