Announcing My Latest Project

Posted on February 17, 2015 by tiffany

I’m beyond excited to announce the launching of my newest project! Social Marketing On The Fly is a beginners guide to understanding social marketing and how to effectively engage your customers without spending your day in front of a computer. Specifically written for creatives who travel great distances to display their finds at shows and flea markets, but the techniques can be applied to any small business owner with limited time for social media marketing.

My love affair with social media began in 2008 when I met my best friends through a Tweet Up in Columbus, Ohio. My addiction to social media has open many amazing doors since that time. I’ve helped small businesses develop plans to utilize social media, traveled as a travel blogger with Weekend ReTweat, built Flown The Coop’s social media presence and have taught colleagues at Chippendale Eastlake Antiques how to jump start their presence on social media. It was Heather Basden at Chippendale Eastlake Antiques who encouraged me to teach my friends in the field how to use social media to promote their businesses.

I am always open to helping small businesses wrap their minds around social media. It occurred to me that I would be able to help more small businesses by writing an easy to read Ebook. I hope to convey how effortless social marketing can be once you understand how to properly use and connect the various platforms available. As a follow up, I will be offering assistance in setting up and launching a social marketing for readers who need a little push out of the nest.

I am dedicating this book to raising money for a single mom who came into my life while I was writing Social Marketing On The Fly. I fell in love with her and her precious little ones. She opened my eyes to the struggles she must overcome, while figuring out life and raising her little ones on her own. Truth is we are all struggling to discover our value and purpose. I hope to give her some relief and encourage her “take a leap and build her wings on the way down.”

Starting in April, I will be offering a limited number of packages for businesses who need help structuring a social marketing plan for their business. Contact me to reserve a consultation.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our grand opening! March 25th will be here before you know it. Life is heating up just in time for spring!

~Tiffany

~And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

Contact me if you would like to

What’s the story?

Posted on September 16, 2013 by tiffany

My anticipation is growing as I prepare for Texas Antiques Week in Warrenton, Texas. I am thrilled to be in a new location at Bar W under a big tent with my friends at The Seed Box Designs. This is the first time I’ve had enough junque to fill a 20ft UHaul, my trailer and truck. I will be ready to get this party started on Saturday, September 21, when Jeff and I roll our caravan into Bar W and unload.

I’m always excited to be surrounded by kindred spirits who share my passion for fabulous finds (aka junque). Wether you are a customer or another dealer, most of us out in the field have junking in our blood and could tell stories about our adventures.

I come from a long line of junkers. I have fond memories of Friday morning garage sales with my grandparents. Grandpa loved garage sales as much as my Grandma. I loved staying the night with them during the summer when we could hit the garage sales. We would get up early, with a route all mapped out. We were normally the first in line and had to wait for the homeowner to open the garage at our first stop. I learned the art of negotiation from my Grandma. I inherited my love for thrift stores from my Mom, which I’d never admit as a teenager. We had our favorite thrifts and discount shops, like Schottensteins and the Volunteers of America. One of the best shopping experiences I had with my parents was at an Eddie Bauer Outlet sale. We stood in line at 4 am and left with garbage bags full of clothes. To this day, I refuse to pay retail prices for anything. My children grew up thrift and garage sale shopping. I am proud to say that my daughter is a natural who takes after her Great Grandma, Grandma and her Mother.

When I began to build a home for our family, I remember falling in love with the story. I had friends in Mississippi who taught me the art of decorating with character. They would walk me through their homes telling me stories behind each treasured piece. Their homes were full of fun memories and insight into their lives. To this day, my home is a collection of adventures and remembrances from my journey.

I am often asked, “So, what is the story?” I know that it’s nice to know where a piece came from, who made it or what era it came from. I can usually tell you where or how I acquired the piece, but not it’s origin. Honestly, I never think to ask the person I buy it from. At the time I am usually caught up in the moment and excited about the particular piece. Here’s a glimpse into my world of junking, a video Jeff and I made a couple years ago called “Making magic happen” or better known as “it’s not all fun and games.” Warning: it’s not all glamorous.

Click Here (in case you don’t see the video embedded)

I believe the true value of a treasured piece comes from the story you give it. Where did you find it? What were you looking for at the time? Who were you with when you bought it? What special occasion is it associated with? What adventure did you have while buying it? Did the piece “buy you” when you weren’t even looking for it?

I enjoy the idea of helping people tell their stories through the pieces they buy from Flown The Coop. I love watching the adventure unfold in Warrenton as shoppers hit the fields with their lists. Years from now, I wonder what stories they will tell their friends when asked about the piece they purchased from me. Don’t be surprised if I ask you, “What’s the story?”

Is your home a collection of stories to tell? Or are you just getting started on your decorating adventure? Tell us about your current favorite piece, and “What’s the story.”

Here’s a sneak peak of the items you’ll find at Flown The Coop during Texas Antiques Week.

Hope to see you there! Stop by and we’ll swap stories. 🙂

Don’t forget to share your stories in the comment section and follow our flight pattern on Facebook! Life is a journey, come travel with me.

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

May Flew The Coop

Posted on June 7, 2013 by tiffany

[wooslider slideshow_speed=”5.0″ slide_page=”time-has-flown” slider_type=”slides”]

Time flies when you are having fun!

May was a fun month that seemed to fly by! The buying trip to Ohio was a huge success! My workshop is officially “hoarded” up and the Flown The Coop booth at Chippendale Eastlake Antiques is fully stocked.

Shopping is one of my favorite parts of the business, and is even better when friends and family tag along! You never know who you’ll meet up with in the field. This time I found Mrs. Beasley!

Jeff joined me on this trip. Shopping hours on end is not his favorite part of the business. We joked that he became my personal porter.
Jeff proved to have a good eye for treasures! He found this egg scale, which was immediately sold to a farm in West Liberty, Ohio after being posted to Facebook. The Springfield Extravaganza kicks off the show season in the midwest. I was so excited to shop it for the first time since I moved to Houston. It was fun to see my friends at Dorcey’s set up under their big circus tent. (click on the image to view the Vine Video)

Shopping trips are serious work, but a trip to Ohio would not be complete without spending time with my family and friends! On the way to Ohio we stopped in Memphis to see our dear friend Erin, and heard award winning Blues at the Hard Rock Cafe. We arrived in Ohio in time to celebrated Mother’s day with my family. Jeff and I enjoyed hanging out in the evenings with some of our favorite people. Here’s Kelly, Michele and I after a dinner in Urbana. These ladies always make me smile!

On the way back to Houston, we stopped at Brian and Meloney’s home in Missouri. They own The Seed Box Designs and have a fabulous home in the Ozark mountains. We enjoyed hanging out on their deck, showing them our picks from Ohio, seeing what they’ve been working on and feeding the cows with Miss Ivy. It was exactly what we needed before our last leg of the trip.

Returning to Houston

First thing on the agenda after returning to Houston was a booth redo at Chippendales. My daughter Emily was in town and helped me whip the booth in shape. Many of the new pieces have already flown off to new homes.

The Dallas Market

It’s now June, which means summer in Texas is really heating up! It’s also quickly approaching the time for Flown The Coop’s debut at the Vintage Home Market, going on during the Dallas Gift Market June 20-24th in the Market Hall North across from the World Trade Center. I have a week to finish last minute projects and pack it all up.

June and beyond

I hope to spend more time blogging about my adventures in the future! Time seems to fly the coop. I get busy working on projects and hunting new treasures. There are so many aspects of the business I’d like to share; from buying, repurposing, merchandising, selling, etc. What would you like to read more about?

There are no shows scheduled for July and August, but I’ll hook up the trailer to Miss Dixie for anther buying adventure this summer. Stayed tuned for stories from June and beyond… and follow our flight pattern on Facebook for a daily dose of Flown The Coop!

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky.

Just keeps getting better!

Posted on May 7, 2013 by tiffany

Flown The Coop’s third trip to Urban Market Houston was a huge success!

It was rewarding to see my recent pickings come together in the display at Urban Market Houston. It just keeps getting better as I gain more confidence merchandising with each show. The ultimate gratification is watching my treasured junque leave with excited new owners. I love my job!

Breaking for FUN!

Brian Russell from the Seed Box Designs borrowed his neighbor’s bike and took Miss Ivy for
a ride. I don’t know who giggled more, Brian or Miss Ivy. Hanging out with my crazy friends is another reason I love my job! Click on the image to see a Vine Video….

Little Miss Ivy is serious about furniture modeling, click on the image for another Vine Video.

Urban Market Crowd

Urban Market Houston is one of my favorite shows, held three times a year at the Bayou City Event Center on Knight Rd. Excited customers line up early for the Saturday evening preview, a great way to kick off the weekend! A crowd lined up early on Sunday morning as well. The weather was perfect for shopping! Let’s hope we have a repeat of the beautiful weather October 26 – 27th for the next Urban Market Houston.

Thanks to all my Houston friends who stopped by to say “hi!” I was honored to meet a few more friends that had been following the Flown The Coop flight pattern. I love chatting with like minded people who love junque as much as I do! Yet another reason I love my job!

Remember to send me pictures of treasures you buy from Flown The Coop. It’s fun to see the pieces in their new homes.

What’s next?

Next stop: Jeff and I leave for another trip to Ohio at the end of the week. Stayed tuned. Jeff has warned me that he plans on using his new Vine app to document our shopping. This should be fun!

Next show: Dallas Market June 19 – 23rd

As always, follow our flight pattern on our Facebook Page! You can always let me know if you are looking for a particular piece. I’d be happy to assist you on your search!

Here’s to happy junqueing… It just keeps getting better!

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

Texas Antiques Week

Posted on April 7, 2013 by tiffany

I am so grateful for the freedom to fly free!

Spring is one of the most welcomed seasons, a time of renewal evoking the senses with fresh flowers and new life. It is a time for me to fly free on my biannual gypsy trek to Warrenton for Texas Antiques Week, also known as Round Top. I spend two weeks in “the field” with my incredibly talented friends buying and selling our beloved junque.

Texas Antiques Week, a precession of fields stretching twenty-six miles between Warrenton and Round Top, is a serious shopping event each spring and fall. It is safe to say that Texas Antiques Week is more accurately three weeks long, with each field having their own start date. A shopper can find everything from high end French antiques in fancy air conditioned circus tents, to rusty treasures uncovered only by digging in a pile of junk.

Picture by Antiqueweekend.com

The fields each have their own quirky personalities. The fields of Warrenton can be likened to any typical high school lunch room, an idea I stole from my friend Kim. Zapp Hall is where the cheerleaders and jocks party like rock stars. Renck, Bar W, and North Gate are where the ag students sell their rusty treasures and typical flea market finds. Venturing out to Excess and Clutter you’ll find the hipsters on the fringe of society.

Guess where you can find Flown The Coop?

There is so much to be said about all the marvelous fields within the twenty-six miles surrounding Warrenton and Round Top, but I love the people who add to the whole experience.

Brian and Meloney Russell, of The Seedbox, travel from Missouri with a truck, trailer and a U-haul packed with their sought after, hand picked treasures to sell at Warrenton. Along with their wonderful pieces of vintage furniture, they bring along their adorable granddaughter Ivy, who has become a celebrity in these parts. It is safe to say that she has almost everyone wrapped around her little finger, including Bud from Royers Round Top Cafe. She once told a customer at Royers, “You can’t sit in the chair by the door because that is Bud’s chair.” It is precious when she tells customers at the booth, “Come on it and let me know if I can help ya!” Ivy celebrated her fourth birthday during the spring show. It was heart warming to see all the people, who have become like family, stop by the booth to wish her a Happy Birthday.

The talent that is represented in the fields brings buyers from across the country. This trip I had the privilege to get to know some of the buyers from California. Next fall I hope to join my friends from Orange in what will become the go-cart round-up. I’m sure Peggy will lead the way, or not.

Two memorable events!

This year I had the pleasure of attending the 3rd Annual Private Bloggers Luncheon at Royers Round Top Cafe. A joint event with the Dallas Market Center (DMC), the luncheon combined Royers famous food with a special event organized by DMC. Carley Seale, owner of The Gypsy Wagon spoke to the group about the Round Top experience. Carley spent years shopping Texas Antiques Week with friends and family before she launched The Gypsy Wagon. Having only been a dealer in the field, it was interesting for me to hear the strategies of the dedicated group of annual shoppers. Carley and her friends made years of memories and bought treasures that are proudly displayed in their homes today. Check out Carley’s Instagram at @dragginmywagon for the pictures she shared.

