Hey there, fellow fountain pen enthusiasts and curious readers! I've got quite the tale to share with you today, and it involves vintage fountain pens, a loving husband, a dash of entrepreneurship, and a sprinkle of empty nest syndrome. So, buckle up, because this is the story of how I embarked on the adventure of starting an online vintage pen shop.
My husband, Mike, has been collecting vintage fountain pens for several years now. His obsession started as a harmless hobby, but soon, it became a full-blown addiction. Our home began to resemble a museum of writing instruments, so many Sheaffer, Parker, and Waterman’s neatly displayed in a variety of pen display cases from various eras.
Now, don't get me wrong; I've always been supportive of Mike’s passion for vintage pens. I've seen his face light up when he acquires a rare find or when he successfully restores an old, neglected pen to its former glory. However, as our three children grew up and moved out, leaving us with extra room in our house, I started to think about how we could make better use of the space—and maybe keep from looking too much like an episode of Hoarders.
One day, as I was admiring the impressive pen collection, it dawned on me: why not start an online vintage pen shop? It was a lightbulb moment that would combine Mike’s love for pens with my newfound entrepreneurial spirit. Plus, it would give us a fantastic reason to spend even more time together. (cue the eye-roll from Mike…)
So, with his blessing and a promise from me that I would sell only the duplicates or the pens that didn't hold too much sentimental value for him, we decided to take the plunge. And thus, our journey into the wonderful world of e-commerce began!
Creating our online shop was an adventure in itself. I spent hours researching platforms, setting up an inventory system, and even taking crash courses in photography to ensure our pens looked their absolute best in our product listings. I couldn't believe how much there was to learn, but it was all part of the fun!
Speaking of fun, I can't stress enough how much joy this venture has brought us. Not only have we been able to declutter our home and find new homes for pens that weren't getting the love they deserved, but we've also connected with fellow pen enthusiasts. Sharing stories, trading pens, and receiving such valuable advice.
Our little online store, Ozark Pen Shop is now up and running. We're continuously amazed by the support and positive feedback we've received from fellow fountain pen enthusiasts and customers. It's been a journey filled with laughter, shared memories, and, of course, a few ink-stained fingers along the way. Starting this shop has not only been a way to support my husband's fountain pen addiction but also a chance to learn new skills together.
So, if you ever find yourself with a yearning for a fun and fulfilling project, consider starting an online resale shop—you'll be surprised at how it can rejuvenate your life, and clear out some space in your home!
Thanks for reading!
