Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristan Hibron
Hi Kristan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. Can you share your story with us?
I’m the owner of del lago vintage, a vintage furniture and decor reseller based in San Antonio, TX. Reflecting back on the journey to this point, I would say that everything has fallen into place in a way I could never have foreseen for myself and this project. Last year, while going through a journal of notes, I discovered an entry that I now credit as the catalyst for my current project. There I had listed “resale”, “vintage”, and “furniture” among professional suggestions according to my birth chart. The entry was dated two years before I would sell my first vintage furniture piece. I couldn’t recall making this list, but it seems this vintage manifestation had been brewing in me for years while I brainstormed creative side hustles. Before spending the last few years carefully considering what most resonates with me, I was feeling my through the world and diving into every opportunity. I’ve always been interested in taking on projects and exploring professional industries even relocating multiple times to find my path.
My first professional experience was in high school when I was introduced to booking live music performances at the cafe where I worked. Before long I branched out to other venues around town coordinating everything involving talent, sound, lighting, promotion, admission, and more. It gave me valuable insight into how business works and what it takes to be successful on your own. It takes a lot and at the time I deemed it to be too demanding. I decided that getting a business degree and securing a comfortable 9 to 5 was the way to go.
Opting to go off to a college in NYC, I studied marketing, the most foundationally creative business degree I could think of. In addition to school, the city itself taught me so much. I was introduced to a diversity of new ideas, styles, cultures, foods, and personalities that helped me develop my personal preferences and aesthetic. Once I graduated, I was ready for a new adventure and as luck would have it, a friend moving to LA was looking for a roommate.
On a whim, I jumped at the opportunity. I had already done a couple of internships in the entertainment industry and resolved that would be my path. I gave myself three months to find a full-time job and before my deadline, I became an assistant turned bookkeeper for a small post-production studio. From working with production crews on music videos and commercials to handling payroll, benefits, insurance, and financial accounts, it was an incredible learning experience.
Some years later looking for more creativity, I went back to event planning and was hired to create events for a pro audio company looking to engage its customers by highlighting their most high-profile clients. Award-winning producers and sound engineers from film, TV, and music would share their stories with a packed house of aspiring professionals. Every day was something interesting, whether it involved planning, hosting, or attending an industry event at our location or a historic recording studio around Los Angeles.
Then what felt like a fated opportunity presented itself. I was approached by a recruiter for a temporary contract with a large media company. They had seen I previously temped as an on-air promotions administrator, and this would be a content programming position for a major TV network. It would be just a one-month contract to fill in for someone on leave, but I decided it would likely lead to an even better opportunity. One month turned into six and the position ultimately became permanent. A little over one year later, the pandemic hit and I was fortunate enough to be able to continue working remotely. I was incredibly thankful I had made the career transition when I did.
After a few months of sheltering in place with no idea what would happen next, I thought that if the world was ending I’d want to be with family. I was extremely lucky that the company supported my decision to go back home at least temporarily. As working from home continued, my position eventually became permanently remote and allowed me to make San Antonio my official home.
With a greater feeling of stability, I was able to purchase a home on the northeast side of town and hone in on my style preferences in terms of home decor. Previously, I had moved around a lot, prioritizing the ability to experience a variety of neighborhoods over creating a comfy home environment. While shopping around, I kept coming back to mid-century modern-style pieces. Loving the sleek lines and gorgeous finishes, I began to discover resellers of authentic vintage pieces. After scouring websites and Instagram profiles, I finally found the perfect bedroom set. It was an unmarked vintage 6-piece walnut set in the style of American of Martinville that in my opinion looked even better than the original. Each piece was a work of handcrafted art. It would set the tone for the rest of my style choices.
My vintage inclinations even influenced a tribute to the 60s event I organized with Centro San Antonio at downtown’s Peacock Alley. The event featured local sellers, vintage decor, and bands covering iconic 60s songs. It was through this project that I wanted to celebrate the vintage-loving subculture in our city. Feeling encouraged by the attendance and support of the event, I knew I wanted to do more creative projects, but was unsure of how that would manifest.
Later that year, the realities of home ownership revealed themselves. My front porch foundation began shifting and I needed it fixed before the effects became evident inside. Instead of financing the repair, I decided I would need to come up with the money. I wanted to avoid incurring a debt, so I sold my beloved bedroom set. It was in great condition and I knew it would be loved by a new owner. Two weeks later the set was sold and my foundation was repaired.
Then I sold another piece and found another to sell. That was my light bulb moment. I thoroughly enjoy vintage, research, and making deals. Finding pieces I love and giving them a second life would become my passion. Many pieces I’ve sold are over sixty years old and in shape to last at least another sixty more. They can also retain or increase in value depending on their condition, making it an excellent investment. Not to mention, it’s a sustainable choice, helping reduce the demand for new manufacturing impacting the environment.
Personally and morally, this project perfectly aligns with who I am, and I truly feel that all of my life’s circumstances led me right where I needed to be, back to San Antonio to do this. It feels great being on the other end of the sale experience now, helping someone finally find the piece they’ve been searching for. I also really enjoy meeting clients, connecting with other sellers, participating in local markets, and partnering with businesses on fun giveaways. Now, I don’t feel like entrepreneurship is as daunting as I had experienced in my youth. It’s all very exciting and something I want to grow more into.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s gone well so far, slow and steady progress while I learned the ropes. There have been some minor missteps as I’ve become more acquainted with the San Antonio market and what sells best, but I’m a quick learner. As I continue to grow with this business, I anticipate more adjustments and I welcome them.
As you know, we’re big fans of del lago vintage. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I specialize in acquiring and selling mid-century modern pieces from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Dining sets by Broyhill, credenzas by American of Martinsville, desks by Bassett, and dressers by Stanley have been some of my favorite sales. While I’m a fan of these brands and others, I’m also very interested in unique artistry and I’m always on the lookout for something gorgeous.
Keeping prices affordable so that good quality sustainable pieces are accessible is also very important to me. For this reason, my pieces aren’t fully refinished. Many of my customers have said they prefer the minor wear from age saying it gives the piece more character. When I’m not buying, prepping furniture, or posting listings, I like to participate in local markets. There you’ll find me with vintage decor, glassware, and more portable furniture pieces. Connecting with the community and other sellers is always a great time. I love seeing people buy local and buy vintage. When I can, I’ll even partner with the market organizers on a giveaway to promote the event and it’s a way I like to get more folks excited about vintage. Follow me on Instagram @dellagovintage for the latest furniture offerings, upcoming markets, and fun giveaways.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was very active in school and sports. When I got to Providence High School (go Provets!), I was in volleyball, soccer, and student council. I wanted to make school as fun as it could be, so I spearheaded bringing back things like field day and talent shows and creating theme nights for big rivalry games. Personality-wise, I was as determined as I was curious and fun-seeking. Outside of school, I loved going to concerts, playing drums, and listening to rock n’ roll. Jim Morrison and Led Zeppelin were my favorites and on my walls. They had a big influence on my style and likely kickstarted my vintage fascination.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dellagovintage/
Image Credits
personal photo by dvel.photography