Another highlight of my trip was the Round up in Round Top, an evening soiree hosted by the Dallas Market Center at the new Henkel Square Market. The night was complete with a buffet catered by Royers Round Top Cafe, a fashion show by Rodeo Royalty and a special fiddler performance. Miss Ivy stole the show as she watched the fashion show paraded in front of her, completely in awe of the models. It was a fantastic evening!

Flown The Coop changes venues

Now that spring is behind us, we are already looking forward to the fall Texas Antiques Week. Flown The Coop, along with my friends at The Seedbox, will be flying over the Bar W field. We are excited about the change of venue, located on the main Bar W Road just passed the office on a corner lot to the left.

What are your favorite memories?

I would love to hear your favorite memories of Texas Antiques Week. Do you love a particular field? Are you a dealer in the field? What is your best find? Any advice for a novice to the fields?

If you are planning to take a dream trip, I suggest you pick up a Round Top _ Warrenton Show Daily Magazine. You can find them on Facebook and their web site. It is the Bible of any trip to Texas Antiques Week. Wether it’s your first trip or you have a biannual tradition, please make sure you find your way to Bar W and visit Flown The Coop and The Seedbox booths!

Adventures in Junque

Posted on September 19, 2012 by tiffany

A row of hats hanging on my bedroom wall are a daily reminder of our Flown The Coop adventures and tug at me as if to say “what are you waiting for?”

THE WAIT IS OVER … One of the biggest deals in junque begins next week!

Flown The Coop is busy preparing for another adventure at Antique Week in Warrenton, Texas (some call the show Round Top, some call it Warrenton). The Round Top/Warrenton adventure takes place every Spring and Fall, mainly along Highway 237, between Brenham and LaGrange, Texas.

This is Flown the Coop’s second season at our location at Cole’s. If you are headed to Warrenton from Round Top, we are the first field on the left as you enter Warrenton, at the corner of Hwy 237 and Willow Spring Road (FM 954). Among all of the vendors there, Flown The Coop will be in the corner nearest the intersection of 237 & FM 954.

OH THE ANTICIPATION…

Of course Flown The Coop is strictly about business… buying and selling junque. Ha! I think ya’all know us better than that. Jeff and I love to have fun… in fact we boast about bringing the fun. 🙂

So what’s all the fuss about? Here’s a snapshot of last Spring….

The most meaningful adventures involved others in the business and die-hard fans! Kelly (pictured left) flew in from Ohio. She is the best groupie ever! Reconnecting with Kristie (my soul sistah) meant the world to me! And I made some amazing new friends! I am always inspired by the community out in the “field” and am blessed to be able to re-connect with some of these wonderfully creative people at events as awe-inspiring as this one.

Buying frenzies! Early in the morning last Spring I noticed a line formed at one of my neighbor’s booths. I soon learned these people were “patiently” waiting for The Seed Box to unload their truck. What started out as a cordial family reunion, ended in a competitive bid for junque, replete with the unsheathing of elbows. Apparently there are even some unspoken (but well-known) rules of engagement… like not jumping on the truck. You’ll be scolded for that one. 🙂

Marburger Farms. I have to be completely honest… I did not plan on going. I am a die hard “in the fields” kind of gal. Others mentioned their feelings that it was out of their league or that they weren’t keen on the idea of an entrance fee. This show under huge white tents seemed a world apart from the one I was enjoying so immensely, and therefore not worth the time away from my booth or parting with my hard earned money to pay admission. That said, some of my friends talked me into at least experiencing Marburger “just once”.

I WAS COMPLETELY SURPRISED BY MARBURGER FARMS!!!

First of all, I had so much fun with these gals (pictured left)… who hailed all the way from New York and Iowa. Traci Kirfman Gyles, far left, (Shabby Gals Nest) and I had so much fun “oohing” and “awing” over all the cool junque!

Secondly, it is a great way to stay on top of new trends. I was so inspired by the over the top displays and left committed to improving my own. Be sure to check out my favorite booths… J. Hills Designs & The Willow Nest. Marburger was totally worth the cost of admission… and is on my list again this Fall. I’ve even talked some friends into joining this time!

