Hi Kiwi's!
The other week I popped into a brand new Retro/Vintage store: "Maple Lane" located in the heart of Green Bay - a cute, little store for those who love old fashioned items from: Comic books, Decor, Homeware items, Clothing and furniture pieces. This shop also doubles as a Beauty Parlour and is run by Ashleigh Grey and her mother. Here you can book by appointment for a Beauty Makeover, Brow and Wax tinting, Eye lash tinting and more! For more info check out her facebook: fb.com/maplelanestore
She welcomed me through her doors to photograph her store and even gifted me with one of her Homemade Candles: "Lemon Cheesecake". She has a beautiful range of other candles you can purchase at a great price - and they smell incredible! Thank you so much Ashleigh!
Stepping into this store is like stepping into a time capsule or some kind of retro fairytale. It was hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia looking at certain items she had for sale and the layout and colour scheme of the shop is stunning. Everything about it pays tribute to different eras. It has only been open for four weeks, but I can already see this shop becoming something truly special.
Unfortunately I didn't end up meeting Ashleigh when I visited her store but I had a chit-chat with her about how Maple Lane came to be over email. Have a read and be sure to check out her Instagram for regular updates. And of course I highly recommend you visiting her shop when you get the chance!
Maple Lane
85 Godley Road
Green Bay
Q: Hi Ashleigh! Thank you for taking the time to have a little talk with me – also thank you again for letting me into your store to Photograph. Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about “Maple Lane” and how it came to be?
Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me and photograph! Well my names Ashleigh and I’m a makeup artist, and owner of Maple Lane. I'm 21 years old, I love my do, old movies and collecting quirky things. Maple Lane was created by my mum and I, named after our crazy pug Maple. We've always had a love of vintage and retro, our whole house is covered in it! We decided one day to take a massive leap and open up our own store, it took a lot of hard work but here we are!
Q: What was your inspiration behind wanting to own and run your own Retro/Vintage store and how long did it take from coming up with the idea to turning that idea into a reality?
We have always had a big love for Retro/vintage and have always loved looking at vintage stores. I love the nostalgia the items can bring to people! We have always jokingly said we would love to have our own retro store but never really thought about it being a reality, until last year when we decided we would actually do it. It took a lot of hard work and renovations, the store used to be our old garage! We had a few set backs but kept on going as we were determined.
Q: What are some of your favourite items you have or have had come into your store and do you have your own personal collection of retro/vintage items?
I kind of fall in love with everything in the store and want to keep it all for myself! But some of my favourite things are the kewpie dolls, I'm obsessed. Our house is full of retro things, and always has been so its kind of the norm for me. Ive always been fascinated with old things so it makes sense.
Q: I love that you’ve combined your store into a Beauty Parlour as well – how long have you been a make-up artist and what are your go-to looks on clients?
I've been a makeup artist for a while now, although I went to Cut Above last year to get my certification. I also do tinting/waxing and eyelash extensions! My go to look would have to be a glowing skin and a smokey eye, cant go wrong.
Q: I am in love with your store, its like stepping into a retro/vintage fairytale! You’ve only been opened for a short period of time – what are your ultimate goals for Maple Lane if you have any?
Thats a cool way to put it, thank you! We’ve been open for just on 4 weeks now! My ultimate goal would be for more people to know about us and for us to just grow overall as a business.
Q: To those who have never been into your store – what can people expect when visiting?
I would say expect some things that you've definitely seen before and love, along with some quirky different things you may have never seen! I would say there is definitely something for everyone. For the older generations there is a lot of nostalgia and memories that come along with the items.
Q: Before we finish, I have been doing a series on my blog called: “Women with a voice” where I interview women who I find interesting or inspiring in one way or another. And I always ask them these two questions: What does being a woman mean to you and what do you love most about being a woman?
That sounds awesome, thank you for including me! Being a woman means a lot to me. It means being strong and resilient, confident and comfortable in your own skin, thoughtful and empathetic, the list goes on. It really means so many different things and its hard to put into words what its really like to be a woman , all I know is I love it and have a lot of respect for women. What I love most is being apart of such an amazing group. I get such a sense of pride when I see other woman accomplish amazing things, it really makes me feel like I could do amazing things too. I love how uplifting and supportive a group of woman can be to each other and others. I feel as a group, woman have a long way to come in terms of equality, but woman are determined!
Q: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak, I can’t wait to come back in and make more purchases from your shop. Keep in touch!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it and all the best for your upcoming projects and work! Cant wait to read more! Ashleigh xx
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