Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesika.
Hi Jesika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For almost 20 years, I worked in the hospitality industry — long hours, high stress, and a nonstop pace that trained me to juggle just about anything. I managed restaurants, led teams, and built a career in a world that never really slowed down. But somewhere deep down, I knew I wanted more flexibility and creativity — I just didn’t know what that looked like yet.
Toward the end of all the COVID chaos, on New Year’s Eve going into 2021, one of my neighbors hosted a thrift store formal party. I had never even stepped foot in a thrift store before — but I went in to find a dress for the party and walked out with a new business venture. I spotted two chinoiserie vases on a shelf, and something about them just lit me up. The hunt, the stories, the nostalgia — I was instantly hooked.
That one trip turned into weekend adventures. I started sharing my finds online, first on Etsy, then on Instagram. I leaned into my love of vintage and color and chaos and comedy, and somewhere along the way, this thing I was doing for fun became something more.
In May of 2025, I left my full-time job and made this my full-time life. I now run Vibrant & Vintage, a vintage shop where I sell curated treasures I find at estate sales all over Houston — which, in my opinion, is one of the best cities in the country for sourcing secondhand gems.
Every week, I hit estate sales and antique malls, hunting for pieces with personality and history. I bring them home, clean them up, style them, share them online and ship them all over the world. On Wednesdays at 7:30 PM Central, my Husband Marcelo and I go live on Instagram to sell what I’ve found — but it’s not QVC. It’s cocktails, laughter, and community. It’s shopping, yes, but it’s also hanging out. You’re just as likely to hear me telling a funny story or share our pet bunnies as you are to hear about a piece’s origin.
And if you want to come along for the ride, you can. I hang out on Instagram stories daily — showing the behind-the-scenes, the sourcing trips, the good finds, and the flops.
I also recently launched my website, which still feels a little surreal. What started as a $3 thrift store vase obsession has now turned into a business that lets me stay home with my two boys Arlo & Owen, be creative every day, and build something I’m really proud of.
When I was little, I never imagined a job like this could even exist. This life — sourcing beautiful things, connecting with people online, running a business from my home — wasn’t something I grew up dreaming about, but somehow, it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Most days, I feel like I’m in a bit of a pinch-me state. I can’t believe this is what I get to do — and that it actually works. After feeling stuck for so long, I finally feel free.
That’s why I’ve started helping others, too. I coach and consult women who are just getting started, especially those trying to build something creative and sustainable online. I know how overwhelming it can feel to take that first step — and I want to be the person who helps make it less scary.
Because this journey changed my life, and I believe it can change theirs, too.
You can follow along at @vibrantandvintage on Instagram — we’re live every Wednesday night, and we’re always laughing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the scariest moments in my journey was making the decision to leave my high paying restaurant management role behind. I had spent years in the hospitality industry, managing multi-million dollar restaurants. It was fast-paced, ever-changing, and honestly — it was safe. But it no longer fulfilled me. Nothing about it felt creative, and I knew I needed something more.
So I started applying for jobs in marketing and social media — something I had always been interested in and had informally done for my own side hustle. But despite applying to dozens of roles, I couldn’t get a single interview. My resume was all restaurant experience and leadership, but nothing that “checked the boxes” for corporate marketing.
That was an incredibly discouraging season — feeling like I had so much potential but no place to put it. But it also taught me one of the most important lessons of my life:
If no one’s willing to offer you a seat at their table, it’s okay to build your own damn table — and then start inviting others to sit with you.
So that’s what I did. I stopped waiting for permission and started going all in on the business I had already been quietly building. I ramped up my vintage business, leaned into Instagram, and eventually began helping others grow their own businesses on social media. It was like every door that had stayed shut was for a reason and led me here — exactly where I was supposed to be.
Of course, running your own business comes with its own challenges. I currently operate everything out of my home, and while I’m incredibly grateful for the flexibility, it also means the business can sometimes take over your space and now my personal decor style would be considered ‘cardboard-chic’ because of all the shipping we do. Balancing that — especially with young kids at home — is an ongoing process.
One of my next big challenges will be figuring out what it looks like to scale this. How do you grow something that started in your garage or your guest room into something bigger, without losing the soul of it? That’s a question I’m asking myself in real time — and honestly, it’s a challenge I’m excited to meet.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Vibrant & Vintage is a social-selling brand offering curated vintage finds and consulting for small business owners.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Let’s be honest — AI is coming for a lot of jobs. But I sleep well at night knowing that robots probably won’t be sourcing antiques from estate sales or hosting live sales with cocktails and commentary anytime soon. There’s something beautifully human about vintage — it’s rooted in memory, emotion, and storytelling. And those are things that can’t be automated.
At the same time, I’ve seen social media–based selling explode — truly, I’d say it’s grown 500x in just the past few years. More and more people are craving real connection behind the things they buy. They’re tired of big box stores and faceless transactions. They want to support small businesses, discover unique pieces, and shop from people they actually feel like they know.
That’s why I believe the future of retail is deeply personal. Whether it’s vintage home decor or handmade goods or even digital offers, shoppers are gravitating toward stories — not just stuff. Personality sells now. Relationships drive conversion. And visibility is everything.
But this space has a learning curve. Selling on social media isn’t just posting pretty pictures — it’s mastering video, voice, timing, trends, and trust. If you’re looking to start something of your own, there is wide-open opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vibrantandvintage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibrant.and.vintage/
Image Credits
Jesika Imana
