Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Hoyt.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In November 2022, my husband and I took a trip to Arkansas. On our ride home, we stopped at almost every little antique/vintage resale store along the way. We discovered we like looking for things we collect as well as taking trips down memory lane. We found ourselves saying, “Oh, I had one of those and I loved it.” or “My aunt had one of those, it reminds me of her.” I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In the summer of 2023, we discussed opening a shop in Groves like the ones we had visited. There are antique and vintage shops in surrounding cities and towns such as Port Neches, Lumberton, Port Arthur, Nederland, but not in Groves…at least not like the kind I was wanting to open. We wanted to offer unique pieces and spaces for other dealers to put their items in, as well as a few of my own. So, we hunted and hunted and about the time we thought this may not be the thing to do, we stumbled across a small space in a local shopping center. We looked at it, measured, talked, measured again, talked some more, then decided we would step out on faith and take this on. We opened in November 2023 with 3 vendors and big dreams. Nine months later we were able to acquire a building three times the size of our starter spot, all spaces were rented, and we were fully open and operational on November 21 for our city’s annual Christmas Tree Trail. Our desire is to help others reconnect with good memories and pick up something that is special and can be appreciated. Classic Finds is not a thrift store with a lot of garage sale items. We strive to keep the space clean and uncluttered. Besides antiques, vintage items, and collectibles, we have crafted items, freeze dried goodies, and just about everything in between. We appreciate all the love and support received so far and look forward to meeting new people and helping our community grow economically.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No it has not been a smooth road. Before we first opened, I dreamt of having all my spaces rented and we only had three. Little by little people heard about us and would come rent a space. Also, in our first year we would go days without any foot traffic at all.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My gift is administration and people. So I’m great with paperwork, details, and I love people. I feel I have a great relationship with everyone in my life. I’m most proud of my family and how they support me. I’ve been told I’m energetic, optimistic, and helpful. I believe I hold a high level of integrity and am fair across the board.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I feel the level of integrity and fairness I hold and present is important. Also, I respect every single one of my vendors and customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://classicfinds.biz/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicfindsgroves/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicFindsGroves
