There's Always Something New at 'Vintage Doylestown'

Name: Debi Seltzer

Business: Vintage Doylestown sells clothing, jewelry, purses, scarves, housewares, hats, ties, belts, pins, buttons, tobacciano, bar items and things you didn't even know exsited from the 1940s to the 1960s, with some 70s and 80s mixed in for good measure.

What drew you to your profession/business? 
Debi Seltzer, owner of Vintage, 63 W State St., says she “grew up in the auction business.” It has been her family business for nearly 100 years (Brown Bros. Auction in Buckingham). But as an adult, she gravitated into social work; that is, until an event that put her in the hospital.

Five back surgeries later left her wondering what she was going to do in the next phase of her life.

Opening her own shop, and risking all she had to do so, was scary, but, she says, “It’s the best time of my life.”

She opened in a 200 square-foot shop in the Market Place Building on Main St.; two years later she moved into a 1,200-square-foot shop at 63 W. State St.

“Success proved it would work,” she says. But the apple hasn’t fallen too far from the tree, “Everything I sell is bought at auctions.” 

What is the most challenging aspect of your business/career?
Overcoming that fear of losing everything,” Seltzer says.
For Seltzer, starting a business was a huge leap, “very scary,” but she did well.

“It’s selling a piece of history … it’s helping others connect with item from the past, and that feels really good.”

How do you balance your career with family life?
That’s the hardest part. I have a 1½-year-old who I have with me most of the time, so I don’t get a lot of work done during weekdays, ” Seltzer says. “That means I put in really, really long hours over the weekend when my husband watches [our daughter].”

Their daughter’s name is Monroe Viola.

What’s the one lesson you would teach others about life and success?
You can’t count on anything. Life changes constantly … always be prepared for the unexpected,” Seltzer says. “If you told me 10 years ago I’d be doing this today, I wouldn’t believe you, but it’s the best time of my life.”

What are the three most important traits/skills a person needs to be successful?
1. Customer Service: “Always go above and beyond. In my business, my customers are like family, and that’s the way I treat them."

2. Money Management: “Don’t spend more than you make.”

3. Do Something you Love: “This is the hardest job I ever had, but it’s also the most rewarding. It’s a lot of work and I have no weekends … don’t go into business and expect your going to go on vacation.”

What is your definition of success?
Success equals happiness … success does not equal money. I know that’s the opposite of most business models, but I just need to make enough money to be proud of myself. I’ve been in misery, and if you can’t be happy, then don’t do it.”

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