| I’ve been warned, chastised and outright told under no uncertain circumstances that I should not do what I am about to do. Advice given to me well over twenty years ago upon my arrival in New York City was to ‘fake it till you make it’. These superficially sagacious words were offered to me by a very successful antique dealer. Words that resonated and stuck with me. For a New York minute. And then, like so many other trends that I side stepped, they floated away into the ether. It was at that moment, also well over twenty years ago, that I wondered if I really wanted to be that person. When so much of the world is perception, I was happy and satisfied to be real, to be transparent, to be me. And it’s always been an uphill slog. With so many detours, drop-offs, backtracks and the like. Sounds rough? Challenging? A terrible alternative to an easy path? It was and is. Would I change anything? Nope. Because the lack of pretense has always allowed me (and continues to) experience the joys of both my successes and my failures. So now, shall we talk about the best of times and the worst of times? |
| Bettmann/CORBIS/Getty Images, click the pic to read the full speech |
| “Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men! Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks.” – John F. Kennedy, 1963 |
| at Marburger Atlanta with the three foot tall Gorham cocktail shaker, click the pic for IG |
| But, wait! Nobody gets on a sinking ship…Never fear! I’m ship shape as always. Whether a super yacht or a dingy, my vessel is sea worthy. And yes, I do understand the pitfalls, trials and tribulations of over-sharing, but what else do you expect from me? Fresh off the close of a fantastically successful show in Atlanta, the Marburger Atlanta show saw close to ten thousand customers through the gate. With the powerful combination of the expertise of the Marburger team, the logistics of a dedicated and distinguished transporter, a strong and focused marketing campaign and an educated customer base – all of us vendors brought our best and freshest finds to meet the demand and exceed the expectation. And the strong sales were the bottom line. I’ve already signed up for the next show coming in January of 2025. Um, so where’s the hole in the hull Heather? It’s in the other ship, I mean show.The week prior saw me in the very TONY and chic Hamptons at the well known East Hampton Antique and Design Show. As per usual, I brought a curated selection of my most favorite pieces. Setting up the booth and ready for the preview party, I waited. And then I waited some more. And then I waited longer. Not for a lack of effort, but I could not connect with the customer base on a sales level. There was a positive appreciation for my exhibition, but it stayed just that. On exhibit. Here’s the hard part about what I do. Yeah, the schlepping, carrying and storing has its challenges, but I have honed my skills with a lifetime of hard work so that all comes with ease. The hard part is the emotional part. I only buy what I like, and most times that like turns to love. You see, I love what I do and I love to share it with all of you. The ups and downs, the research, the finds – it’s a great job. So when I pour my heart and soul into my work, it is truly part of me. And when there is no validation (i.e., sales), well that’s defeating to say the least. I mean, I have kids to feed. I’ve been told time and time again that in order to be successful in this business, I have to buy what sells. And time and time again, I’ve shrugged off this unsolicited advice to turn around, pick up some heavy item that I just purchased and offer it for sale. Old dogs can most certainly learn new tricks, but I don’t feel old at all – even with 52 coming at me on the 27th of this month – I’m the perennial kid at heart, Peter Pan, entrepreneur. So row, row, row your own boat. |
| at Marburger Atlanta with the Neiman Marcus Italian jar, click the pic for IG |
| Bruce Lee Enterprises, LLC, click the pic for more philosophy |
| “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” Bruce Lee |
If You Don’t Go, You Don’t Know
| Regrets? Unlike Frank Sinatra, not even a few. Because I am grateful. Sure, there are ups and downs, and even some doubts, especially living here in Georgia. So far from my old home of New York City, the place that gave me so much and where I dared to go after my dreams. But, if you don’t go you don’t know. My daughters are thriving here and I am doing my best every day to make it happen. To remain the solid foundation upon which they both will reach higher. And so, I remind myself to practice the attitude of gratitude. To continue to dream and to keep an open heart for new dreams in my life. Grateful that there are other folks who also dare to dream. To start a show so far from their home and to create a community where we all can succeed. The tide rises all ships. Sure, I’ll still miss NYC and I’ll still go home to visit, but I’m in the moment. All in and making it happen everyday. Thankful for a community of folks who share the same vision. Thankful to share it all with you. |
| click the pic of the chairman and turn the volume all the way up |
HKFA at Marburger Farm, October 15th – 19th
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| Mark your calendars for the Marburger Farm Fall Show. I know I have! The dates for the show have moved up in October! Find me again in booth Cb10 in Tent C. Click this link to visit the Marburger Farm website for more info. The Fall Show runs from Tuesday, October 15th through Saturday, October 19th, 2024. |
HKFA at Chelsea on Green, October 22nd – 30th
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| Yes! I’ll be back at High Point again in the Fall… but you can shop Chelsea On Green YEAR ‘ROUND! You read that right! I’ll keep my booth stocked with fabulous finds so be sure to pop in Tuesday through Saturday and shop the HKFA booth. Visit (and follow) the Chelsea On Green Instagram for pics. The Fall Show runs from Tuesday, October 22nd through Wednesday, October 30th, 2024. |
HKFA on 1stDibs
Can’t make it to the shows? Shop HKFA 24/7 on 1stDibs! Sure to be a favorite source for vintage and antique. Whether it’s a great abstract painting from the 1950’s or a fantastically cool decorative objet d’art, I’ll either have exactly what you’ve been searching for or that special something you never knew you needed. Come and browse awhile, check back often and reach out to say hi! Click the photo of me holding a French frame to shop on 1stDibs.
HKFA at Antiques and Beyond in Atlanta
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| The HKFA booth at Antiques and Beyond in Atlanta is stocked with fun, fresh finds. From traditional to contemporary you’re sure to find that just right piece. If you’re shopping for a client or for yourself, I’m happy to source pieces for you as well! Let’s connect and start finding those perfect pieces together. |
| HKFA: backstory, shopping and more |
| click the HKFA logo to connect |
| click the pic for IG, and work really is this much fun |
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