Meet Sydney Gordon

We recently connected with Sydney Gordon and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sydney, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Growing up, my mom always believed I could do anything and that I was the best at whatever I set my mind to. Her faith in me instilled a deep sense of confidence from a young age. Whenever I faced challenges, she was right there, cheering me on and reminding me of my potential. This support pushed me to explore my interests, take risks, and eventually led me to open my own businesses.

However, that same belief can also feel like a double-edged sword. I sometimes feel an immense pressure to live up to her expectations. Knowing that she sees me as capable of achieving anything can be both motivating and overwhelming. I worry about disappointing her or not meeting the high standards she has set. While her confidence in me has driven my successes, it can also create a fear of failure that looms over me.

Ultimately, my mom’s belief in me has been a crucial part of my journey, fueling my ambition and helping me find my path. But I’m learning to navigate the pressure that comes with it, reminding myself that it’s okay to be imperfect and that my worth isn’t solely defined by my achievements.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

At Folk Vintage’s core, I believe in the importance of sustainable fashion. The fast fashion industry has a serious negative impact on our environment, from excessive waste to the exploitation of workers. By embracing vintage clothing, we’re not only giving pre-loved pieces a second life but also making a conscious choice to reduce our carbon footprint.

When I designed my store, I wanted to create a unique experience that reflected the vibrant spirit of the past. I aimed for a 70s basement vibe, complete with funky wallpaper, wood paneling, and eclectic decor that transports you back in time. It’s a space that feels cozy and inviting, where you can browse through our collection of clothing from the 1960s to the 2000s.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how my shop celebrates diversity. Folk Vintage doesn’t discriminate by gender or race—our pieces are for all folks. I want everyone to feel welcome and represented in the world of vintage fashion. It’s about more than just clothing; it’s about creating a community where everyone can express themselves through their style. Whether you’re searching for a classic piece or something funky and unique, there’s something here for everyone!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three key qualities that have helped me succeed in owning a vintage store are tenacity, marketing, and fostering a sense of community. If I said owning a business has been smooth sailing, I’d be lying. But despite the challenges my business has faced, I never viewed it as a failure—either my business or myself as a business owner. Instead, I saw each setback as an opportunity for growth and a chance to build a stronger foundation for my customers.

Marketing is critical. After all, what good is a great product if no one knows about it? I often see businesses neglect investing in a solid marketing strategy, but it’s essential. We live in an age where we can reach our audience with just a few taps on our phones, so we must take full advantage of that. At the same time, it’s important to stay true to your brand’s identity. You’re not just building a brand—you’re building a community.

My advice to anyone starting their own business is to accept that you’ll never know everything about it. Embrace mistakes, learn from them, and don’t give up. Many people fear the unknown and never take the leap into entrepreneurship. One of my favorite quotes I recently came across sums this up perfectly: “Normalize standing in the awe of possibility, instead of in fear of uncertainty.”

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

Owning a business brings a lot of challenges, but one of the hardest adjustments for me has been balancing work and personal life. As a 29-year-old woman trying to juggle running my own vintage store, I’ve also got the full plate of personal commitments—dating, family, friends, travel, and simply taking care of myself. It’s a constant juggling act, and there are days when I feel like I’m on the edge of burnout.

When I first started my business, I thought I could pour everything into work and still manage my personal life effortlessly. But quickly, I realized how difficult that balance really is. My business can demand long hours, especially when it comes to sourcing inventory, managing social media, or attending to the day-to-day operations. I also have the desire to maintain strong relationships with my family and friends, enjoy a little downtime for myself, and yes—date! Sometimes I feel like I’m running between responsibilities, always trying to make time for everyone and everything, and not always succeeding.

Dating, in particular, has become a tricky part of this equation. Between late nights at the store and weekend pop-ups, it’s hard to find time to nurture a relationship. And let’s be honest, as a single woman in her late twenties, there’s pressure to balance the desire for a personal life with the need to stay focused on my goals. But I’ve learned that it’s important to not lose sight of myself in the process. While my business is a huge part of my life, I know that personal happiness—whether that comes from relationships, friendships, or solo adventures—is essential for my overall well-being.

Travel is another piece of the puzzle. I love to get away when I can—whether it’s a quick weekend trip or a longer vacation—but it’s always a challenge to figure out how to step away from the business without letting things fall apart. I’ve realized that planning is key: whether it’s scheduling a break in advance or finding ways to delegate tasks, I’ve learned to be more strategic about taking time for myself.

In the end, the most important thing I’ve learned is that balance is a moving target. Some days, work takes the lead, and other days, my personal life does. It’s about giving myself grace and understanding that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. My advice to anyone in a similar position is to prioritize self-care, communicate openly with the people in your life, and know that it’s okay to ask for help—whether that’s from a partner, friends, or even a trusted team member at work. Finding a balance between work, relationships, and personal growth is not easy, but it’s absolutely worth the effort.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.folkvintage.co
• Instagram: folkvintageco
• Other: personal instagram: @syd_gord
  Tiktoks: @folkvintageco @syd_gord