We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachael and Julia Loeks and Gengenbach. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachael and Julia below.
Hi Rachael and Julia, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
It was a gradual process of self-discovery and aligning our passions with our business. We started by asking ourselves what truly brought us joy and fulfillment. For both of us, it was always about creating art and helping others tap into their creative potential.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
We are more than best friends, we are sisters! We both live and raise our families right here in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville. Our shop is a blend of vintage, new, and locally made gifts and art. We are known for our furniture painting, artwork, and our studio workshops. Our boutique is a reflection of our desire to create a space that celebrates local artists. We have transformed the shop into a space that nurtures artistic expression and brings people together.
We have learned so much from the artists we’ve worked with and the workshop participants. Their stories, struggles, and triumphs have opened our eyes to the power of art and its ability to heal, connect, and bring joy.
We hope to see everyone at our 2nd Anniversary Mini Market on Saturday August 19th from 10-3pm!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
We think that the most important quality is to stay determined and resilient, especially during tough times. Our creativity and artistic abilities have allowed us to nurture genuine connections with our customers and students, and we truly treasure that. The best advice we can give is to be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories along the way, and keep striving to improve. Trust in your abilities, believe in your vision, and never stop learning.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Small businesses like ours are dealing with a multitude of obstacles in the current economic environment. It is integral to have a supportive community that recognizes the value of local businesses. Through their continued support and patronage, we have been able to weather these challenges and find new ways to connect with our customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vintageartsinc.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/vintageartsinc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/vintageartsinc
- Youtube: youtube.com/@vintageartsinc
Image Credits
Rachael Loeks
