Move UA to the First Floor!
Donation protected
My name is Elizabeth Raphaelson and I am the owner of The Underground Attic Vintage Boutique. I started UA when I was just a wee sophomore in college. I've been collecting and restoring vintage jewelry and clothing for as long as I remember, and when I was a broke college student I decided to turn that into my job, with eyes of turning it into my career.
When I was in college I worked several part time jobs and funneled that money into buying inventory and investing in my business. I graduated in 2014 with a fashion and textiles degree with a specialty in historic costume. I immediately rented out the space that is the current UA shop, before I even found a post-college apartment. I took a risk, and it is indeed paying off! Things have been going excellently since I opened up about a year and a half ago, but I am ready to take the next step for the shop!
Though I adore the space I'm in (gorgeous windows, brick wall, high ceilings and good energy) I know how much better I could do if I was not on the second floor of main street. I deal consistently with elderly people who need to haul things up my long flight of stairs, not to mention just the visibility from the ground floor of main street!
So here's the kicker: A space opened up that I kid you not, is directly connected to the Oneonta Historical Society. This my friends, is what I call a dream boat. I've always wanted the shop to be more than just that- I want it to be an educational place where I can do lectures, host podcasts, create a mini museum and textile archive. This location would not only allow me to do that because of it's larger space, but would also mean I could do events in conjunction with the Historical Society!
I went and viewed the location and have been approved, but I need to raise enough money to pay my security deposit, first month's rent and be able to paint and build a dressing room, get a sign, etc. before the space disappears! Ideally I would be moving in at the beginning of July when my lease in the current shop is up, which gives me just under two months to raise the money.
I felt shy about using a crowdsourcing platform at first, but then I realized that from it's start, this has always been a community effort! There is no way I could have gotten this far without the incredible support of so many wonderful people. Whether it's friends showing up to paint , community members spreading the word, or working with the SUCO Fashion Department, every step has been a ride shared with the best company.
For the cost of a cup of coffee, that I swear to buy you once UA is booming on the first floor, you can help expand a young business that is not only my career, but also a deep passion. I love history, education and the fact that using these things makes recycling clothing and using what we have exciting and accessible.
Thank you so much for believing in me. Oneonta is an amazing place that I want to take a strong foot-hold in so that my business and I can grow with it.
Love always,
Elizabeth & UA
When I was in college I worked several part time jobs and funneled that money into buying inventory and investing in my business. I graduated in 2014 with a fashion and textiles degree with a specialty in historic costume. I immediately rented out the space that is the current UA shop, before I even found a post-college apartment. I took a risk, and it is indeed paying off! Things have been going excellently since I opened up about a year and a half ago, but I am ready to take the next step for the shop!
Though I adore the space I'm in (gorgeous windows, brick wall, high ceilings and good energy) I know how much better I could do if I was not on the second floor of main street. I deal consistently with elderly people who need to haul things up my long flight of stairs, not to mention just the visibility from the ground floor of main street!
So here's the kicker: A space opened up that I kid you not, is directly connected to the Oneonta Historical Society. This my friends, is what I call a dream boat. I've always wanted the shop to be more than just that- I want it to be an educational place where I can do lectures, host podcasts, create a mini museum and textile archive. This location would not only allow me to do that because of it's larger space, but would also mean I could do events in conjunction with the Historical Society!
I went and viewed the location and have been approved, but I need to raise enough money to pay my security deposit, first month's rent and be able to paint and build a dressing room, get a sign, etc. before the space disappears! Ideally I would be moving in at the beginning of July when my lease in the current shop is up, which gives me just under two months to raise the money.
I felt shy about using a crowdsourcing platform at first, but then I realized that from it's start, this has always been a community effort! There is no way I could have gotten this far without the incredible support of so many wonderful people. Whether it's friends showing up to paint , community members spreading the word, or working with the SUCO Fashion Department, every step has been a ride shared with the best company.
For the cost of a cup of coffee, that I swear to buy you once UA is booming on the first floor, you can help expand a young business that is not only my career, but also a deep passion. I love history, education and the fact that using these things makes recycling clothing and using what we have exciting and accessible.
Thank you so much for believing in me. Oneonta is an amazing place that I want to take a strong foot-hold in so that my business and I can grow with it.
Love always,
Elizabeth & UA
Organizer
Elizabeth Raphaelson
Organizer
Oneonta, NY
