Meet Christina Parsons | Owner ReWynd

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Parsons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
ReWynd, was something I’d started thinking about back in 2018, but outside of a logo and a passion for collecting vintage clothes, and housewares, it was always just something in the back of my mind. I think at the time I viewed it as something I’d eventually get to when things slowed down but not any time soon.

ReWynd was the when kids get older so I can take a step back and downsize plan. At the time my day job as owner and CEO of DAS Group, a digital marketing agency specializing in franchise systems which I ran for over 10 years. I’d had a long span of high-stress corporate gigs at the agency prior and the idea of getting to have a small retail space that allowed me to express myself creatively was appealing but didn’t really seem doable at the time given the demands of my role at work and home with four kids three of which still lived at home. Prior to the pandemic, my husband at the time was considering opening a record store. He’d been an avid collector for 20 years and was really feeling stuck working in the agency environment managing Google Ads and clicking all day as he described it. I saw how unfulfilled he was and we started to seriously talk about the idea but he needed a space that made sense and he wasn’t having much luck finding anything affordable. One day we went to visit Yousef the former owner of Future Stuff Galleries that he’d buy records from occasionally and he told him the space next to him was opening up and that was that Yousef got out of the record business and he moved in opening Found Sound Records in December of 2019. When the pandemic rolled around in March the store had to close and for me, there were a lot of changes taking place with the agency and business and it was a very scary time. We’d taken the team 100% remote and it appeared to be working well like most people and businesses we were working through it and trying to survive and grow.

After several months my partner and I in the business made the decision to sell our building and start investigating selling the agency which we ultimately did in December of 2021. While all of this was in the works a space opened up in the same plaza as Found Sound Records and I jumped on it knowing I’d be remote and could start the business with lower risk while keeping my day job and signed the lease in November of 2020 and opened at the end of June of 2021. It’s sometimes a struggle to keep up with sourcing, social media and pricing with two jobs but the store never feels like work. I’ve met so many interesting and talented people since I’ve opened and I love when people come in and find something they love and chat maybe have a coffee.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
ReWynd, doesn’t really ever feel like work. My favorite part of owning a vintage shop and used book store is sourcing. Curating the space and setting a tone for the shop was really the creative outlet I needed. I really try to bring in interesting pieces for the home and clothes that are unique and I love when customers come in and find vintage items they can easily incorporate into more contemporary styles. Vintage now is mostly sold online or and markets but I really wanted to have a space people can come to grab a book sit on the couch, and browse. I love getting to know my customers and probably chat more than I should but I’ve met many amazing artists musicians and people doing really amazing work in Miami since I’ve opened. Getting ere wasn’t easy, but I’m glad I did and I’m excited to have Sushi Lucy back open in or plaza and to be able to participate in the many great events taking place in Miami with Miami Vintage Market, MOCA, and more.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m definitely partial to our little area in North Miami but Miami has so many great things to do. Of course stop by ReWynd in North Miami for your vintage shopping and while their checkout Found Sound Records across the street you’ll find Ricki Thai which has the most amazing green curry fried rice or drive a few blocks and visit Zaika for some Indian but honestly try both. Make sure to check out the exhibits at MOCA and grab a beer after at Epoca and Lost City Brewing Company nearby. Of course, no trip to North Miami is complete without grabbing a glass of wine and a slice of pizza at Paradis Books & Bread.

If you’re sticking around for the weekend Dante’s HiFi in Wynwood is always a good idea and you can grab a healthy bite at Love Life Cafe before the opening set. Saturday morning yoga class on the beach at Hotel Greyston is never a bad idea you’ll be glad you got up to go. Also just go eat at Bali Cafe downtown It’s just delicious so just go.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom (Karen Koner) definitely and my daughters (Haley and Maya). I honestly couldn’t do any of this without their help. My mom often goes to the store for me on days when I may need to travel for work or have a lot going on and my oldest two daughters do too. I’ve also got some pretty great friends who give me advice on social and help at the store from organizing books, taking pictures, and giving me pep talks. Kristen Hartman, Vivian Borja, Shana Santalla, Caroline Cardenas, Rafael Pichardo and Daniela Llanes.

Instagram: @rewyndshop

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rewynd-north-miami-2