Meet Mi Chel aka cheltron | Weirdo / Shopaholic / Vintage Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mi Chel aka cheltron and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was very into fashion & pop culture growing up. I started working at the age of 13 solely to be able to buy every fashion magazine on the shelf + at least one ‘nice’ piece a month (usually from the Delia’s mail catalog – yes I’m ancient). I was never able to get much, I wasn’t going to ask my single mother for money for clothes & I was pretty much making pennies then. My mom introduced me to thrift stores & I was in heaven. I could afford & was able to get super creative with all kinds of clothing. I was an internet junkie and had discovered ebay soon after. It was a new site and not many cute things were up in my opinion, so I started selling on there and did well. I sold online here and there – then went to college and worked in the graphic design field for years. After major computer burnout about 10 years ago, I decided to pursue my passion of owning my own business & just working for myself. I was living in Brooklyn & bartended a little bit while selling online and vending at the Brooklyn Flea. I got burnt out on the city and found myself in Austin, TX (I traveled there occassionally for a past job & loved it). I mainly sold online, then did a couple markets. I always felt like I didn’t completely fit in. Like my things were too weird or crazy colorful. So I started my own market. I really wanted it to be curated perfectly with a range of items, so I spent hours on instagram finding artists & vendors. It was a hit and we had so much fun.. then of course covid hit. We had been planning on moving to South Florida for awhile and decided to make that jump then. We’ve been here for a little over a year and I’ve vended at tons of markets as well as thrown a couple of our own (my husband and I). I feel connected to the market here & plan on opening a retail space very soon (fingers crossed !)

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is that my items are curated by ME. We are all special and unique. Everyone has something different to offer. Everything I sell is something I would wear myself. Starting your own business is never easy, especially when you decide to drop everything and start it in a big city (nyc). I overcame challenges by always having a side hustle to support my main hustle. The main lesson I’ve learned is to not care about what other people think, or be self conscious. BE YOU ALL THE WAY. People will hate no matter what you do, or how amazing your things are. I want the world to know that my brand is about being free and having fun.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Please don’t judge me on this question, I’m still new ! I do love the Wynwood area, as I’ve been a fan of street art since I was young. My wedding reception was at Lagniappe – so definitely would take friends there. I love just randomly walking around honestly & popping into places that look interesting for a drink or bite.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give credit to my mother for pushing me to always work as hard as I can to reach my goals. Also, big shout out to my husband that is always willing to help with any and everything I need. He is an angel !

Website: www.mysidiavintage.com

Instagram: @mysidia.vintage

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hottropicmarket

Image Credits
group polaroid by @shotbymelanie polaroid of jeremy & I by @kidsoftheblackholeatx IV_3.jpg by @raffnation