Today we’d like to introduce you to Dara Hamilton.
Hi Dara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
We started in 2020, a COVID baby after I resigned from a visual manager role in Brooklyn, NY. Thrifting has been in my life since I was a kid. I was introduced to secondhand stores by my great-grandmother, who we affectionately refer to as the “queen of junking.” Her house was full of the most nostalgic pieces, and still, to this day, these items live within our family’s homes. Even just a few years ago, I would not have fathomed that I would be living in her shoes, making a career out of it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? There’s no such thing! In my dreams! It has been a struggle but a beautiful journey; I would not want any different. Due to GemU Vintage being my full-time, I realized that everything is optional. If that makes sense, I am sacrificing “wants” to build what I need for my future wants and needs. Wearing the many hats to owning your own business, all while staying motivated and consistent even during downtime, is the greatest challenge. The day I can focus on creativity and have an extra set of hands, I will feel like, “Okay, we are making some progress, sis.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
D got the gems! I am your vintage plug; the gems are for you, your partner, and the mini. I offer an eclectic range of gems street, chic, wtw (wear to work), and everything in between. One of the specialties I offer is the Gem Hoodie; all hoodies I source I replace with “bling string,” customers’ favorite. If you do not have one, I guarantee you will want one when you see it. If you see anything in the city with “I AM THE GEM,” that’s GemU and also you. We are all rare gems, no two alike. I pride myself on branding my pieces (the Gems) to stand apart from others.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Secondhand is a more environmentally friendly method of shopping and a more sustainable way to spend money. By choosing sustainable clothing that provides quality, you can reduce your waste and the amount of clothing you buy (quality reduces waste). Vintage withstands the test of time by both remaining fashionable and not deteriorating after a short while. Any items we do not sell are given back to the community directly. Last year we did a community giveaway in the south city (Love Goddess Healing) and downtown St. Louis and gave 10 north face jackets to the girls at Marian Middle School. This year were 20 North Face jackets, 15 to Marian Middle, and 5 to Northside Youth & Senior service center, along with other items such as shoes, bottoms, tops, and blankets. You can find GemU Vintage at City Foundry Shop Procure STL, Lou Belle & Bing on Main St. Collinsville, IL, and Honeycomb on Tower Grove.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gemuvintage.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dgotthegems?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100077405483831/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dgotthegems