There are so many wonderful fields between Round Top and Warrenton! It would take days to list all of my favorites!!!! Okay, okay, here’s one:

Junk O-Rama Prom. Antique week wouldn’t be complete without getting all dolled up for a wacky night out. Of course I had to wear my “cowgirl” hat for this one! 🙂

Well I have other crazy stories from last Spring… but what happens in Warrenton… stays in Warrenton. You’ll just have to experience this mecca of junque yourself!

Come join our adventure….

Jeff and I have been busy buying in Ohio and Missouri, along with finding great picking places just outside of Houston. With our project list almost complete, we are excited pack up the trailer and head out for another adventure! We will arrive on Monday, Sept. 24th. Be sure to stop by our little spot in the field. We’d love to catch up with all of you, friends and fans alike (those might be synonyms)!

Along with the fun junque… you’ll be able to pick up a Flown The Coop tee while supplies last.

If you’re lost… don’t hesitate to call me (Tiff) at 937-215-4732. At the least, we can both wonder aloud where you are!

We’ll bring the fun… and the hats will be joining us too!

Until then,

~Tiffany

Urban Market Houston

Posted on May 21, 2012 by tiffany

My weekend with the pros….

Making friends in the field

I had the privilege of meeting Brian and Meloney Russell of The Seed Box Antiques last March at Coles’s Antique Show in Warrneton. I really can’t say enough good things about this couple. In my opinion, they take merchandising to another level. I was impressed with the buying frenzy that took place when they unpacked their trailer for the show at 7am on a Monday morning. If you went to Warrenton in March, you definitely saw their load of body parts. On top of all that, I discovered that they are genuinely nice people with generous hearts. Oh… and they brought their adorable grand daughter Ivy to the show. Ivy stole everyone’s heart and had everyone at Cole’s wrapped around her finger (including me).

Fast friends, I was excited to have veterans to talk shop with. They invited me to have dinner with them and introduced me to more of the “pros” in the industry. One night at dinner Brian asked me if I’d be interested in helping them a couple days at the Dallas Market. I’m not sure how to convey my excitement. My reply without hesitation was…

Are you kidding? I’d work for FREE! 🙂

The Seed Box at Urban Market

I was really excited when I learned that Brian and Meloney were setting up at the Urban Market in Houston. I hadn’t been to this market yet, but had heard that it was the premier show in Houston. I volunteered to help for that one too!

While they take their work serious, we had some serious laughs hanging out all weekend. I even got to go “junking” with them on Saturday. EEKS!

Their displays are so inspiring…

I love Meloney’s display of her cuff bracelets “SKINS”…. each a one-of-a-kind design using the skins of baseballs.

Willow Nest

Brian and Meloney introduced me to their dear friends, Ludmil and Linda Marcov of the Willow Nest. They had a gorgeous display at Marburger Farms! The Willow Nest is a lovely mix of French country and unique treasures that Ludmil designs and meticulously hand crafts himself.

I was delighted to help the lovely Linda on Sunday.

Linda’s displays take you to the French countryside! I was inspired by her as well. It really was a privilege to help out… I learned so much!

I wish I had taken some good pictures of Ludmil’s bird houses. Check out their website! They are amazing!!!!

J Hill Designs

Several months ago a sweet couple stopped to talk with me while I was set up at Canton Trade Days. I had a really nice chat with Billy and Judy Hill without realizing that I had met another “pro” couple. Their J Hill Designs display at Marburger Farms in March was fabulous! I was excited to see them at Urban Market. They are another couple that is genuinely nice and exceedingly talented!

Just beautiful…

New Friends

While at Urban Market I met some new friends and had dinner with these creative folks on Saturday night.

Susie Skinner and Hector Vasquez of Fundustrial, along with their friend Mindy were so much fun!!! I was in my element talking BIG IDEAS with Hector the Collector and enjoyed getting to know Mindy and Susie better. If you are a regular at Warrenton…. You know these three talented pros!!!! I went home with a few new pieces from their shop…. EXCITED!

Check out some of their displays….

I went home with a vintage mail sorter just like the one on the left!

New friends, Don and Kathy Gross of austinWOODHENGE are artisans that create handmade and hand painted items. I love their paper boy bags!!!! I am the proud owner of one of their creations!!!!

My prized new bag!

Totally inspired!

Urban Market is definitely the premier market in Houston and a must see. Mark your calendars for the upcoming market October 27 & 28. You really don’t want to miss a chance to see so much talent in one location!

Come early… there was a line both Saturday & Sunday

Flown The Coop plans

Spending the weekend with the pros will have a lasting influence on Flown The Coop! This week I’ll be hard at work on my final display in “the field” at Canton Trade Days. Frankly, I was tempted to pare down my display in preparation for my space in Chippendale Eastlake Antiques. No chance of that… I am inspired to rock it!

Hope to see you in a couple weeks at my home in the field! May 30 – June 3 (Click on the map for an enlarged image)

Happy Junking ~ Tiffany

Flown The Coop has a new roost

Posted on May 17, 2012 by tiffany

I can finally spill the beans…

The adventure continues

I am very excited to announce Flown The Coop has joined the antique co-op at Chippendale Eastlake Antiques on 19th street in the Heights. You will be able to shop Flown The Coop at our new roost beginning in June!!!

Serendipity!

For months Jeff & I have toyed with the idea of finding a shop location. We love the Flea, but also like the idea of a permanent location to roost in between shows. The idea seemed like a distant dream… but ya’all know we dream TEXAS SIZED DREAMS. 🙂

Saturday afternoon Jeff & I set out to explore our options. We love the eclectic, funky, fun-loving Heights area of Houston and ultimately want to live there. I thought we should start by driving around looking at houses. Jeff wanted to shop… who am I to argue with that? Strolling through the shops on 19th is always fun!

I had already talked to a few shop owners on 19th and was leaning more towards a booth space with a co-op instead of a full fledge shop. A co-op space would provide a coop to roost in, with the freedom to continue flying off to junking adventures… remaining true to our dedication to those who can’t be caged. Earlier in the week I checked with one antique mall in the area who only could offer me a display case as a way to get my “foot in the door.” I wasn’t excited about that idea. Admittedly, I was thinking there was little chance of finding a space anytime soon. We walked in Chippendales Eastlake Antiques to inquire about getting on a dealer’s waiting list. To our surprise, we learned that there is a space available for the first time in three years. Serendipity! (Jeff loves that word) After talking to Heather, I was sure this could be a good fit for Flown The Coop!

Chippendale has been located on the corner of 19th and Rutland in the Houston Heights for twenty three years. Previous to Chippendales, the location was home to a gas station, Lewis and Coker grocery store and a green stamp store. Currently there are twenty one dealers who make up the antique co-op. Jeff and I are excited to be apart of such an established group of dealers and love the idea of locating on 19th street. There is so much scope for imagination!

New space/ new friends

The ideas just keep coming… shifting my paradigm from filling a 20X20 space in the field to filling our new indoor space will be a fresh challenge.

I am excited about getting involved in a new community of “junk” lovers and developing new friendships! One of my first friends at Chippendale… meet Carlos Antonio, the shop dog. He is a rescued long haired Chihuahua. Isn’t he handsome with his summer cut? Seemed to pose when I got the camera out.

BTW: Chippendale Eastlake is a pet friendly shop!!!!! Most of the antique shops on19th have at least one “shop dog” and are open to dog walkers and pets 🙂 Pretty cool.

Our Coop away from Coop….

We haven’t flown away from the Flea all together… the Flea will remain our “coop away from coop.” This month we will be set up in our regular spot at Canton Trade Days (May 30th – June 3rd). However, this will most likely be our last month in the “field” at Canton… we are exploring pavilion options. Please come visit our beloved corner in the field! (Row 52/ Row 98 by the creek between the Civic Center and the Pavillions)

Our flight pattern will also include Warrenton at Cole’s Antique Show twice a year and other possible shows.

Sign says “Walk.”

Jeff and I are enjoying our Flown The Coop journey… we are flying free, taking tiny steps forward and loving where it is taking us. We are thankful that we took the time to explore our options and stepped into Chippendale. Feels like a huge leap, but there is no doubt we will love our new coop!

There are more dreams to dream (Texas size)… all of which build on what we are currently doing. With each step we take I am beginning to believe the sky is the limit… really!

And the birds fluttered around them writing “yes” in the sky!